Rosies – Friends on the Street has opened a new community hub in South Brisbane, creating a dedicated base for volunteers who support people experiencing homelessness.

The non-profit organisation said the space will strengthen its outreach work, which focuses on providing food, companionship, and connection to those in need. Volunteers meet regularly in public places, offering snacks and conversation to help people feel valued and less isolated.The new South Brisbane hub will not only be a storage and coordination point for volunteers, but also a symbol of Rosies’ growing outreach in the city. Rosies’ mission is simple but powerful: to ensure no Queenslander feels left out or disconnected.

The opening also featured the unveiling of a mural by Brisbane artist Jake Moss. Drawing on his own experience of homelessness, Moss created the piece as a tribute to the Rosies volunteers who encouraged and supported him during that difficult time. He said the work reflects the sense of dignity and compassion the group is known for.

Recent months have seen demand for Rosies’ outreach surge by 35 to 50 percent. Many who now come to their street vans had never been homeless before. Some are even juggling more than one job, yet still struggle to make ends meet. This rising need makes the South Brisbane hub a timely addition to Rosies’ network.

Rosies’ South Brisbane presence builds on the organisation’s long-standing service across Brisbane — including Murarrie, Logan, Ipswich, and other communities. The hub also connects with nearby volunteers in Murarrie, who share the same mission of welcoming and supporting those at risk.

Alongside its volunteers, Rosies also values its community sponsors who help keep the vans on the road and the kettles boiling.

One volunteer story in particular shows the human side of Rosies’ work.

Rosies described the new hub as both a home for its volunteers and a resource for the wider community. The organisation stressed that its outreach relies heavily on volunteers, with even small gestures of kindness making a meaningful difference to people’s lives. The mural, they added, serves as a reminder of the power of connection and shared humanity.

The South Brisbane hub is expected to help Rosies better coordinate its growing team of volunteers and extend its impact across the city. Community members welcomed the opening, noting its importance at a time when more people are seeking help and social support.

For Rosies, the launch represents both a practical step in meeting rising demand and a symbolic milestone that highlights the value of compassion, friendship, and community spirit.

Originally published on 16 September 2025: https://southbanknews.com.au/rosies-opens-new-hub-in-south-brisbane-to-support-homeless-outreach/