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Rest and Recover at Schoolies

It has been a ritual for the last 29 years. Rosies is the longest serving community organisation at the schoolies safety program. We collaborate with State Government and Gold Coast City Council’s comprehensive safety and support program to make Schoolies Week as safe as possible. About 50 Rosies volunteers have signed up to a renamed Schoolies Rest & Recharge Zone outreach. Our teams will be present each night until midnight over the week long celebration (19-25 November). Rosies will provide free mobile water supply while interacting and reassuring teenagers. Our volunteers are trained to respond to offer support, information and refer to other services if need be. The Rest and Recharge Zone is a place where teenagers can sit, relax, and recharge.

gold coast schoolies - safety response

Rosies Rest & Recharge Schoolies outreach at Gold Coast Schoolies Week 19-25 Nov

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Inspirational ideas – our creative schools’ initiatives

Iona red lace daySince the time Rosies was formed in Queensland, we have been fortunate our schools support us in many ways. Initially through their student-power , and resources, but now in so many different ways. We have seen some very creative initiatives from our Student Engagement Schools in the last few months. Lourdes Hill College and Villanova College in Brisbane held a High Tea and a Walk4Rosies, Iona College in Wynnum had a Red Shoe Lace Day, while Moreton Bay College in Manly organised a house fundraising activity, Marymount College on the Gold Coast had a Rosies Have a Heart Day, St Ursula’s in Toowoomba and St Andrew’s Catholic College in Cairns both held a sleepout.
We would love to hear from you if your school organises an activity to support Rosies and our many friends on the street. Pledge your support online or contact us at [email protected]

Start your own cuppa event this Spring!

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My Rosies Story – making a difference in Brisbane city

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”.

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An inspiring young leader

an inspiring young leaderBen 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.”

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Logan Branch – A team recognition and achievement

logan 1Congratulations 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!

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A community to be proud of

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.

Read more…

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Wynnum Manly Branch – Our newest branch in the family of Rosies

wynnum coordinatorsRecently 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!!

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Toowoomba Branch – Thank you Jon!

JonJon 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.

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Cairns Branch – Another reason to smile in Cairns

Cairns_rosies_friends_on_the_streetJames 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.

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Ipswich Branch – Cordially yours

RBremer State High School_Rosies_friends_on_the_streetosies 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.

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