Message from our Chair

Rosies Chairman John ScobleWinter is a distressing time for our friends on the street. It’s cold outside. It’s the season when, as I tuck myself into my warm bed, I often think what it must be like to be sleeping on the ground with only my clothes or a thin blanket to keep the cold away. Sleepless nights are common for our friends in these conditions.
I am also reminded, as the statistics highlighted in this edition show, of the importance of the sense of community that our teams of wonderful volunteers provide to our many friends. Thank you.
I am happy to report that our Branch coordinators met with our State Office Support team on Saturday, 23 April 2016.
Everyone shared their knowledge and experiences as part of the implementation of our Strategic planning activities. It was truly amazing to hear their stories of inspiration that you, our supporters and wonderful volunteers, create. We look forward to working together to implement the initiatives that were raised at our forum.
Finally, I would like to invite you to join us at our special celebratory Mass on Monday, 8 August 2016 at the Cathedral of St Stephen. I hope to see you there.

John Scoble
Rosies Board Chair

Find out how you can get involved.

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Make a difference this Winter

As winter approaches, imagine sleeping rough without any protection from the elements.
At least one in ten of us will sleep rough in our lifetime. It could be you, it could be me, or it could be someone you know.
And it’s cold outside.
As John, one of our many friends’ story highlights, being homeless often leads to feelings of fear, anxiety, and social withdrawal. The sense of isolation that comes from not feeling part of our community can cause us to withdraw even further from activities critical to our well-being.

1st to 7th August is Homelessness Prevention Week. Whilst many organisations are increasingly providing awareness, support, and referral, the greater human need is for friendship and unconditional acceptance during such difficult times. Our wonderful volunteers aim to do just that, fostering a socially inclusive community at our many outreaches.
You make the difference to those who are homeless, at risk of homelessness or simply lonely. Inspiring dignity with a friend, one cuppa at the time…
Hold your own cuppa event this Winter and help Rosies support those who sleep rough this Winter.

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Rosies Court Angels – in action for a quarter of a century

southport_court_angelsOur Rosies ‘angels’ have been devoutly offering refreshments, snacks, and friendship at our Southport Magistrates Court Outreach for nearly 25 years.

Rosies volunteers provide comfort and smiles, and a haven in a sometimes tense environment. Smiles can unexpectedly be seen on faces of those visiting what is known as the ‘tea and sympathy room’ located on the second floor of the building.

Everyone is welcome to join and share a cuppa, bite to eat, and a chat with our volunteers. In the words of one of our longest serving volunteer ‘angels’….
‘We meet plaintiffs and defendants and witness, families, and friends, lawyers and barristers, court staff and security officers. Everyone is equal. all can sit next to to each other sharing the simple joy of a conversation while enjoying sweets and savouries. People walk in and share their stories. They feel relieved to talk through what they are going through  whether it is a win, a loss, or an ongoing dispute. The room is like a little gem shining from smiles and laughs. Worries are not permitted and compassion is shared. It does not seem to be much. Yet, it makes a world of a difference.’

Rosies is pleased to confirm, thanks to the support and goodwill of all involved, that our angels recently relocated to a new area within the Southport Magistrates Court to continue their wonderful work.

We would also like to take this opportunity to thank our Beenleigh Court Angels for all their wonderful work

Over 95% of Rosies work, including this court outreach, is funded through kind donations from our local community. Find out how you can get involved.

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Toowoomba Branch – Another blossoming carnival

toowoomba carnival of flowersRosies’ Toowoomba Branch team paraded for the Carnival of Flowers in front of 30,000 plus people for the second year.

Our volunteers and Swagman, one of our regular friends on the street, were delighted to see so many smiles coming from the crowd.

‘Taking part in the event means a lot to our Rosies volunteers. It simply shows our deep connection with the community, between people giving their time or raising donations, and our many friends on the street. We are all part of the same bouquet despite our differences’, said Jon Martlew, our coordinator in Toowoomba.

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Sunshine Coast Branch – Give to win

Sunstate Jewellers nominated Rosies as charity of choice for their annual charity raffle. The prize was a $1,799 pink sapphire and diamond ring, Sunstate Jewellers raised both funds and instant coffee during the competition.
Find out more about how you can get invovled.

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Mareeba Branch – Atherton outreach to join the Rosies family

mareeba_athertonRosies’ General Manager, Andrew O’Brien visited with t he community in November to finalise plans and approvals for a new outreach in Atherton. The project was initiated by the Catholic parish who contacted Rosies to provide services in the local area due to increasing needs within the community. Rosies would like to welcome our new Atherton Branch Coordinator, Margaret Wallby, who is an active member in the community. Rosies’ Mareeba Branch will be actively involved in the new street outreach, including loaning their  van to enable them van to enable them to have a cuppa with our many friends on the street.

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Logan Branch – A community achievement

Rosies’ Logan Branch has been running for over ten years and is a model of community integration. The branch has built strong relationship with a number of key stakeholders. The local police regularly visit the outreach, which involves a real mix of volunteers, students from the local schools, refuges, other religious organisations, and many other friends on the street. It is particularly exciting when the Mounted Police drop by with Hercules.

If you have taken part in the Logan outreach over the past 10 years, we would love to hear from you. Drop us a line or send us a photo for possible use. Make sure you fill in a consent form and email it with your photo to [email protected]

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Ipswich Branch – Rosies in a Mater of life and friendship

Our fantastic Ipswich volunteers – Michelle, Kathryn, Julia, and Ashley – generously gave up their Sunday to participate in the official opening of the Mater Hospital at Springfield Central. Rosies was invited by local radio station River 94.9 to help whilst they broadcasted live onsite. River 94.9 kindly supplied several loaves of bread for the 200 plus sausages the Rosies team cooked on theday – starting at the depot at 8am and finished by mid afternoon. Well done! Thanks also to River 94.9 for getting the message out to the local Ipswich community about Rosies. You all make a difference!

Find our more about our Ipswich Branch or get involved.

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Gold Coast Branch – General Practice gets practical

Dr Graham Wright initiated an altruisitc initiative with General Practice Gold Coast (GPGC) to donate 40 backpack beds to Rosies and our friends on the street. Our General Manager, Andrew O’Brien, and Gold Coast Coordinator Wendy Coe, met with Dr Wright at the Gold Coast GP Super Clinic in Oxenford. We thank you so very much. Rosies would also like to thanks the Gold Coast Primary Health Network (GCPHN).

It is estimated that over 4,000 people are homeless in the Gold Coast region. What our friends and Rosies need varies, often depending on the season. Find out more or donate now.

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Cairns Branch – Cairns Branch gets a room!

Rosies is delighted to announce the acquisition of a new outreach room thanks to the Catholic Diocese of Cairns and Centacare. The new room is significantly more spacious for our Cairns Branch team meetings and increases our capacity to store more items for our many friends on the street than the previous shed.

Rosies would also like to thank the Queensland Government’s Community Benefit Fund for providing a grant that has enabled us to refurbish our new premises.

Find out how you can get involved.

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