Our tireless industry volunteers are at the heart of what we do at the Property Industry Foundation. Meet some of the amazing people pitching in their time and expertise to support homeless youth.
”“Being part of this work has given me a deeper sense of gratitude and purpose. It’s so easy to get swept up in the hustle of everyday life, but volunteering with the Foundation grounds me. It’s a reminder that small actions, when done consistently, can create real and lasting change.”
Victoria Ferguson
Business Development & Client Relationship Manager, Rider Levett Bucknall
Committee Member (Construction Rocks – Chair, Regatta Committee)
Event Participant
Long-time Property Industry Foundation volunteer Victoria Ferguson takes her can-do attitude everywhere she goes – from behind the scenes at Construction Rocks, to a wet weather SleepOut, or persuading punters to buy raffle tickets at events. Her passion and dedication to supporting homeless youth is evident in all the different ways she lends a hand.
How have you been involved in volunteering at the Foundation?
Volunteering with PIF has had a big impact on me because I’ve been involved in so many different initiatives over the years, and that variety keeps it engaging and rewarding. I’ve rolled up my sleeves at the Regatta, sold raffle tickets, built shacks at Middle Harbour, taken part in the SleepOut, and served on the Future Leaders Committee. I was also part of the inaugural 40 Under 40 event, and I now sit on the Regatta Committee, while also chairing Construction Rocks, something I’m especially proud of.
What inspired you to start volunteering with the Foundation?
I first got involved with the Property Industry Foundation back in 2015, when I participated in my very first SleepOut. I’ll never forget it. There was heavy rain that night and the location had to be changed last minute. We ended up sleeping under the Harbour Bridge, on cardboard boxes, with nothing but sleeping bags.
Despite being surrounded by colleagues and in a controlled environment, it was cold, wet, and confronting. I remember lying awake thinking, “If this feels unsafe and uncomfortable for me in this context, how must it feel for a teenager sleeping rough every single night?” That experience was a turning point. Until then, I hadn’t truly appreciated the fear, isolation, and vulnerability of homelessness, particularly for young people. It ignited a deep sense of purpose and connection to the Foundation’s mission, and I’ve been involved in various ways ever since … from fundraising to helping raise awareness within the property and construction community.
What have been some rewarding moments?
One of the most rewarding parts of my journey has been growing Construction Rocks, a fundraising event I now proudly chair. What started over a decade ago as a fun, music-based networking event for industry “muso” types has evolved into one of the Foundation’s most successful annual events, raising over $100,000 this year alone. We have even bigger hopes for next year and who knows, maybe one day we’ll take it all the way to the Hordern Pavilion!
What impact do you think your volunteering has had – on young people and on yourself?
I believe that every dollar raised and every person brought into the Foundation community helps build the safety net that far too many young people are missing. Being part of this work has given me a deeper sense of gratitude and purpose. It’s so easy to get swept up in the hustle of everyday life, but volunteering with the Foundation grounds me. It’s a reminder that small actions, when done consistently, can create real and lasting change.
Meeting the kids who benefit from this work has been both humbling and incredibly eye-opening. Hearing their stories and witnessing the resilience they carry has shifted my perspective entirely. These aren’t abstract issues, these are real young people with dreams and potential, who just need the right support to thrive. To be able to contribute, even in a small way, to that transformation is truly an honour.
What’s one volunteering moment that has stayed with you?
One of the most memorable moments for me was taking part in a Working Bee. Alongside a group of colleagues from RLB, we spent the day assembling flat-pack furniture and preparing a home for young people who had previously been experiencing homelessness. I was tasked with cleaning and setting up the kitchen – it may have seemed like a small job, but it felt meaningful knowing it was part of creating a safe, welcoming space.
What truly stayed with me, though, came after the work was done. I was invited to the official opening of the house, where I had the privilege of meeting one of the young women moving in. Hearing her story, seeing her excitement, and witnessing firsthand the sense of security and hope this new home gave her – that moment hit me hard. It made the impact of the Foundation’s work incredibly real. I felt proud to have played even a small part in helping her feel safe, seen, and supported. It’s a feeling I’ll never forget.
What would you say to someone considering volunteering?
Do it. You’ll never regret giving your time to something so meaningful. Volunteering with the Foundation doesn’t just change the lives of young people – it changes yours too. Whether you’re picking up a paintbrush, running a fundraiser, or simply spreading awareness, every action counts. You’ll be part of a community that genuinely cares and makes a lasting difference.
What can everyday people do to make a difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness?
Start small. Educate yourself about youth homelessness and talk about it with your friends, family, and colleagues. Support organisations like the Property Industry Foundation, whether through donations, volunteering, attending events, or sharing their work on social media. Sometimes, just showing you care, listening without judgment, and helping someone feel seen can make more of a difference than you realise.
If you could change one thing about housing for young people in Australia, what would it be?
I’d make access to safe, stable, and affordable housing a basic right for all young people, not a privilege. Too often, young people fall through the cracks of our systems. I’d love to see more investment in transitional housing and wraparound support services that not only give them a roof over their heads, but a real chance to thrive.
