A warm welcome to Sami Hassoun and Melissa Gardner – our new Co-Chairs for the Future Leaders Committee in Victoria.
The Future Leaders Committee (FLC) brings together younger members of the industry to join the conversation about youth homelessness and housing solutions. We talked to new Victorian committee Co-Chairs Sami Hassoun and Melissa Gardner about their reasons for volunteering and what they hope the committee can accomplish.
Sami Hassoun – Assistant Development Manager, Mirvac
“I’d love to help continue the Future Leader’s legacy and ongoing success, which I’m extremely grateful and proud to be a part of.”
Sami Hassoun, Mirvac
Why do you want to give back to the Future Leaders Committee as Co-Chair?
Being part of the Future Leaders Committee has educated me on the serious challenges facing many young people daily. Hearing from the organisations and people that have been impacted by the Property Industry Foundation has motivated me to play a greater role in the Future Leaders committee and support the Foundation however I can. On top of that, my time in the Future Leaders committee has felt immensely rewarding.
How long have you been involved with the Foundation and in what capacity?
I’ve been part of the Future Leaders team since April 2022 and involved in several events since joining. I’ve supported the team by volunteering and assisting with fundraising, promoting, coordination and on-the-day administration related to Foundation events.
What event have you loved being part of and look forward to?
The event I most look forward to would have to be the Steps for Homeless Youth fun run. There’s a real buzz and comradery in the air on the day and plenty of food and drink at the end to reward you after your run/walk/stroll. Also, the event is accessible to anyone regardless of fitness since there’s a wide range of track distances and attendees. We had an incredible turnout at the last event, and I have no doubt the next one will be even bigger and better.
Why do you support the Foundation’s goals of building homes for homeless youth?
Working with the Foundation has awoken me to the very serious and vast undersupply of youth housing. It’s scary to think that every night 1 in 3 young people are turned away from accommodation, often those most at-risk and in need of support and housing. I’m proud to support and be an advocate for an organisation which aims to break the cycle of homelessness and abuse by funding and building housing to those who need it most.
What are your plans and hopes for the Future Leaders Committee?
I’m hoping we can build upon the great work and initiatives that the Future Leaders team are already facilitating. Our committee will accomplish this by continuing to leverage our networks and skills, whilst also exploring new opportunities for fund raising. I hope that together we can push for record attendee numbers at future events, and more generally, we will be pushing for greater exposure for PIF within the property industry.
What’s important about having young voices in a committee?
Firstly, an organisation focused on addressing youth homelessness can only benefit from the inclusion of a young persons’ unique and contemporary perspectives. Additionally, the Future Leaders committee will inevitably become the next generation of leaders in the property industry, and therefore long-term committed advocates for PIF and the construction of youth homes.
What would you say to anyone considering joining the FLC?
Mel and I are lucky to be part of such a supportive and competent team of amazing generous individuals. I encourage anyone who’s considering joining or is curious about Future Leaders or the Foundation to reach out. The Future Leaders committee is a great way to connect with other like minded industry professionals whilst contributing to an organisation whose events and initiatives have a very tangible positive impact.
Melissa Gardner, National Director of Logistics Leasing, The GPT Group
“Knowing that every night across Australia, more than 44,000 youths are homeless is an uncomfortable thought and I am passionate about the work the Foundation does to combat this. Being able to leverage such a skilled and large industry to directly address this issue is so important.”
Melissa Gardner, The GPT Group
Why do you want to give back to the Future Leaders Committee as Co-Chair?
I would like to continue the great work of the Future Leaders Committee and continue to push our capabilities. The recent Steps for Homeless Youth event is a great example of inclusive events the Future Leaders Committee is capable of, and I would like to continue leveraging our collective skills and industry contacts to further assist the Foundation’s mission.
How long have you been involved with the Foundation and in what capacity?
I have attended many events over the past several years which inspired me to join the Future Leaders Committee in late 2021.
What’s your favourite event?
The Toiletries Drive is my favourite event each year. I have been involved in this event since before I was on the committee, helping to rally collections across GPT’s portfolios. The post-campaign wrap night is such a fun event, and while building safe accommodations is such a beneficial long-term solution, it is nice to make a shorter-term tangible impact on the everyday lives of homeless youth with the toiletries donations.
Why do you support the Foundation’s goals of building homes for homeless youth?
The statistics on homeless youth are astounding. Knowing that every night across Australia, more than 44,000 youths are homeless is an uncomfortable thought and I am passionate about the work the Foundation does to combat this. Being able to leverage such a skilled and large industry to directly address this issue is so important.
What are your plans and hopes for the Future Leaders Committee?
My hope is that we can become advocates for the Foundation within our organisations and amongst our peers. I want to help demonstrate to others than raising funds is possible across all levels of an organisation and even those of you who may be unable to financially help, can assist as a volunteer, as every contribution helps.
What’s important about having young voices in the FLC?
The Foundation’s mission is connected to young people and having people of a similar age act as a voice to help amplify this makes the mission more meaningful.
