Our Queensland donors, supporters and beneficiary partners gathered for an end of year celebration to recognise their achievements and contributions to ending youth homelessness in 2023.
The Property Industry Foundation Queensland held a special end of year event on 16 November to officially thank our amazing community of supporters and celebrate 10 years of impact in the homelessness space. “The Foundation leads with passion and ambition,” said Queensland Board of Advisor’s Chair, Salvatore Guardala. “Our board wants to see real impact in Queensland and are committed to seeing us deliver and help more disadvantaged young people. The Property Industry Foundation would not exist if it weren’t for our advisors, committee members, volunteers and donors. They truly are an extension of the team.”
Hosted by MinterEllison, the night was a chance to formally recognise two Friends of the Foundation who provided outstanding contribution in 2023: Michael Rayner AM and Gabriella Camilleri.
Gabi turned her 21st birthday into a way for her friends and family to support homeless youth; asking her loved ones to donate to the Foundation, in lieu of gifts. She has been a valued member of our Future Leaders Committee in Queensland, always turning up to meetings with energy and ideas and participating or offering an extra pair of hands at events.
Michael Rayner AM of Blight Rayner Architects was also recognised for many years of fundraising and contribution to the Foundation, including as a member of the QLD Board of Advisors. Michael was praised by Sal for his generosity and passion to help disadvantaged young people discover brighter futures. Congratulations Gabi and Michael and thank you for being part of the Property Industry Foundation family.
The evening provided an opportunity to reflect on an enormously successful 12 months in Queensland, which included 28% donorship growth, vibrant new events, and the funding of several significant building projects in the region for at-risk young people. “I’m personally grateful to all our QLD Board of Advisors, committee members and donors for their commitment and ongoing support to the Foundation,” said Queensland State Manager Antoinette Rusby-Perera. “It’s their generosity, passion and collective support which drives us to try harder, do more and have greater impact.”
Some of the QLD highlights of the past year have included:
Raising nearly $60K through the PCA Christmas lunch raffle to furnish nine townhouses for Small Steps for Hannah.
A 3-day backyard blitz for Act For Kid’s Moreton Centre, with the help of Saunders Havill Group and JLL. This was by far our biggest and most complex blitz to date. A huge thank you to ADG, St Hilliers, RLB, Apollo Property Group, Design and Build and the PCA Future Directions committee, Auto & General and Real Support Services.
A record-breaking Charity Regatta with 40+ participating yachts raising over $100K for homeless youth.
Together with Act for Kids, Auto and General and Caboolture Sports Club, we opened Moreton Therapy Centre, helping children and their families recover from trauma and abuse.
In partnership with ADCO, we refurbished Murri Watch’s divisionary centre’s kitchen.
180 industry professionals raised over $50K pedalled for Homeless youth in the middle of Queen St Mall.
QLD celebrated its 10-year anniversary and unveiled Haven House Logan, an exciting new project in partnership with the Lady Musgrave Trust.
The 10-year anniversary event raised over $1M in cash, pro bono products and services. The event was full of heart and generosity from our supporters.
We capped off a massive year of events with our inaugural BackSeat SleepOut at Eat Street. Guest speakers Jelena Dokic and Brandon shared their lived experiences of family violence, homelessness and living in fear. Here, we unveiled our next project, Haven House Kingaroy, in partnership with South Burnett CTC.
There’s no doubt Queensland’s 10th anniversary year has been one to remember and next year is looking like another big one. We’re starting with an endurance Hike for Homeless youth in the scenic rim in April, looking to grow our Charity Regatta in May, Pedal for Homeless Youth in July and BackSeat SleepOut event in October, as well as adding a new Trivia Night in August.
“There is great need for more housing to support young people who are at risk of homelessness,
With strong donor engagement and successful fundraising activities, our industry, being the creator of homes and communities, is making a tangible difference to the lives of disadvantaged youth.”
Antoinette Rusby-Perera, QLD State Manager at the Property Industry Foundation
