IPSWICH ROSIES KEEPING FAMILIES WARM THIS WINTER

The nights are already cold in Ipswich, but Rosies is partnering with Street Doctors and Kotahi Aroha to provide warm hospitality to patrons.

Ipswich Branch Coordinator Michael Byrnes says that Thursday nights in Ipswich are like a big family get together – though the irony is that many of our patrons are families who are doing it tough.

‘We’re seeing lots of kids,’ said Michael.

‘Last night we saw about 90 people in the park, and about 30 of them were children.’

‘I was shocked.’

There are so many children coming to visit the Rosies van that a volunteer on each team spends their shift making hot Milo for them and ensuring they’re comfortable and warm while they’re there.

‘I’ve got a fair idea that a few of them are sleeping in cars, but some of them have homes – they just have no money. They’re coming out to get something to eat.’

Kotahi Aroha are a charity group based in Logan who make the trip to Ipswich every Thursday to provide hot meals to Rosies patrons.

They also bring canned food for patrons to take home with them.

Michael says that sharing park space with Rosies actually changes the way that groups like Kotahi Aroha engage with patrons.

Once the group serves patrons with a meal, their volunteers enjoy a cuppa from the Rosies van and spend time chatting with patrons.

‘It makes for a very harmonious night,’ said Michael.

‘We all eat together like a family.’

The Street Doctors also visit on Thursday night with their mobile GP surgery to provide medical services to patrons in need.

Demand for the Street Doctors services are increasing as patrons become more familiar with the service.

The doctors also share a cuppa and chat with patrons in between consultations which helps to build trust.

‘The doctors used to see about 6 patrons each night, but in the last couple of weeks that’s doubled to around a dozen.’

‘The fact that the doctors can be social with a cuppa – it does make a difference.’

Michael said that as the weather gets colder, patrons are seeking shelter for the night earlier.

‘We’ve changed our outreach times on Friday nights to start at 7pm rather than 8pm.’

‘We found that our patrons were arriving as early as 5 or 6pm and waiting for us to come and give them a hot drink or some noodles to fight off the cold.’

The Ipswich branch is facing an increase in demand for warm blankets and Backpack Beds.

During winter, temperatures overnight can drop to below zero, making a warm place to sleep a matter of survival rather than comfort.

 

Our Winter newsletter is out – to download a copy, .

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NEWSLETTER – WINTER 2014

The latest edition of the Rosies newsletter is out and available for download.

Click here to read it – and while you’re at it, why not print out a copy to leave in the office lunch room?

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IPSWICH MP IAN BERRY SUPPORTS ROSIES

Rosies – Friends on the Street has received both personal and Parliamentary support in Ipswich thanks to local MP Ian Berry.

When Caring for our Community grant beneficiaries were announced on May 13, Rosies Ipswich Branch was amongst the community organisations sharing in more than $6000 in funding with a grant for $600 to support local operations.

Member for Ipswich Ian Berry MP nominated Rosies for the grant in recognition of the assistance the organisation gives to the Ipswich community by providing safe spaces for people to build community and connect with essential services.

He then decided to offer his personal support through a further donation of $400 to assist in the purchase of equipment and ongoing costs.

‘As the local member for Ipswich, I have given to Rosies a commitment to visit the street van regularly. This is what Rosies deserves as I know the crucial role it plays in our community. Rosies offers a helping hand to our most vulnerable, provides a meeting point and gives people a sense of friendship,’ said Mr Berry.

‘People like Michael Byrnes in Ipswich work enormously hard to keep Rosies going on a meagre funding model. It was therefore my absolute pleasure to make an additional donation of $400 to this organisation beyond the $600 they have already received from the Queensland Government’s Caring for our Community grants program.’

Ipswich Branch Coordinator Michael Byrnes said Mr Berry’s donation was a real boost to the local branch.

‘It’s that kind of support that keeps our volunteers out on the streets with the people who need it. So many of our patrons are kids – we have a volunteer on each team who spends their whole shift just making Milo for the kids and making sure they’re warm,’ he said.

‘We really appreciate Ian’s support – it means a lot to our volunteers that he actually comes to the van regularly and spends time with our patrons. He doesn’t just pop in and say “hi”, he actually spends an hour or two having meaningful conversations and helping out at the van.’

If you would like to help support Rosies operations in Ipswich, click here to donate:
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GOVERNOR-GENERAL BECOMES ROSIES PATRON IN CHIEF

Rosies – Friends on the Street is pleased to announce the appointment of Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove as Patron in Chief.

Sir Peter has a long involvement with Rosies, having joined Mrs Leneen Forde AC as Co-Patron of Rosies in 2005. On his appointment as Governor-General of Australia, Rosies extended an invitation to Sir Peter to deepen his ties with the organisation through vice-regal patronage.

Sir Peter confirmed he wished to continue his close association with Rosies, an organisation he once characterised as ‘compassion with its sleeves rolled up’, and was formally elevated to Patron in Chief on May 7 with Mrs Forde continuing as Patron.

Rosies CEO Troy Bailey said it was an honour for Rosies to be associated with a leader like Sir Peter.

‘Sir Peter embodies characteristics we see as truly Australian – strength, determination, compassion, and humour,’ said Mr Bailey.

‘As Patron in Chief, Sir Peter represents Rosies everywhere he goes – and we couldn’t ask for a more inspiring role model for our volunteers who are out there every day and night on the front line.’

General Peter Cosgrove speaking at the Rosies Gala Dinner, 2006

 

I have been a supporter of Rosies – Friends on the Street from its earlier days and I continue to admire its work for young Australians at risk. I certainly wish volunteer organisations such as Rosies – Friends on the Street all the very best in carrying out their vital work with in our communities. God bless all at Rosies.

His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd), 2014

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ROYAL RECOGNITION FOR ROSIES

Logan volunteer represents Rosies at Duke and Duchess’s reception

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge hosted a reception for young Queenslanders of note on Saturday April 19.
Logan volunteer Sean Scanlon was selected to represent Rosies – Friends on the Street at the event, held at Southbank’s Convention Centre and co-hosted by the Premier and Governor of Queensland, in recognition of the work he does for Rosies.
Logan branch coordinator Margaret Harvey says Sean’s invitation is a fitting reward for his service to Rosies.
“At one stage he was taking out three teams as a team leader, as well as being deputy coordinator here in Logan.
“He also visits the Youth Detention Centre on top of that. I think he richly deserved to go.”
Sean thought the whole event was quite exciting.
“It was mostly a blur!” he said.
“What surprised me was that Princess Kate was already aware of the work Rosies do.
“I do remember telling her that I was one of 870 volunteers, and she was impressed.”

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Rosies rises to the challenge: Vinnies CEO Sleepout 2014

Image: Brisbane’s Lord Mayor Graham Quirk gets into bed with Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale at the CEO Sleepout launch in King George Square

The city’s business elite will get a small taste of life on the streets this winter as they spend a night in the cold to raise money for the homeless.

Volunteers from Rosies – Friends on the Street will offer hospitality at the Vinnies CEO Sleepout at Southbank’s Courier Mail Piazza on June 19 with coffee supplied by Gold Coast business I Luv Coffee.

Participating CEOs will also be given a cup of soup and a bread roll before they settle down in their sleeping bags for the night.

Rosies CEO Troy Bailey will be amongst the rough sleepers that night, though he says he will be sleeping a little less rough than most of the others.

“I’m going to be in a Backpack Bed, not a sleeping bag,” said Mr Bailey.

“I talk so highly about these things because they work – my night will be a bit more comfortable than most of the CEOs there.”

A Rosies van was on site at the launch of the CEO Sleepout on Wednesday, with volunteer Emily Rosemond on hand to supervise as participating executives donned aprons to serve coffee and soup.

Vinnies CEO Peter Maher tries on a Backpack Bed for size

“It will be good for some of the CEOs there to get a bit of an idea what life is like on the other side of the van,” said Mr Bailey.

Mr Bailey says organisations like Rosies and Vinnies are working in partnership to end homelessness.

“Homelessness is such a huge problem. In Queensland, there are around 20,000 people who are homeless right now, and about a quarter of them are children.

“The gap between street and home is getting wider, so there’s so much work to be done.

“As a participating CEO, I’m raising money for Vinnies to support the work they do.

“But on the night, we will be auctioning off a Backpack Bed and the proceeds of that will go to Rosies, so we can continue to provide beds to homeless people across the State.

“We’re all in this together.”

If you’d like to contribute to Mr Bailey’s fundraising campaign in support of Vinnies CEO Sleepout, click .

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BACKPACK BEDS GIVE DIGNITY

Living on the streets is always a struggle, but survival is harder when the weather turns cold.

To help address this, Rosies – Friends on the Street has partnered with Swags for Homeless to distribute Backpack Beds to their homeless patrons.

Rosies General Manager Troy Bailey says the high quality swags offer dignity to people by giving them a place they can call their own.

“We’re coming into winter now, and nights are getting cooler – our patrons are doing it tough, and Backpack Beds give them a chance at sleep out of the cold,” Mr Bailey said.

“There’s protection there from the elements – these beds are waterproof – and they’re fire retardant too.”

The Backpack Bed by Swags for the Homeless

The Backpack Bed by Swags for the Homeless

The Backpack Beds are an award-winning Australian design, with a padded mattress, insect screens, and a lockable section for valuables.

The beds are quick to fold away, are lightweight, and provide an all in one temporary solution to people who are sleeping rough.

“We can get a Backpack Bed to a person who needs it for only $147,” said Mr Bailey.

“That gets the bed from the supplier, to a volunteer in any of our nine branches Statewide, and into the hands of a homeless person.

“You can’t underestimate the value of a good night’s sleep. For people trying to get back on their feet again, just being able to sleep safely and comfortably is a huge gift.”

To make an online donation, click here:

Donate Now

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ROSIES PATRON MADE GOVERNOR GENERAL

Major General Peter Cosgrove AC MC speaking at the Rosies Gala Dinner, 2005

Major General Peter Cosgrove AC MC speaking at the Rosies Gala Dinner, 2005

Congratulations to Rosies patron General Peter Cosgrove on being appointed to the role of Governor-General of Australia!

A fantastic appointment and recognition of General Cosgrove’s outstanding community work – not to mention a highly decorated career!

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ROSIES ON RADIO WITH 4BC

Ever wondered exactly what Rosies does? Cat Milton spent some time talking with 4BC’s John Scott about the valuable work of Rosies’ volunteers.

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TROY BAILEY TAKES REINS AT ROSIES

Rosies – Friends on the Street is pleased to announce the appointment of Troy Bailey as general manager of the organisation.

Mr Bailey, a passionate Rosies volunteer and business operator, was selected from a high quality field of applicants for the position following incumbent Bob Boardman’s decision to retire from the position he has held since 2008.

A 20 year veteran of the hotel industry, more recently Mr Bailey, 47, has run a series of successful businesses across a variety of fields.

Acknowledging the outstanding work undertaken by his predecessor, Mr Bailey said he was determined to build on the positive impact Rosies has delivered in the community to those most in need.

“I would personally like to pass on my thanks to Bob Boardman for his significant contribution to Rosies,” Mr Bailey said.

“His hard work, passion and dedication have been much appreciated by everyone in the Rosies community.

“My task is to take this wonderful foundation which Bob has put in place and build an organisation which can reach out to positively impact more lives than it does presently.

“I will be seeking to continue the momentum to increase the Rosies brand exposure in the community.”

Rosies chairman John Scoble said the board was particularly impressed with Mr Bailey’s leadership qualities which have been demonstrated across business, educational and social environments.

“The Board was very pleased to attract a strong field of candidates for the General Manager’s position,” Mr Scoble said.

“Troy understands the Rosies ethos and has extensive experience in running small to medium businesses, combining solid financial management with strong communication and marketing skills.

“The board is very confident that Troy will bring great energy to this role and will enthusiastically carry on the outstanding work of Bob Boardman.”

Rosies is a non-preaching, non-discriminatory and not-for-profit organisation with volunteers in branches on the Gold Coast, Logan/Beenleigh, Brisbane, Ipswich, Toowoomba, Caboolture, the Sunshine Coast, Cairns and Mareeba reaching out to 45,000 Queenslanders in need every year.

Volunteers provide friendship and support to marginalised and disadvantaged people on the streets, courts, youth detention centres and prisons through street and caravan park outreaches while also participating in prison, court and youth detention visits.

Highlighting the need to further develop the organisation’s fundraising, communications and marketing as key areas, Mr Bailey said a large part of his focus will be on building the collaborative culture within the organisation’s 850 volunteers.

“Having personally experienced the tremendous effort each and every volunteer puts in, I will work hard to convey to them how appreciated and valuable they are to the Rosies organisation.

“The dedication of our volunteers is the key component which allows us to reach out to some of our society’s most vulnerable members and I’m very aware of our need to recognise their role.”

Mr Bailey will take up his position immediately.

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