41 teams teams took on the Melbourne Tour de PIF in Healesville on Friday 15 November on a perfect Spring day. The sold-out event raised $196,000 for homeless youth.
A ride through the winding country roads of Victoria’s beautiful Yarra Valley was just the ticket for a Friday Out of Office for our Melbourne supporters. After months of training and fundraising, cyclists set out from RACV Healesville at 9am, including special guest rider, Olympic Gold medalist Grace Brown. Current Australian U23 Road Race Champion Fergus Browning and British champion Joey Pidcock also joined the peloton, giving Tour riders the boost of riding alongside the pros!
The 70km cyclists led the way in the road race, with the 55km and 30km riders hot on their wheels. An atmosphere of comradery brought the group together for a day of community and giving back to young people in need.
Tour de PIF is a fantastic opportunity to establish new industry connections and reconnect with friends and colleagues in a relaxed setting. Post-ride, cyclists gathered for a refuel in the ballroom, hearing from guest speakers Darren Baum (owner of Baum Cycling) and Jon Partington (Owner of Partington cycling/wheels) and reflecting on a busy year in the property and construction industry.
“There’s something pretty special about taking part in a shared challenge like the Melbourne Tour de PIF that can really galvanise a group. Catching up with everyone as they come across the finish line and chatting over a couple of cold refreshments in Healesville after the race – you don’t get many better Friday afternoons than that,” said Tom Bull, Director Texco Construction – Major Sponsors of the event, who also sponsored the King and Queen of Mountain challenge and took out the team fundraising challenge. Big thanks Texco for your incredible support for the event this year!
The GPT Group also backed the event as Principal Partner. “Supporting the Melbourne Tour de PIF allows us to make a direct impact on youth homelessness. It’s a cause that aligns with our values, and we’re proud to contribute to building homes and stronger communities,” says Denis Ryan, The GPT Group. “It’s a unique event that combines the beauty of the Yarra Valley with a powerful cause. There’s something incredibly special about cycling through such stunning landscapes while knowing your efforts are helping to change lives. The event has grown over the years, and it’s more than just a ride; it’s an opportunity to connect with others in the industry, to push yourself physically, and to make a tangible impact on youth homelessness.”
The main driver of the Melbourne Tour de PIF is to raise funds for The Haven Project which builds and renovates houses for vulnerable youth. One of these projects is Haven House Shepparton (The Nest) in regional Shepparton, self-contained 2-bed units which offer young mums and their children a safe and supportive home to rebuild their families, often after domestic or family violence. Each kilometre pedalled on the Tour and every dollar donated helps to change the lives of young Aussies facing homelessness and housing insecurity.
“The partnership with the Property Industry Foundation has been crucial for our Young Mums housing initiative,” said Melinda Lawley, CEO, The Bridge Youth Service, who will operate The Nest. “The Foundation enabled the idea hatched between the Bridge Youth Service and the Women’s Property Initiative to come to life. Without the team at the Foundation and their generous supporters we would not have generated enough funds to build the units.”
VIC Board of Advisors member Pete King, Head of Property at Victorian Funds Management Corporation took on the course and praised the efforts of everyone involved. “It was a fantastic day out on the course, aided by great weather and friendly banter. It was great to see fantastic support for the Foundation via donations, sponsorship and a moving presentation from Melinda Lawley of Bridge Youth Services in support of their soon to be completed Shepparton House”.
Generosity on the day was outstanding, with strong support for the event raffle and auction, hosted by Stu Verrier, Head of Property Development and Asset Management from Melbourne Airport.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Tour de PIF without some healthy competition and friendly team rivalry!
Big congratulations to our winners of the Queen, King and Team of the Mountain:
- Queen: Johanna Trickett (ARUP) – time – 00:13:00
- King: Daniel Knorr (ID_Corp) – time 00:07:08
- Team: Texco
A round of applause for our Fundraising Champions:
Top team
- Texco
- Salta Properties
- The GPT Group
- Wheel Deal
- Growthpoint Properties
Top individual
- Tom Bull – Texco
- Matt Barker – Texco
- Jack Bull – Texco
- Sam Cutts
- Andrew Balzanelli
It takes a village to hold an event of this size and scale – a huge thank you to our sponsors of the event, volunteers and everyone who came and supported homeless youth on the day – the energy was great, the weather was perfect, and we look forward to seeing you all this time next year!
Don’t forget, donations are open until the end of November and you can support our cause here.
We look forward to welcoming you all this time next year.
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