So long to a property charity champion
More than $20 million in funds has been distributed to help homeless young people since Rosemary Smithson stepped up to lead the Property Industry Foundation. We salute an industry stalwart.
The national chief executive officer of PIF for nearly two decades, Smithson (pictured, with Lord Mayor Clover Moore) is stepping down from the organisation, with Friday night’s annual charity ball in Sydney her swan song.
Established in 1996 to make a measurable difference to the persistent problem of youth homelessness, PIF was still in its infancy when Smithson took the reins.
“When I came to PIF 17 years ago, I hadn’t worked in the property industry and I didn’t know anyone. But having been through foster care, I understood what these young people go through. And I hoped I could inspire others and perhaps give back for 12 months or so,” Smithson says.
A year passed, and Smithson had only begun to “unravel the opportunities and ideas that became programs, campaigns and events”.
Just some of those ideas include the National Hard Hat Campaign, which raises $180,000 each year. The yachting regatta generates half a million. Then there’s the black-tie balls, Tour de PIF cycling challenge and the StreetSleep program for young leaders.
Under Smithson’s guidance, PIF has distributed some $20 million to charities.
Half of that has funded the construction of group homes for at-risk and homeless young people which are then run by charities, while the other half has supported counselling services, employment and education programs and early intervention. In all, six houses have been constructed in NSW and two more in Melbourne. There are two more in the pipeline in Sydney and two in Brisbane.
Smithson nominates giving away the first million dollars raised as a particular highlight, as was the opening of the first PIF House in Redfern in 2012.
“More than 44,000 young people are homeless every night in this country. As the building industry, we have the skills and resources, and can leverage our amazing expertise to give back and build houses for these young people,” Smithson says.
“Last year was a big year for the Foundation,” Smithson adds, pointing to the new PIF homes in Sydney that now support dozens of at-risk youth.
Frasers Property Australia led the construction of a brand new six-bedroom home in Blacktown, amassing more than $300,000 in in-kind support.
Meanwhile, Lendlease led the $2.1 million refurbishment of two buildings at the former Lottie Stewart Hospital site in Dundas. These were developed for Wesley Mission and now accommodate 24 young people.
“Both of these openings were proud moments,” Smithson says.
“Looking forward, PIF’s goal is to deliver 125 bedrooms in five years. We have 32 currently complete – so the target is well within reach.”
PIF’s ambitious plan aims to increase donations from the current level of $1.2 million annually to $1.9 million a year. The leadership team also plans to establish new income streams and increase the value of donated goods and in-kind services.
Smithson says the future of the Foundation is secure. “We have fantastic industry leaders and a solid structure” from which to grow.
As for Smithson, she says she will “stop for a bit” to map out her next step.
What message does she have for the industry?
“Thank you for coming on the journey,” Smithson says.
“I feel proud that the industry feels proud and that people love being involved with PIF. It means a lot to everyone who has been involved, but most importantly to the thousands of young people whose lives have been rebuilt.”