https://www.facebook.com/100785041851300/

Power Up Kids, Gold Coast (2026)

19/02/2026

30,000 ESSENTIAL ITEMS… AND COUNTING🔥

This one means a lot.

In just a short space of time, through community, kindness, and people simply choosing to care…
we’ve now delivered over 30,000 essential items through Rosies - Friends On The Street essential item bin initiative.

Let that sink in for a second.

That’s 30,000 moments of dignity.
30,000 reminders that someone hasn’t been forgotten.
And through this… we’ve now supported well over 50,000 people across South East Queensland.

❤️

But right now — the reality is this:

Since Christmas, demand has skyrocketed… and supplies have dropped.

And that’s why this next step matters more than ever.

🔶 INTRODUCING THE NEW ROSIE’S ESSENTIAL ITEM BINS 🔶

We’ve redesigned the bins with one clear purpose:

👉 Rosie’s front and centre
👉 Can We Change & Power Up Kids as the heart behind it
👉 Built for schools, businesses, and community spaces to step in and help

These bins aren’t just collection points…

They are community action in motion.

They are visibility for homelessness.
They are a way for everyday people to make a real difference in people’s time of need .

🙌 THANK YOU TO OUR PERMANENT LOCATIONS

We couldn’t do this without people who step up and lead:

• Sam O'Connor MP
• Councillor Alex Givney
• Megan Lever owner of The Exchange Shed - Containers for Change Jimboomba
• Arcadia College

These legends have opened their doors and said:
“We’ll be part of the solution.”

🚨 WE NEED MORE LOCATIONS 🚨

If you know:

🏫 A school
🏢 A business
🏟 A community space

That can host a permanent Rosie’s bin or run a collection drive…

👉 Please reach out.

Because every bin placed…
is more items collected…
which means more people supported.

This isn’t just a program.
This is people helping people — in the simplest, most powerful way.

And we’re only just getting started.

Thank You
Tony
Power Up Kids x Can We Change

12/02/2026

Thank you Wisdom College for supporting an amazing organisation in Merciful Servants Au.

10/02/2026

BIG COMMUNITY NEWS COMING NEXT WEEK 💛

We’re incredibly proud to share that a new permanent location for the Nerang Neighbourhood Centre initiative will be announced next week.

This program has been designed alongside Vicki Rose, General Manager of Nerang Neighbourhood Centre, whose leadership and deep understanding of community need has helped shape something truly meaningful for locals.

The more we work with community centres, the more we learn — and each program gets stronger, more practical, and more impactful.

Following the incredible success at Wynnum Community Place where increased visibility led to stronger support, engagement and awareness, this next permanent location is another major step forward for Gold Coast communities.

Everything has been built around:
• essential everyday items people rely on
• support at the point people need it most
• QR codes that allow people to donate, volunteer, and learn
• increased visibility for the Nerang Neighbourhood Centre and the work they do every day

And this next location…
is a true community superstar. Someone who gives so much back and represents the very best of Queensland and community

We can’t reveal the name just yet — but next week, the community will discover where this permanent home will be and how they can get behind it.

This is about showing up for people when it matters most.

Stay tuned — this is a big one for Nerang. 💛

09/02/2026

Hi community 💛

Thank you for supporting Havafeed Relief at The Helensvale Farmers Market. Across the whole month of January, this new program achieved so much — and it’s going to help Havafeed support many people across the Gold Coast who are doing it tough.

For the month of February, we’re collecting for Baby Give Back. If you have any clothes or essential items for children from newborn to 5 years old, please come down and pop them in the bin when you’re at the markets.

Every small act of kindness makes a big difference. Thank you for being part of the change.

08/02/2026

Just before meeting Robyn and Lindsey from Havafeed Relief at 5am this morning , I took a photo of the beach

The morning was stunning — calm, peaceful, beautiful.

We live in one of the best parts of the world.

And yet, right here in this place of beauty, there are people struggling every day.

People like Robyn and Lindsey who give up their time, their energy, their early mornings, to serve those in need.

It’s a reminder that behind every act of kindness, there’s a story — a sacrifice — and a community working quietly to make a difference.

Most people on the Gold Coast have never heard of Havafeed Community Relief

Yet for 32 years, Robyn and Lindsey have been quietly feeding, supporting, and standing beside thousands of people who have nowhere else to turn.

Throughout the whole of January at Helensvale Farmers Market, the community donated 287 essential items for Havafeed — including 143 cups of two-minute noodles.

Think about that.
143 people’s entire meal for a day.

Havafeed was founded on 16 September 1994.
Since then, the need has exploded by more than 20 times.

This isn’t just numbers on a page.
This is people. Real people.

Not all homeless people are addicts or “down and outs.” As many people like to think. They are real people with real life problems looking to survive. The more I read or hear this type of stuff, the more my stomach turns.
The truth is much harder.

They are women escaping violent homes with children in their arms.
They are families torn apart and exiled.
They are people who lost jobs, homes, dignity — overnight.

They are our neighbours.

Robyn and Lindsey rise at 4am, four mornings every week, preparing breakfast to serve those who need it most.
They have dedicated thousands of hours of their lives to helping over 100,000 members of our community find nourishment and hope.

Yet most of us don’t even know they exist.

This is why visibility and education matter — they are not optional.

In partnership with the Gold Coast Homelessness Network inc, we provide an education hub alongside every collection and permanent location.

This means the public can easily find out:
• What’s happening on the Gold Coast around homelessness
• What frontline services are doing
• Who’s doing what
• How you can help

By shining a light on the real stories and real needs, we build understanding, compassion, and a stronger community response.

This is the harsh reality we must face: homelessness is not a problem that just disappears.

It’s a revolving door for many, a daily fight for survival for others, and a growing crisis we all share responsibility for.

This is more than charity — it’s a lifeline.

To Robyn, Lindsey, every volunteer, every supporter — your tireless compassion saves lives.
To the community — your donations and care are not small gestures. They are hope.

Because when someone is doing it tough, a simple donation is not just food.

It is dignity,connection,survival And it is everything.

05/02/2026

A huge thank you to everyone who donated to Havafeed Relief — together, we filled one and a half bins with essential items! Your generosity is already making a real difference.

This February, we’re excited to support Baby Give Back at The Helensvale Farmers Market — a charity dedicated to giving vulnerable families the essentials every baby needs to get a fair start, including nappies, clothing, and wipes.

Each month, our collection bin supports a different charity. This month, Baby Give Back’s logo will be front and centre on the bin, along with a brand-new interchangeable lid that clearly lists the essential items they’re seeking.

Check out the attached photos to see exactly what Baby Give Back needs right now — making it easy for you to donate what matters most.

Drop off your donations at The Helensvale Farmers’ Market throughout February. Every item you give helps provide a stronger, kinder start for babies and families in need.

A special shout-out to Carly Fradgley, Baby Give Back’s founder and 2026 Westpac Social Change Fellow, for her incredible leadership and dedication.

Thank you for being part of this vital community effort — together, we’re powering change one donation at a time.

31/01/2026

Today we had the absolute honour of being part of the annual Rosies - Friends On The Street Volunteer Reward & Recognition Program, celebrating volunteers from all of Brisbane’s branches and Wynnum.

A heartfelt thank you to the Lord Mayor's Charitable Trust for their generous donation that helped make this special event possible.

Today was about more than just recognition. It was about people. Incredible volunteers who show up night after night for their communities and for Rosie’s.

One moment that truly stood out was celebrating Tim Jones, who received every pin we’ve created — recognising an extraordinary 25 years of service. Spending time with Tim and his family, you could feel it instantly: his humour, his warmth, and his loving spirit light up every room he walks into. We are so proud that Power Up Kids and Can We Change get to develop and deliver a program like this in partnership with Rosie’s.

When we look back at where this program began — created by two amazing kids — and see what it has grown into, it’s incredibly humbling. As partners to many charities, we see volunteering in all its forms, but Rosie’s truly shows the very best of it. Every night, across our beautiful state of Queensland, their volunteers lead with love, care, connection, and conversation.

It was once again an honour to be there and to deliver this special program.

To every volunteer who gives their heart and soul to Rosie’s Friends on the Street — thank you. You matter more than you know.

❤️

29/01/2026

💙 Thank You, Primary Connect Heathwood

A huge thank you to Kendall Eliot-Cotton and Primary Connect Heathwood, who chose Rosies as their charity for their Christmas Appeal by hosting the Rosies Essential Item Bins.

In just hours, 211 essential items were collected — and just as quickly as they were collected yesterday , those items were distributed.

Both Rosies - Friends On The Street North and South branches required immediate stock replenishment, with demand overwhelming services supporting people experiencing homelessness and hardship across Queensland.

The work Rosies delivers every day across the state is nothing short of incredible — meeting people with dignity, compassion , conversation and practical support when it’s needed most.

I’m incredibly grateful to Primary Connect Heathwood for choosing Rosies, and to the people of Queensland who continue to show up for their community when it matters.

🤝 Call to Action

If your workplace, organisation, club or school is looking for a meaningful way to give back, the Rosies Essential Item Bin Program is making an immediate and measurable difference.

The demand is high.
The need is urgent.
And the impact is real.

👉 Reach out to get involved and help ensure essential items are available for those doing it tough right now.

29/01/2026

Very cool, love this initiative.
It Will help and impact so many people for the better.., ❤️❤️

27/01/2026

🏉 Community. Care. Connection. 🏉

Last night, Palm Beach Currumbin Australian Football Club officially received their Outside the Locker Room Essential Item Bin — an initiative designed to support mental health, wellbeing, and community care both on and off the field.

It was also special to reconnect with two incredible people — the Volunteer Legends from last year’s Power Up Kids and Can We Change Reward & Recognition Program — a reminder that volunteers are the true backbone of grassroots sport.

What made the presentation even more meaningful is that the founder of Outside the Locker Room, Jake Edwards, is a senior assistant coach at the club. To be able to bring this initiative home and showcase an incredible mental health charity created by one of your own made the moment even more powerful.

🟡 How the bin works

Start of the season:
The bin will collect old or new club gear, including jerseys, footy boots, socks, shorts, jumpers, and training gear — helping ensure no child misses out on the chance to participate, belong, and feel supported through sport.

Mid-season focus:
Palm Beach Currumbin has chosen Ronald McDonald House Gold Coast as their mid-season charity. Through the club’s interchange bin system, the collection will shift to new essential items that cater for the needs of sick children — helping make their time in hospital as fun as possible, filled with care, comfort, and love ❤️

Supporting mental health, when it matters most

On the side of the bin are two QR codes, offering quiet, accessible mental health support:

One QR code links to a short Outside the Locker Room video, helping open conversations around mental health in sport.

The second QR code links to the Outside the Locker Room app, where people can find trusted resources, education, and pathways to support.

The best part?
These resources can be accessed in your own time, in your own space, and when you’re ready — with no pressure and no judgement.

💙 Power Up Kids and Can We Change are incredibly excited to partner with Outside the Locker Room on this initiative, helping clubs create safe spaces for care, connection, and meaningful mental health support in our communities.

26/01/2026

Power Up Kids and Can We Change Junior AFL Reward and Recognition Program for 2026

🌟 A massive THANK YOU to the Gold Coast Suns for their generous donation of 88 reserved tickets—that’s 4 tickets reserved for each of the 22 junior AFL clubs across the Gold Coast and Northern Rivers. These tickets will be spread across all Suns’ home games this season, allowing clubs to reward incredible families and volunteers who are the heart and soul of grassroots footy.
—who dedicate their time and passion for the love of the sport and their community. This program is our way of celebrating those unsung heroes who keep grassroots footy thriving. ❤️

Last year’s program was a great success, with Palm Beach Currumbin taking out the Volunteer Legend Award, and this year we’re excited to recognize even more amazing contributors.

So far, we’ve rolled out six mental health essential item bins to clubs who have carefully selected charities to receive essential items collected throughout the season:
• Carrara Saints FC— supporting Nerang Neighbourhood Community Centre
• Southport Sharks Junior AFL — supporting Rosies - Friends On The Street
• Ormeau Bulldogs Australian Football Club — supporting Friends With Dignity
• Palm Beach Currumbin Australian Football Club— supporting Ronald McDonald House Gold Coast
• Tweed Coast Tigers— supporting Agape Outreach Inc
• Broadbeach Cats Juniors AFC— supporting Havafeed Relief

This program, led by Power Up Kids and Can We Change in partnership with Outside the Locker Room, uniquely combines:
• Mental health education and support accessible anytime via QR codes on the bins, where players, families, and club members can watch videos and access resources in their own time, space, and when they’re ready
• An interchangeable lid system—one lid features the club’s logo and collects used AFL gear like jerseys, boots, and socks; the other lid highlights a chosen charity and lists the essential items that charity urgently needs
• Sustainable recycling of sporting gear that would otherwise be discarded, helping those doing it tough in the community

This initiative strengthens community bonds, supports mental wellbeing, and provides essential resources with the leadership of dedicated club presidents and volunteers.

Our goal is to equip all 22 clubs with their own bin, growing this impactful cycle of care and recognition.

Thank you to everyone involved. Together, we’re powering up kids, supporting clubs, and changing communities for the better. 💙

22/01/2026

💙 Launching the Sky-Blue Mental Health Bin at Southport Sharks Junior AFL 💙

Yesterday afternoon, we officially launched our Sky-Blue Outside the Locker Room Mental Health Bin at Southport Sharks Junior AFL Club — making them the fourth club to receive an Outside the Locker Room Essential Item Bin.

What makes this one different…
Southport Sharks Juniors have chosen Rosies - Friends On The Street as their mid-season charity collection — and that choice matters.

Rosie’s was a charity partner in the early days of Southport Sharks
Today, that connection comes full circle — carried forward by the next generation of players, families and volunteers.

Yesterday afternoon, the bin was proudly presented to Junior Club President Daniel Jameson “ Jamo “, marking another step in building real, visible mental-health support at grassroots sport.

What This Bin Delivers — Two Powerful Functions

1️⃣ Mental Health Support & Education

Each side of the bin includes dynamic QR codes linking to:
• A visual mental-health video
• Education, awareness tools & clear pathways
• The full Outside the Locker Room app, allowing anyone to access support privately, safely and without judgement

This is mental-health visibility delivered where people already are — not hidden, not complicated.

2️⃣ Essential Item Collections That Matter

This bin will rotate across the season, supporting both club families and community charities:

• Start of season: Sporting gear (boots, jerseys, joggers) for families within the club doing it tough
• Mid-season: Essential items for Rosie’s Friends on the Street — supporting people across Queensland with dignity, connection and conversation.
• End of season: Back to sporting gear, ensuring nothing is wasted and families are supported again

There is also a donation QR code, with a goal to raise $5,000 for Outside the Locker Room, helping expand mental-health programs into clubs, schools and workplaces that need it most.

💙 With Thanks

A huge thank you to Outside the Locker Room for partnering with us on this incredible initiative and continuing to lead the way in mental-health education and support.

Thank you to the Kollosche Community Fund for supporting and sponsoring this initiative — your belief is helping build something that can create real, lasting change across our communities.

🌱 The Bigger Vision

This is a 365-day rotational model:
• Mental-health education is always visible
• A charity or not-for-profit is always supported

When footy season ends, the bin moves into the next sport, school or workplace — continuing the cycle of awareness, education and giving.

For our community

Real support for mental health.
Real essential items for families and charities.
Real awareness for the organisations doing the work.

And most importantly — visibility that helps change lives 💙

Power Up Kids

19/02/2026

12/02/2026

10/02/2026

09/02/2026

08/02/2026

05/02/2026

31/01/2026

29/01/2026

29/01/2026

27/01/2026

26/01/2026

22/01/2026

Address

Website

Alerts

Shortcuts

Share