On a crisp Saturday morning, leaders from Queensland’s property and construction industry laced up their boots and set out to conquer 23 kilometres across three peaks in the Scenic Rim — not for personal glory, but for the 46,000 young Australians who faced homelessness last year, half of whom were turned away when they asked for help.
The Property Industry Foundation’s Hike for Homeless Youth brought together professionals from across the sector — developers, engineers, urban planners, architects, and investors — united by a belief that an industry built on creating homes has a responsibility to ensure vulnerable young people have safe places to land.
A cause that hit close to home
The night before the hike, participants gathered to hear from two young men — aged 18 and 21 — who had been living on the streets since they were just twelve years old. Not by choice, but because the streets felt safer than the homes they’d left behind.
“These stories broke my heart,” said hiker Rebecca Osterman of Neoscape. “We all hugged those boys so tight. We wanted them to know they are seen, they are worthy, and they deserve so much love and understanding.”
Osterman, a mother of two teenage boys, reflected on the privilege of tucking her children into safe beds each night — a simple comfort that too many young Australians are denied.
Three peaks, one incredible community
The hike was a physical test. The second peak proved particularly demanding, with burning legs and minds beginning to negotiate an early finish. But the group pushed on — all thirteen completing all three peaks together.
For Steve Gilbert of Get Parked x Spaces, the achievement carried extra personal significance. Just twelve months earlier, he had been struck by a tractor — injuring his chest, pelvis and legs. Completing 23 kilometres across mountain terrain was a milestone he hadn’t been sure his body could manage. “Having a working body and legs is a massive privilege,” he said, “so I want to put them to good use.”
Scott Douglas from Urbis described the day as one of genuine human connection: “I’m grateful for you guys, the connections made with you all, over what seemed longer than a day, made me appreciate and reflect on those less fortunate than us.”
A standout fundraising effort
While every hiker went above and beyond, Todd Pepper of Alceon Qld deserves a special mention. As the event’s top fundraiser, Todd raised over an extraordinary $30,000 — nearly 30% of the total raised — a testament to his personal commitment to the cause and the generosity of his network.
While every hiker went above and beyond, Todd Pepper of Alceon Qld deserves a special mention. As the event’s top fundraiser, Todd raised over an extraordinary $30,000 — nearly 30% of the total raised — a testament to his personal commitment to the cause and the generosity of his network.
“The Scenic Rim really delivers — incredible views, hard to believe it’s sitting right on Brisbane’s doorstep,” he said after crossing the finish line. “But the best part of the day was the group — choosing to finish all three peaks when we easily could have stopped and doing it alongside people you don’t always get the chance to properly connect with.”
More than just a hike
The fundraising effort extended beyond the trail. Emma Clements of Inertia Engineering drove additional momentum by participating in The Great Race Across Brisbane — a team fundraiser hosted by Inertia Engineering — helping her push toward her individual $10,000 goal for the hike.
Together, the group raised a remarkable $102,000 — funds that will go directly toward building safe bedrooms and homes for young Queenslanders who need them most. Not just four walls, but a foundation for education, employment, and futures worth dreaming about.
A message from the Foundation
Bevan Towning, Chair of the Property Industry Foundation’s National Board, offered his thanks to every participant: “On behalf of myself and the National Board I just want to thank you all for your enormous contribution today. I enjoyed it enormously and meeting and chatting with you all.”
The Scenic Rim may have provided the backdrop — and by all accounts, it delivered, with views that put the world’s headlines into perspective — but the real story was told in the steps taken, the dollars raised, and the industry’s growing commitment to the young people who need it most.
Thank you to our fundraisers
- Chris Brown (QIC)
- Clare J Burnett (The Urban Developer)
- Mat Carney (McNab)
- Emma Clements (Inertia Engineering)
- Sarah Davies (Urbis)
- Scott Douglas (Urbis)
- Steve Gilbert (Get Parked x Spaces)
- Angus Green (Place Design Group)
- Lachlan Macgregor (Development Directive)
- Rebecca Osterman (Neoscape)
- Todd Pepper (Alceon Qld)
- Christopher Tuttiett (McNab)
- Bevan Towning (Pimlico Partners).
