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.

Rosies Brisbane Branch, supporting those who are marginalised within our community – especially those who are homeless, at risk of homelessness or simply lonely, has launched its Christmas appeal today with a call out for caring volunteers and donations including presents.

Christmas can be one of the loneliest days of the year for many. Rosies will host a number of celebrations across various locations in Queensland. Christmas on the Street will be held on Monday, 21 December from 8.00pm at Emma Place, with another planned.

New Brisbane branch coordinator, Leigh Cusack, said Christmas is traditionally a time for family get-togethers and celebrations but it is also an opportunity to think about those less fortunate in our community. Leigh has been involved for Rosies as a volunteer and will use her broad range of professional experience and organisation skill to now coordinate branch activities.

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Rosies would like to welcome Leigh Cusack as our new Brisbane Branch coordinator. The role has been vacant for much of this year and with plenty of work in organising our new outreach location, reworking our supply arrangements as well as assisting Team Leaders, Leigh is off and running. Brisbane is as sleeping giant and we look forward to a wonderful Christmas with our patrons and new opportunities in 2016. Find out more about our Brisbane Branch and you can get involved.

Rosies Chairman John ScobleChristmas is not looking very good to Jane, featured in our Summer newsletter. I’m glad I’m not in her shoes. I’m also glad that our Rosies volunteers are out most nights providing a little bit of community spirit and cheer to Jane and those like her. As my mother used to say often “There but for the grace of God go I”.

This festive season is also about New Year’s celebrations and often, new resolutions. Change, as they say, is one of the constants in life. As you may be aware, there are many changes happening within our society, including our social services and the not for profit sector. Whilst Rosies is not directly impacted by the changes to government programs and funding, we are being dramatically affected by some of the flow-on affects to our many friends.

Rosies Board and Senior Management recently held a one day Strategic Planning workshop. This planning has been informed by in-depth interviews and surveys with key stakeholders, including many of our active volunteers. More will follow. Rosies is alive and well, with lots of energy and enthusiasm for not only our current outreach, but for investigating additional ways of reaching those socially isolated members in the community. Our sub-committees are fine-tuning each of the key areas identified in our planning. We hope to share this with you, our broader Rosies family in the New Year.

In the meantime, may you all have a happy and holy Christmas.

John Scoble,
Rosies Board Chair