When Daniel moved to the Sunshine Coast 10 years ago, he didn’t know a soul, but he wanted to be a part of his new community and was looking for ways to connect. While many of us find community through work, sport, or family this was not an option for Daniel. As a young man, Daniel had two brain tumours removed, one at the age of 9 and another at the age of 17. These tumours cause Daniel to have debilitating migraines which make it challenging to work for long periods of time.  

“Ten years ago, I was walking past Felicity Park in Caloundra when I noticed people hanging around. I didn’t know anyone in the area and stopped in for a coffee, a bite to eat, and a chat,” Daniel remembered.  

Many patrons, like Daniel, simply stumble across Rosies while they are out and about while others might specifically seek us out. No matter how people come to us, there is always room at Rosies. Through his many years of attendance, Daniel has become an ambassador for Rosies on the Sunshine Coast often encouraging those he meets to attend the weekly outreach locations and giving people a lift if it’s too far to walk.  

“The volunteers are always nice to talk with and being at Rosies makes me feel happy and comfortable,” Daniel said. He continued, “I’ve been coming to outreach for many years and I’m keen to reach out to other patrons especially first timers because I want them to feel like they belong here, just like the volunteers made me feel on my first outreach.” 

Daniel speaks very fondly of the volunteers, who he says, “have such big hearts” and are “great people for volunteering their time to chat to those in need.” The volunteers feel the same way about him, “Daniel is one of our most caring patrons, he always puts others before himself,” Carolyn remarked.  

Daniel, like many of our patrons, is particularly fond of the annual Christmas in July event, “it’s an inspiration. So many people turn up from other services, members of the public, and local government all coming together to celebrate. There is a wonderful hot roast dinner, groceries, toiletries, homemade treats – it’s a great way to celebrate the season.” 

For many across the state, Rosies is a place free of judgement where they can be themselves, build up their confidence, and make meaningful connections with each other. While Rosies Caloundra does offer food, for Daniel it’s the conversation that keeps him coming back, “it’s easy to open up over a cup of coffee. I love being here (Rosies) for a chat, for me it’s not about the food. It’s about good natter, meeting new people and making friends.” 

Daniel, always the ambassador for Rosies, would love to see you outreach for chat and a coffee.  

If you are looking for a place where you can feel welcome, please visit our website to view outreach locations in your local area, volunteer opportunities, or support our work in the community.