In the early hours of Saturday 2 May, as most Victorians slept, 20 property and construction leaders were still moving — boots on the Two Bays Trail, headlamps cutting through the dark, pushing through the final kilometres of a 30km overnight challenge that was always about something far bigger than the hike itself.
The second annual Property Industry Foundation Hike the Night is done. And what a night it was.
A Challenge That Delivered
Setting off from the base of Arthur’s Seat on Friday 1 May 2026, the group completed the full Two Bays Trail in record time — a feat that tested every participant’s will, commitment, and determination across the long overnight hours.
They set off from the bottom of Arthur’s Seat and hiked 30km overnight finishing in record time, this amazing group of Victorian property and construction industry leaders experienced an incredible achievement, successfully completing a challenge that tested will, commitment and determination.
Guided safely through the night by expert tour leaders from Take Shape Adventures, hikers were supported at every stage — staffed checkpoints, trained trail guides, and a dedicated crew ensured the experience was both challenging and seamlessly run from start to finish.
Even the dress code raised the bar. “Thanks to all those who have donated to the Property Industry Foundation Hike the Night,” said Rich Johnston, Plenary. “I am now looking forward to any bonus donations for completing it (part) in the traditional lederhosen….”
$125,000 Raised — and Counting
The numbers speak for themselves. The group didn’t just meet their $100,000 fundraising goal — they smashed it by 25%, raising over $125,000 toward building safe accommodation for young people experiencing homelessness in Victoria.
But the fundraising isn’t over yet. If you’d like to add your support, donations are still being accepted.
More Than a Hike
For many participants, the overnight hours brought reflection as much as exertion.
“Spending a night hiking through fatigue and uncertainty was challenging, but it also highlighted something important,” said Rob Joyes, Colliers. “Unlike homelessness, it was temporary, safe, and by choice. For many young people, instability is not an experience they can opt out of at dawn. That distinction has stayed with me.”
“What an incredible experience!” said Sophie Walsh, MPA. “Reflecting on the experience, I feel incredibly grateful to have been surrounded by such great people while challenging myself for something bigger than all of us. I spoke with, laughed with, and was inspired by industry friends and many new ones along the way. I’m enormously proud of everyone involved — and proud of what we achieved together.”
That sense of shared purpose is exactly what drives the Property Industry Foundation’s work — and this year, the event carries even greater significance.
30 Years of Rebuilding Lives
2026 marks the Property Industry Foundation’s 30th anniversary — three decades of the industry coming together to ensure young Australians have a safe place to call home. Hike the Night 2026 was a fitting way to mark that milestone.
The need has never been more urgent. “11,763 young people in Victoria are without safe and secure housing,” said Priscilla Heathwood, State Manager VIC at the Property Industry Foundation. “By ensuring young people have a safe place to live today, we help create the conditions for independence, opportunity, and lasting change tomorrow.”
Safe housing isn’t just a roof — it’s the foundation for everything else. When young people have stability, health begins to improve, life skills develop, and education and employment become possibilities again. Confidence grows. Futures open up. That is where real, lasting change begins.
Thank You
To every hiker who trained, showed up, and kept walking through the night — thank you. To every donor who backed them — thank you. And to the Take Shape Adventures team who made the journey safe and unforgettable — thank you.
Thank You
- Our incredible hikers:
- Alex Abell, ASA Real Estate Partners
- Ingrid Bakker, Hassell
- Andrew Barrett, Mallesons
- Kane Devitt, L. U. Simon Builders Pty Ltd
- Jim Dolkas, Wilbow Group
- Alice Dore, Barkley Lane
- Priscilla Heathwood, Property Industry Foundation
- Brad Husband, Corrs
- Peter Hutchins, Charter Keck Cramer
- Tom Fox, Dexus
- Our incredible hikers:
- Alex Abell, ASA Real Estate Partners
- Ingrid Bakker, Hassell
- Andrew Barrett, Mallesons
- Kane Devitt, L. U. Simon Builders Pty Ltd
- Jim Dolkas, Wilbow Group
- Alice Dore, Barkley Lane
- Priscilla Heathwood, Property Industry Foundation
- Brad Husband, Corrs
- Peter Hutchins, Charter Keck Cramer
