St Eugene Catholic College in Burpengary takes part in our Student Engagement Program. Alisha, one of the students involved, describes it as a life changing experience. The school has been involved with Rosies for the past ten years. It is an eye-opener for many students. They realise the power of listening to people while sharing a cuppa and a bite to eat.
“Prior to arriving at the location where the Rosies Van is set up, I was extremely nervous and I didn’t know what to expect. When we arrived, I felt intimidated at first, but once we started to interact with our friends on the street, you realise that they are just normal people just like you and me. Hearing some of the patron’s stories was really heartbreaking and challenging, and it’s very upsetting knowing that this goes on without any of us knowing about it”.

St Benedict’s College in Burpengary showed wonderful interest in joining our Student Engagement Program. Helen, our Coordinator in Caboolture, recently made a presentation to the school. She was astonished by the response and motivation of the students and staff members.

Rosies new Volunteer & Program Outreach Coordinator, Cathy Linsday recently visited the Caboolture branch. Cathy was most impressed with the great work and commitment evident in the branch. The branch is looking to expand its role in the community.

Find out more about the Caboolture branch.

A group of students at St Columban’s College decided on their own merit to organise a BBQ to raise awareness about homelessness. The boys were inspired and wanted to get involved after learning about Rosies and its mission at school. One of the students, Liam who led the operation mentioned that there were challenges. “We suffered from a few challenges whilst undertaking our fundraising initiative. It rained heavily on the day of the fundraiser. All the parents were however very supportive and proud of our fundraising initiative. Our school St Columban’s was equally supportive supplying us with the BBQ and some cooking utensils”, explained Liam.

The boys enjoyed their experience and felt personal satisfaction from knowing that they have, in some way, contributed to supporting Rosies and made a difference to our many friends on the street.

This is the true spirit of having a cuppa for Rosies. Find out more about how you can too.

fr johnWe make assumptions based on our own knowledge. Yet, if we take the time to listen to people with our heart we can appreciate them for who they truly are. All of us are gifted, but our individual talents are not always obvious; most treasures are hidden. God’s creation is diverse and unique, which makes it beautiful and inspiring rather than monotone and dull. God values us for who we are and we are invited to imitate Him. We are encouraged to value each other for our uniqueness. Let us appreciate the diversity God put in His creation and go beyond our presumptions to discover who a person really is through understanding and charity.

Fr John David
Rosies’ Chaplain

 

Brisbane
Rosies has temporarily relocated our Friday and Saturday night outreaches to the Cathedral of St Stephen.Brisbane City Council has encouraged street van services to be located in  off-street premises. The Archbishop of Brisbane has kindly agreed to trial our Outreach for eight weeks.
Look out for further updates.


Cairns
The new street outreach van was blessed by the Bishop of Cairns the Most Reverend James Foley. Thanks AMA. Services have commenced Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights.


Gold Coast

The Rosies Gold Coast branch has started a new outreach in Nerang. The van is at to Bischoff Pioneer Park on Wednesdays from 7.30pm – 9.00pm.


Toowoomba

Jon Martlew, our Toowoomba Branch Coordinator, went homeless for a week during the Homelessness Prevention Week. Our Patron, Leneen Forde, and Chair, John Scoble, took part in launching Jon’s sleepout at the Homlessness Prevention Week commencement exhibition. During the week Jon slept rough, hung out with our friends on the street, joined our outreaches and had a cuppa to raised funds for Rosies. Well done Jon!

Andrew O'Brien,  General ManagerWe all understand the value of friends in our lives. One of the many privileges I have is to share experiences of friendship with  many amazing young students involved in our Schools Engagement Program.
The vitality and warmth of these young people continues to put a spring in the step of our volunteers and patrons.
Unfortunately some young people in our communities are struggling to find hope and therefore it is important we continue to offer experiences of friendship to them. The commitment of our Rosies volunteers to turn up at each Outreach is fundamental to building relationships and hope. Your support makes a difference.

Andrew O’Brien,
General Manager

There is a surge of homeless people in South East Queensland. Many of them are fleeing the colder temperature in NSW and Victoria.

Our teams will be out giving away blankets in Brisbane, Calboolture, Cairns, Gold Coast (in Southport and Surfers Paradise), Ipswich, Woodrige, Mareeba, Caloundra and Toowoomba