A Melbourne Regatta all about connection

Together we made a difference and raised close to $80,000 for homeless youth

Strong winds could not stop the property and construction community coming out to support the 2022 Melbourne Charity Regatta at the Royal Brighton Yacht Club on 1 April 2022.

Although the boats and crews remained on at the dock and we were not able set sail, the evening of networking and fundraising for homeless youth became a successful afternoon of canapes and community.

The comradery and fellowship in the room was palpable as we listened to the founder of The Lighthouse Foundation, Susan Barton AM speak about why she started the Foundation and the young people they have helped, especially those who made a home at one of the five houses we have built with them to date. The last one, Clayton House, recently opened, and we are in the planning phases of a refurbishment and extension of another house in Shepparton, later this year.

We were also fortunate to hear from Jessica, a Lighthouse graduate who now works as a carer for the Foundation. She described how she arrived as a young woman looking for a safe home, and over the years, through a sense of belonging and community, and a lot of hard work, she became a fully qualified youth worker.

Here at the Property Industry Foundation, we often say that together, as an industry, we build a tangible solution to youth homelessness and provide a foundation of opportunity from which these young people can determine their future. It was lovely to hear how Jessica’s journey is a testament to that and the incredible work of the Lighthouse Foundation.

The day would not be complete without a sailing component. The Chair of our Regatta Committee, Sean Hogan and Peter Strain, Commodore, Royal Brighton Yacht Club both spoke about the long partnership between the Club and the Property Industry Foundation. We also heard from Alistair Murray AM, who gave us insight into the world of competitive sailing. Alistair started sailing at the age of 11 with his father in a Corsair dinghy. Since then, he has sailed Fireballs, Lasers, Ultimates, Etchells, Tasars, 11 Meter One Design and numerous keelboats. He has won numerous State Titles, National Titles and a World Masters Championship. A fascinating sailing life.

We would like to thank Andrew Williams, from our Principal Partner, Madigan Capital who spoke on behalf of all our partners. We would also like to thank our Supporting Partners, ISPT and Rothelowman, our Advertising Partner, ooOh! Media and our Industry Partner, the Australian Property Institute. Their support enabled us to have a wonderful afternoon that provided a platform for the industry to come together and continue raise funds to build more homes for homeless young people.

Thank you to our Regatta Committee members for all their hard work in the lead up to the day AND on the day. We could not do this without you.