At Rosies, we believe in the power of connection and community. For Koila and Cougar, two young men from Toowoomba, Rosies has been a place to find both “a feed” and friendship. They’ve been coming to Rosies since they were in high school, seeking not just a warm meal but also a space to socialise and connect with others in the community. Koila, a 20-year-old local, shares how he first came to Rosies: “We were just kicking back at the park, and Rosies showed up one day offering free food. We thought, why not? We’ve been coming ever since.” 

For Koila, it’s not just about the meal, but the social aspect of Rosies.

“It’s a place where you can meet new people, talk to your neighbours, and just be around others. We’re social creatures, it’s good for us. If you’re alone too much, you can start to feel down.” 

Cougar, his cousin, agrees, adding, “We’ve been coming here since we were young. It’s always been about the social side of things. You get to meet different people and hear different stories.” 

The importance of community and support is central to Koila and Cougar’s experience. As Koila explains,

“Community is really important. You’ve got to look after each other. Life would be boring and sad without it. It’s better to be grateful and happy, especially when we have places like Rosies that bring people together.” 

When asked about the feeling of acceptance at Rosies, Cougar says, “The volunteers here are so nice and approachable. No one judges us. There are so many different types of people, and we’re all here together. It’s a place where we can be ourselves.” Both Koila and Cougar recognise the importance of breaking down barriers and fostering inclusivity. As Cougar notes,

“There’s a lot of judging out there, based on skin colour or where you’re from. But here, no one judges. It’s a place where everyone is treated equally.” 

Their hope for the future is simple: “I think racism is slowly dying. I feel like in the next 20 years, it won’t be an issue anymore,” Koila reflects. Both of them believe that younger generations are making inroads to a more inclusive society, and places like Rosies are helping to build those bridges. 

For Koila and Cougar, Rosies is a place to connect, socialise, and feel a sense of belonging. As Cougar sums it up: “It’s pretty much a social gathering where everyone gets free food. It’s a place where you can just be yourself.” 

For anyone unfamiliar with Rosies, this simple yet powerful message encapsulates everything Rosies stands for: community, connection, and kindness. 

The warmth and inclusivity at Rosies wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of our volunteers. Koila and Cougar’s experience is a testament to the important role volunteers play in creating a welcoming and supportive space for all. 

If you’d like to experience what outreach is like please view our outreach schedule to find the location nearest you. We’d love to share a cuppa and a yarn with you.