A Morning with Rosies: Connection, Compassion, and Community at Wynnum

At Downtown Toyota, being different means showing up for our community in ways that truly matter. Earlier this month, members of our team joined Rosies – Friends on the Street for an outreach morning in Wynnum, sharing conversation, coffee, and connection with locals who are doing it tough.

Rosies is a Queensland organisation built on one simple but powerful idea: that no one should feel invisible. Every night, more than 1,600 volunteers across the state head out to offer friendship, a warm drink, and genuine conversation to people who are homeless, at risk, or experiencing social isolation. Their mission is to make sure no Queenslander feels left out of their community.

For our team, the morning began at Rosies’ Wynnum hub, where volunteers meet for a pre-brief and reflection before heading out. Each person was paired with an experienced Rosies volunteer to prepare drinks and snacks before visiting the outreach site. It’s a simple act, but as the Rosies team reminds you, sharing a cuppa and a chat can make a world of difference.

Ben Duncan, from our new retail team, shared how personal the experience became for him.

“I’d actually met one of the people we spoke with that morning a few weeks earlier at a train station. She remembered me and came over to chat again. It was a reminder that sometimes all someone needs is to be seen.”

He added that the Rosies team was grateful for the help, but the biggest impact was simply being there as a supportive presence.

For Cohen Thompson from our used retail team, the morning offered a new perspective.

“It let me see a part of the local community you wouldn’t normally see unless you went out of your way for it. It gives you a different appreciation for the area we live and work in. It also really aligns with our culture of giving back — it felt more direct.”

Dominic Connolly, from our fleet retail team, echoed that sentiment.

“The most meaningful part was seeing the genuine gratitude from the community and knowing our efforts made a positive difference in their day. It really reflected Downtown Toyota’s values of community, integrity, and service.”

The experience left the team with a renewed sense of connection, not just to the community, but to one another. It was a small act of kindness that carried big meaning — and a reminder that compassion and service go hand in hand.

At Downtown Toyota, we believe that being different isn’t just about how we do business; it’s about how we care for the people around us. Because we’re different, we show up.

If you’d like to learn more about Rosies or get involved as a volunteer, visit rosies.org.au.