Vale Kathleen Vlasic
It is with extreme sadness that we share with you the passing of former Gold Coast Branch Coordinator, Kathleen Vlasic. Kathleen lost her battle with cancer on Tuesday 20 July surrounded by family. We ask that you keep her and her family in your thoughts and prayers. May she rest in peace, although unlikely, knowing her passion and vibrancy.
Kathleen was a volunteer with Rosies for more than 13 years with much of that time spent as Branch Coordinator. She was loved and respected by the Gold Coast community and worked tirelessly to advocate for Rosies, our patrons, and for the wellbeing of the wider community. Kathleen was well-connected on the Coast and never missed an opportunity to share the importance of Rosies, the work that we do and the wonderful people we serve.
Kathleen was instrumental in securing and setting up the Rosies Drop-In Centre at Southport in partnership with the Gold Coast City Council in 2008. The Drop-In Centre was of great significance for the Gold Coast and with Kathleen’s assistance, we increased our outreach schedule in both Surfers Paradise and Southport and began offering meal assistance in Southport three days a week. The first breakfast outreach welcomed more than twenty children with their parents before they went off to school.
Over time the Drop-In Centre became a hub for those who were homeless or at risk of homelessness – they now had a safe place where they could hang out, grab a bite to eat or a cuppa, have a shower, and share friendship with our volunteers; all supported by the generosity of the Gold Coast community. It was with great sadness that the Drop-In Centre was closed as a result of safety issues and the onset of COVID-19.
Kathleen was such a champion of Rosies and was always looking for opportunities to help the Branch grow and offer more support to our many friends in need. We are so grateful for all the time and effort that she put into her role as Branch Coordinator. The Rosies Community was enriched by Kathleen’s infectious enthusiasm and wonderful contribution and she will be sadly missed.
– Robyn Hunt
