Rosies — Friends on the Street has been part of the Murarrie community for years, offering a warm welcome, hot drinks, and heartfelt conversation to people who are often overlooked. The outreach team here is made up of dedicated volunteers who give their time every week, showing that kindness and connection are just as vital as shelter.
Murarrie is one of several Brisbane suburbs where Rosies is active, with street vans bringing hospitality and companionship directly to those in need. The outreach model is simple but powerful: offer a drink, a snack, and a genuine chat. Many who visit Rosies describe the sense of being seen and heard as life-changing.
While the spotlight has recently been on Rosies’ new South Brisbane hub, the Murarrie branch continues to play an equally important role. Volunteers here know the faces and stories of their community, building relationships that extend beyond one night of service.
The South Brisbane hub has already started to strengthen Rosies’ work across the city. By providing a base for supplies and coordination, the hub ensures Murarrie teams are well-supported when they head out on their shifts. The mural by artist Jake Moss, unveiled at the opening, serves as a reminder that many volunteers and participants alike share lived experiences of hardship — making Rosies’ work deeply personal.
Like in South Brisbane, demand in Murarrie has grown sharply in the past year. Volunteers report more new visitors to their sessions, including people who never expected to need help. Some are holding down multiple jobs yet cannot keep up with rent or grocery costs. Others are older residents struggling with isolation. For each, Rosies provides not just assistance but also dignity.
The Murarrie team is also backed by Rosies’ community sponsors, who help fund essentials like coffee, tea, milk, and the fuel to keep vans running. These partnerships remind locals that Rosies’ mission is shared — it takes both volunteers and supporters to keep the service alive.
Individual volunteer stories continue to highlight the impact of Rosies’ work. One feature on Rosies’ social media captured a volunteer’s reflections on how giving a few hours each week not only helps others, but also brings meaning and perspective to their own life.
As Rosies celebrates its 35 years of service across Queensland, Murarrie stands as an example of what community-driven compassion looks like. The volunteers here are proof that even the smallest gesture — a smile, a shared story, or a cup of tea — can change the course of someone’s day.
In Murarrie, as across Brisbane, Rosies’ message is clear: no one should feel left out or disconnected. Through conversation, connection, and compassion, the Murarrie branch continues to bring that promise to life.
Published 19-Sept-2025
