Driven by an ardent desire to make a difference Rosies Team Leader (TL) Nicki joined us ten years ago.
“It’s not always easy as an individual to reach people in those situations (it’s impossible to help everyone), but being part of Rosies gives you that coordinated approach and makes you feel you are contributing to the well being of the community.”
For Nicki being present and showing compassion without making any judgement is the very foundation of a Rosies outreach. It is only human to develop bonds with people we regularly meet.
“The other day I was quite concerned for one of our friends. He needed almost everything, including blankets and essentials. He said he had been beaten up and that all his things were stolen. I offered him a clothing voucher and a food voucher to help him out. He wasn’t keen on going to the doctor because the last time he went they kept him in for testing for a couple of days before they released him. It broke my heart…to think he may not get the care he needed because he was afraid to put himself at risk of psyche testing. That was a reality check, because Rosies outreach can be a really up beat experience, we try to make it as fun as possible, so you sometimes forget how vulnerable our friends are”.
Luckily we also collaborate with other organisations who provide the support we don’t, such as medical services or clothes washing.
“You don’t always feel the immediate impacts of what we do, but I have seen their (our friends’) disappointment, when we’ve had to tell them, that due to extraordinary conditions we could not make the outreach. Or if a new patron should have a gripe or grievance, our regulars are the first to rush to our defence. They are so appreciative and so grateful, that we know we make a difference. My previous team leader used to say to all our students, that our friends love Rosies at every pre-brief, I was often dubious … but you know what… I think they really do”.
Ben Begg from St Andrew’s Lutheran College on the Gold Coast made an amazing plea to support Rosies and our many friends. The 17 year old had previously taken part in our Student Engagement Program on the Gold Coast with his college.
“Last year I went to Southport on a Friday night as a volunteer with my teacher Graeme Schache and Rosies. I saw that what we did, although it seems at first a small and simple thing, had a very big impact on the homeless community and I thought there might be a way to support this.”
The highly motivated student seized the opportunity to improve the well-being of the local homeless population as a member of the Leo’s Club, a school organisation related to Lions Club. Ben pledged to make a difference and successfully obtained a $5,000 grant in support of Rosies and our many friends on the street. The money was allocated to purchase backpack beds and a fridge for our Southport drop in centre.
“I wouldn’t say I’m selfless, I’m just grateful to have a chance like this to help out and hopefully make someone’s life just that little bit better.”
To all students who take part in the Rosies’ Student Engagement Program, Ben advises to appreciate the difference each and all of them make just by being present.
“Just have fun with it, the Rosies members are very experienced and will help you if you feel a bit out of your depth. It’s a great time and you have pretty entertaining conversations with a lot of different people. You’d be amazed at how much a little visit with some good food and a chat can help.”
Congratulations to our Rosies Logan branch being a finalist of the Davida Memorial Award for Outstanding Community Organisation in Logan City.Rosies Logan branch coordinator, Margaret, accepted the award from Mayor Luke Smith at the ceremony in May. Congratulations to all our wonderful volunteers in Logan. What a beautiful way to celebrate the branch’s 10 year anniversary!
Rosies is pleased to officially launch its newest Wynnum Manly Branch providing outreach services for those who are homeless, at risk, or simply lonely in our local community on Friday, August 5.
The official launch morning tea commencing at 10.00am will celebrate the outstanding effort of our Bayside community to help get these outreach services up and running to support this unmet local need.
Recently we held a well-attended community meeting to determine whether or not we had the support ‘on the ground’ to make this happen.
YES WE DO! We are currently working with a committee of three to oversee the establishment of the Wynnum Manly branch. We have set ourselves a target of six months to be ‘on the street’ one night a week in both Wynnum and Manly. The task may be daunting but the enthusiasm and commitment is remarkable. To our friends on the street, we’ll see you soon!!
Jon Martlew is moving on from his role as Rosies branch coordinator in Toowoomba. Jon made an enormous contribution in developing Rosies in Toowoomba. From small steps Jon has been instrumental in establishing Rosies activities and profile in his home city in the space of a few short years. His embrace of all those he engages with is legendary as is his selflessness in giving of his time and more. In that time Jon has trained a couple hundred volunteers, drawn the support of numerous individuals and organisations, and trebled the outreach activity. Rosies is a wonderful presence in the Toowoomba community for which Jon and his committee can be justifiably proud.
James Cook University (JCU) dental students [pictured] recently attended one of our Rosies Cairns branch outreaches. The students fully embraced the experience, listening and sharing stories with our friends on the street, and helping put a smile on their faces. The branch also recently received goods and services donations, as well as monetary donations from local primary and high schools.
The support all of our branches receive from students and their communities is simply wonderful, and greatly supports our ability to support our many friends. Thank you, you all make a difference.
Find out how you can get involved.
R
osies Ipswich branch volunteers are always inspired by the ongoing support they receive from their local community. Recently members of the Ipswich Catholic Community, which is made up of the parishes in the region, kindly collected donations of biscuits, noodles, and cordial to support Rosies. Thank you! Students at Bremer State High School also held a fundraiser and donated toiletries and cordial. Barry, the local Branch Coordinator, talked to the students about how the things they donated would be used to support our friends and inspire dignity. We are looking forward to the time when these wonderful students are able to volunteer on our outreach.
Find out more about our Youth and Student Engagement.
It is often said that ‘there is more happiness in giving than in receiving’, and at Rosies we could not agree more. Our Sunshine Coast branch not only experiences it while on outreach, we also share the kind support for emergencies (such as drought and flood relief) with the Sisters of Mercy. This order assists people who are most in need in the outback. This collaboration enables our local Rosies team to assist in answering many calls received beyond our branch outreach ability. We know it makes a difference to the many families who live remotely. They are certainly not forgotten! We are also very thankful to Express Print & Mail (EMP) for kindly providing a brand new A-frame sign to help our many friends locate us at our various outreach venues on the coast. More proof that there is great joy in sharing and equally great joy in giving. Thanks
Find out you can get involved.
Rosies new Volunteer & Program Outreach Coordinator, Cathy Linsday recently visited the Caboolture branch. Cathy was most impressed with the great work and commitment evident in the branch. The branch is looking to expand its role in the community.
Find out more about the Caboolture branch.
