From preparing homes for new arrivals, to garden clean ups, flat pack assembling and more … our amazing industry supporters in VIC, QLD and NSW participated in working bees in the first half of the year to brighten the lives of homeless and at-risk young people.
Mirvac’s Community Day Delivers
Mirvac’s Community Day is an annual event where employees dedicate their time to support local communities and charities. This year, Mirvac supported the Foundation’s frontline partners across three states; The Salvation Army’s Oasis Youth Support Service in Sydney, Peggy’s Place in Brisbane, The Salvation Army Australia Young People’s Hall and Youth Centre in Melbourne and Platform Youth Services in Sydney’s West. Assembling flat pack furniture was the order of the day, along with cleaning and tidying the spaces. Thanks, Mirvac!
Apollo’s Impactful Morning with Brisbane Youth Service
It was rakes, shovels and gloves at the ready as Apollo joined a garden working bee for Brisbane Youth Service’s Safe Young Mums and Bubs home. Volunteers helped create a safer, more welcoming outdoor space for young mums and their children rebuilding their lives after experiencing homelessness and domestic and family violence.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Property Industry Foundation and the dedicated volunteers from Apollo Property Group for their generosity and hard work in transforming the backyard of our Safe Young Mums and Bubs home,” said Pam Barker, CEO of Brisbane Youth Service. “Their time, effort, and donations have created a welcoming outdoor space where young families can heal, connect, and thrive.”
DCE Gardens for Good
Dalton Consulting Engineers (DCE) joined a working bee at The Salvation Army’s Upton Road garden in Melbourne. This incredible space features veggie beds, a 20-tree fruit orchard, chickens and even a buzzing beehive. Connecting to a kitchen garden gives young people experiencing homelessness a sense of purpose, skills and confidence.
DCE’s CEO, Drew Dalton joined in the effort, showing that teamwork and community spirit start at the top. “From wheelbarrowing mulch and jazzing up a worm farm, to maintenance of a play area and pruning, our team embraced tasks of all kinds,” said the DCE team. “The day wrapped up with a delicious lunch prepared using fresh ingredients—a true taste of the difference this program makes. We’re honoured to support initiatives like this that align with our values and give back to the community.”
Henderson Advocacy Transforms a Shabby Space
Henderson Advocacy showed their dedication to homeless youth during a productive NSW working bee at Haven House Sylvania. The enthusiastic team transformed the home by assembling desks, chairs, furniture and shelving, offering a welcoming environment to young people in need.
“Thanks to Henderson’s efforts, we’re one step closer to creating a brighter future for at-risk youth by providing them with safe and stable housing. This is how we’re building more than just homes – we’re building hope and transforming lives. Thanks so much Jack Henderson and Henderson Advocacy for such an impactful and fun day!” – Jess Pollard, NSW Corporate Partnerships Manager
DM Property Goes Green
DM Property took part in a garden working bee for Lighthouse Foundation in Melbourne’s Glen Iris – raking, pruning, clearing and maintaining outdoor furniture.
“Safe, accessible green spaces play a vital role in the wellbeing of young people, providing a place to relax, connect, and thrive. From reducing stress to improving cognitive function and fostering social connections, the impact of these spaces is truly invaluable. Your support helps create a brighter, healthier future,” said Priscilla Heathwood, State Manager – Victoria.
“It was a privilege to play a small part in the incredible work that you do, thanks for having us take part yesterday!” said the DM Property team.
Aurecon Rolls up their Sleeves for the Salvos
Team Aurecon got stuck in at The Salvation Army’s Oasis Youth Services working bee in Sydney, creating a functional new workspace. “I love seeing a team come together to make a meaningful impact,” said Leanne Mills, Executive Assistant, NSW & ACT Buildings, Aurecon. “We contributed a collective 72 hours of work in a single day. That’s 72 hours that the wonderful staff and case managers of Oasis Youth Services can dedicate to the needs of their youths, where it matters the most. The staff at Oasis Youth Services are some of the kindest, most dedicated and passionate people you will meet. It feels humbling to know a tiny sacrifice of our time, makes a big impact in theirs.”
Charter Hall Pitches in at Clayton
An enthusiastic team from Charter Hall in Victoria stepped away from their desks to get stuck into a working bee at Haven House Clayton. This special home—built by Frasers Property Australia for the Lighthouse Foundation back in 2002—provides a safe and nurturing environment for four homeless young people. Charter Hall volunteers helped clean and tidy the garden areas and assisted with other small jobs around the home.
Shaping Young Lives
SHAPE Australia showed their teamwork at a Haven House Coburg gardening working bee in May. This Lighthouse Foundation operated home in Melbourne’s inner suburbs supports up to four young mums and their babies with a caring, therapeutic environment to establish early parenting routines and bonding. SHAPE’s generous donation and installation of two garden beds means the young mums can now grow and nurture their own herbs and veggies – learning new skills and building confidence.
Bringing Colour and Care to Haven House Bonbeach
The incredible team from Built. rolled up their sleeves and got hands-on in May, at a painting working bee at Haven House Bonbeach. This dedicated trio, joined by the wonderful Bettina from Dulux—who generously donated all the paint—spent the day transforming the six-bedroom Lighthouse Foundation home, which supports young people aged 15 to 22 who might otherwise be without a safe place to live. Thanks to their hard work and generosity, this house is now one step closer to feeling like a true home.
Keen for your team to give back through a working bee? Get in touch
