Rosies Oblate Youth Mission was founded by Catholic Priest, Fr Tom Shortall, OMI, in Rosebud on the Mornington Peninsula, in the summer of 1974/75. The outreach began as a drop in centre for young people who were holidaying with their families. The centre was a place of fun and friendship and helped keep the young people off the streets and out of trouble.

The Oblates soon needed help and invited young people to join the mission. The outreach lasted in this form until 1996.

In 1990 the Rosies van was taken to Flinders Street Station, and so began Rosies as it is today.

Our definition of homelessness, that it is an emotional condition, requiring a human response (as opposed to houselessness, which requires the provision of shelter and other physical necessities) is what makes Rosies such a unique organisation.

Through the charism of St Eugene de Mazenod, founder of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, in Christ's Love we strive to:

• Accept each persons individuality
• Believe in their worth
• Hope for their future and
• Love them where they are.