The inaugural Rosies Long Lunch has sparked a wave of generosity, rallying attendees to contribute much-needed funds for street outreaches across Queensland. With their support, Rosies has raised $75,000, bolstering efforts to aid those experiencing or at risk of homelessness. 

Rosies’ supporters, volunteers and community members came out in force with 280 guests attending the inaugural event at The Westin Brisbane on Friday 15 March. 

Since 1987, Rosies – Friends on the Street has supported people experiencing homelessness, hardship, disadvantage and social isolation, offering hot drinks, snacks, meals, food parcels, gift cards, blankets, coats, hygiene products and connections to other services.  

Most importantly, people receive friendship, acceptance and belonging with more than 1,600 volunteers sharing more than 85,000 interactions with those in need across Queensland in the past 12 months.

CEO Jayne Shallcross said Rosies had witnessed a concerning 30 per cent increase in average outreach attendance, with certain locations experiencing up to a 50 per cent surge. 

“Rosies is primarily community funded. With the rising cost of living, traditional sources of donations are increasingly hard to depend on,” Ms Shallcross said. 

“To continue to support our friends in need and raise funds to deliver and grow our outreach activities, we held our first Rosies Long Lunch to address the growing need and seek to attract additional funding to help us continue providing essential services. 

“That includes plans to implement a new outreach to serve individuals struggling to meet their basic needs in the Brisbane North and Moreton regions.” 

Special guests at the lunch included Lady Mayoress Nina Schrinner and the Honourable Leneen Forde, Rosies’ first Patron and dedicated supporter since 1997. 

ABC Brisbane radio host Loretta Ryan facilitated a Q&A session with Caboolture patron, Irene, and former volunteer and Executive Director of the Princess Alexandra Hospital, Dr Jeremy Wellwood. 

Irene shared her poignant story of loneliness and isolation while living in her car and the role Rosies played in her life throughout this time. 

Dr Wellwood spoke about his experience as a volunteer and how he carries those experiences into his work at the PA. 

The keynote speaker at the event was 2021 Australian of the Year, Dr Dinesh Palipana OAM.  

While in medical school, Dr Palipana was involved in a car accident that caused a spinal cord injury which led him to become the first quadriplegic medical intern in Queensland. 

Dinesh drew from his own experiences, emphasising the importance of Rosies’ work in providing support and companionship to those facing extreme challenges at different times in their own lives.

Rosies extends its heartfelt gratitude to the unwavering commitment of its Rosies Long Lunch presenting partners: Asia Pacific Aerospace, The Distributors, Morgans and P3 Projects. 

“This event not only showcased the generosity and compassion of our supporters but also underscored the pressing need to continue to address the cause and effect of homelessness and social isolation in our community,” Ms Shallcross said. 

“We are grateful for the funds raised today but the need continues. If you are in a position to support our work, please reach out to us.”  

Learn more about how you can support our Friends on the Street by visiting rosies.org.au.