In 2012 Rosies commenced operation in Ipswich, with just a handful of volunteers they headed out on the street to share friendship and support for those experiencing homelessness, financial pressures, and social isolation. St Edmunds College kindly provided some space for us to use as our first base of operations.

Things started slowly with only a couple of patrons attending, but as word spread this quickly increased. In response, the number of volunteers and the amount of support provided grew rapidly.  Needing more room, the Ipswich Parish kindly offered us the use of space in the old presbytery at Leichhardt to use as our base. This space is still our home today and we are grateful for the ongoing support of the Ipswich Catholic Community.

As we grew, we built partnerships with other groups – Footprints in the Park, Rotary Booval, Down to Earth, Orange Sky, St Pauls Food Ministry and Shalom Warriors – to deliver a high level of support and service. We also have six schools who attend outreach with their senior students as a part of the Rosies School Engagement Program or SEP. The aim of SEP is not just to assist us in service delivery but also to educate and improve the awareness and engagement of the students involved.

Although the range of services has increased, our core mission remains the same – having a conversation – recognising, acknowledging, and building the importance of each individual person – rather than the provision of material goods.

Michael, the original Branch Coordinator, and still an active team leader and volunteer, organised several events to celebrate the milestone.

On 21 April he organised a celebration with our patrons which was attended by about 60 people. This event was supported by the Ipswich City Council and attended by Mayor Teresa Harding, who mingled with the crowd, chatting with patrons and volunteers. Patrons were treated to a delicious steak dinner with all the trimmings. They commented that ‘it was the best feed they have had in ages.’  The large numbers kept all the volunteers busy, preparing food, chatting with one another, and making sure all in attendance felt welcome and happy.

On 30 April Michael organised a Commissioning Mass and BBQ for Rosies volunteers. It was attended by 30 volunteers including a number of others who were vital in the inception of the branch. The fact that so many of the original volunteers are still active after 10 years indicates the importance they place on the work being done. The celebration was also attended by Rosies CEO Jayne Shallcross and chaplain Fr Joe. Jayne thanked the Ipswich Catholic Community for hosting Rosies, for donations of money and goods to support our ongoing work, and for their prayers to support the work we do.

Thanks, Michael, for organising wonderful celebrations to acknowledge our 10-year milestone.