What’s happening?
Rosies – Friends on the Street is launching a new outreach service in the Redlands.
The service will support people experiencing homelessness and social isolation in the local community.
Rosies is a Queensland-based organisation that provides companionship, support, and essential items to people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Through regular outreach services, volunteers offer a welcoming presence, a listening ear, and practical help such as food, drinks, and basic necessities.
The Redlands expansion has been made possible through support from Ostelin and Sheldon College.
Rosies CEO Jayne Shallcross said the new outreach responds to a clear and growing need in the region.
“While the Redlands is often seen as a thriving coastal community, the reality is that homelessness and housing insecurity are present here, as they are across Queensland,” Ms Shallcross said.
“Every person deserves to feel seen, heard, and valued. This new outreach is an exciting and important opportunity to extend Rosies’ mission into the Redlands offering connection, compassion, and practical support to those doing it tough.”
Why it matters
Housing stress and homelessness remain significant concerns in the Redlands.
Rosies says its outreach model stands out because it focuses on genuine relationships as well as practical support.
Volunteers sit and talk with guests, helping build trust and connection.
That contact can be the first step towards further support services.
Sarah Pothecary, Zone Brand Lead for Ostelin, said the partnership reflects a shared purpose.
“Ostelin is proud to deepen our partnership with Rosies, standing alongside women in our communities who are doing it tough and helping to provide connection, dignity and hope.”
“Rosies’ outreach aligns strongly with our purpose – supporting women to feel more connected and empowered to build strength in their everyday lives.”
“Expanding our collaboration into this new outreach enables us to extend meaningful support where it’s needed most. We believe in the impact Rosies delivers, and we’re excited to amplify that together.”
Harrison Lihan
Local Impact
The new outreach gives the Redlands another local support service for people facing hardship and isolation.
It also gives locals a direct way to help through volunteering, donations, and essential goods.
Sheldon College Deputy Principal Lissa Gyte said the partnership also creates a meaningful local role for students.
“Hosting Rosies reflects our belief that in an interconnected world, the skills and mindsets needed to navigate global complexities can be developed locally.”
“Through service learning and community engagement, our students build the awareness, empathy and sense of responsibility required to engage meaningfully with others.”
“At Sheldon College, we see service as more than an experience – it is a pathway to advocacy.”
“By supporting our community, students are empowered to transform understanding into action, cultivating not only capable learners, but compassionate leaders committed to making a positive difference.”
By the numbers
- Rosies has supported people experiencing homelessness and social isolation in Queensland for more than 35 years, showing the depth of its outreach work.
- Sheldon College supports students from Prep to Year 12, giving the new outreach a strong local base with broad community links.
- The first Redlands outreach will run for one hour and 45 minutes, from 6:45 pm to 8:30 pm, giving volunteers dedicated time to meet and support guests.
Zoom in
Rosies says its outreach services are unique because they focus on dignity, respect, and real human connection.
Volunteers do more than hand out food and drinks.
They sit with guests, listen, and offer support in a calm and respectful setting.
Rosies is now calling on the Redlands community to get involved.
Locals can volunteer, make financial donations, or provide items such as instant cup noodles, biscuits, muesli bars, instant coffee, and long life milk.
Zoom out
Rosies operates across multiple locations in Queensland and supports people facing homelessness or the risk of homelessness.
Its outreach model combines practical help with meaningful connection.
Ostelin, which is funding the initiative, is an Australian-made vitamins brand focused on bone health and overall wellbeing through vitamin D and calcium supplementation.
As part of its broader community work, Ostelin partners with organisations like Rosies to support vulnerable communities and help address homelessness and social isolation.
Sheldon College is an independent, non-denominational school in the Redlands with a strong focus on community engagement, compassion, and social responsibility.
By providing a local hub for Rosies, the college is helping strengthen support networks for people in need.
What to look for next?
The first outreach on Tuesday, 31 March, will mark the start of Rosies’ presence in the Redlands.
What happens next will depend on local support, with volunteers, donors, and community partners set to play a key role.
To learn more or get involved, visit www.rosies.org.au.
