New leaders take the reins at Rosies Caboolture

Two long-term volunteers have taken on the leadership of the Caboolture branch of Rosies – Friends on the Street following co-ordinator Helen Mangano’s retirement in March after 16 years of service.

Anne Costigan and Jan Youngman have been with the Caboolture branch since its inception in 2006 and say they’re looking forward to carrying on Helen’s work.

“I love the unified approach that the branch takes – everyone chips in to do their part to make sure our patrons are cared for,” Jan says.

“We learned from Helen and we’ll keep serving the Caboolture community.”

Rosies – Friends on the Street is a grass roots organisation that provides community and connection through street outreach to those who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or socially isolated in the community.

Helping those in need

Anne, a former secondary school teacher at Mary MacKillop College in Nundah and St Eugene College, Burpengary, has always had an interest in serving her community.

“I have been involved in leadership positions in different sporting groups and Music Ministries at Church for over 30 years,” she says.

“I have a real passion for reaching out to those in need and I’m looking forward to my new role as branch co-ordinator and working with all of the other services in the Caboolture outreach community.”

Jan says it was halfway through an information session about volunteering that she knew she’d found the right place to volunteer.

“I was sitting there listening to what Rosies did and I decided right then and there I would volunteer and have never looked back,” she says.

“I have a passion for helping those who are disadvantaged, and I genuinely believe that a coffee and chat can change someone’s life.

“When Anne asked me to be her deputy branch co-ordinator I couldn’t say no.”

Rosies outreach can be found in Caboolture every Friday night from 8-10pm at the Caboolture Train Station, corner James St and Matthew Tce.