Tackling youth homelessness with COX’s Rebecca Hunter

Youth homelessness remains one of Australia’s most urgent social challenges, with nearly 40,000 young people experiencing homelessness each year. 

The Property Industry Foundation (PIF) has taken a proactive role in addressing this crisis, uniting the property and construction industries to create tangible solutions that offer young people a path to stability and independence.

For more than a decade, COX has been a dedicated partner of the Foundation, contributing through pro-bono design work, sponsorships, and active participation in key fundraising initiatives. 

From the construction of safe housing to community engagement projects, the firm’s commitment to PIF continues to grow with each new generation of team members.

Submissions Manager Rebecca Hunter has played a pivotal role in advancing COX’s legacy with the Foundation. In this interview, she shares her personal motivations, the most rewarding initiatives she has been involved in, and how the industry can further its impact in combating youth homelessness.

Image: The COX team, featuring Rebecca Hunter with Jon Henzell, Tim Williams, Robert Callanan, Travers Murr, John Ferguson, Shayne Dyer, Adam Formosa.

Architecture & Design: What inspired you to get involved with the Property Industry Foundation and its mission to combat youth homelessness?

Rebecca Hunter: I would say that my inspiration to get involved with the Foundation stemmed from a deep personal commitment to making a meaningful impact on the issue of youth homelessness. The more I learned about the challenges faced by young people who experience homelessness, the more I realised the urgent need for dedicated action to address this crisis.

The Property Industry Foundation's mission resonated with me because it provides a tangible way to leverage the collective resources, expertise, and influence of the property industry to create lasting change. I believe that by using our industry’s strengths—such as connections, funding, and innovative thinking—we can help create real, sustainable solutions for young people who are at risk or currently experiencing homelessness.

I’m driven by the belief that every young person deserves a safe and stable environment to grow, thrive, and pursue their potential. The Foundation's efforts to not only provide immediate shelter but also long-term support and pathways to independence for these young people are truly inspiring, and I feel privileged to be part of this important mission.

COX has supported the Foundation in various ways over the years; what project or initiative have you found most personally rewarding?

When I first joined COX, we were working on the Property Industry Foundation project Play and Grow for Anglicare. Watching this project come to life within the studio was nothing short of incredible. 

The new educational and play centre is crucial in providing young women and their children with a safe, supportive space to build essential skills, form lasting friendships, and ultimately break the cycle of homelessness and abuse.

The Backseat SleepOut is another initiative that has had a profound impact on me. It’s an incredibly powerful way to highlight the struggles faced by young people experiencing homelessness. Participating in the event alongside industry peers, all while raising vital donations, is a humbling experience. It provides a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the daily challenges faced by those in need.

Image: Rebecca Hunter with Zac Chapman, Mitchell Buckley, Leon McBride, James Ryan, Jerome Wu, Darren Phan, Julian Farrell, Travers Murr, Ashleigh Sullivan and Luke Van De Vorst.

COX has been an unwavering supporter of this event, not only through active participation but also by donating to the event and encouraging others across the property industry to join. 

Their commitment helps amplify the cause, ensuring the event's impact extends far beyond the immediate community. It’s also a wonderful way to connect with like-minded colleagues who are equally passionate about creating positive change. The event fosters a sense of community and solidarity, underscoring the importance of uniting as an industry to combat youth homelessness.


Your recent recognition at the 2024 Property Industry Foundation Awards highlights your contributions; can you share some of the key initiatives you’ve led or been involved in?

I’ve been closely involved in organising and promoting the Pedal for Homeless Youth Event, which is another cornerstone initiative. It’s a powerful, hands-on way to raise awareness and funds for youth homelessness. 

As Co-Chair, I’ve helped coordinate the involvement of industry partners like COX, which has been instrumental in supporting the cause. This event is a unique blend of community engagement and physical endurance, where participants come together to cycle and raise money to support young people in need. 

It’s a way for people in the property industry and beyond to not only challenge themselves physically but also show their commitment to a cause that desperately needs attention.

How do you see COX’s ongoing partnership with the Foundation evolving in the future, and what more can the industry do to address youth homelessness?

COX’s involvement with the Property Industry Foundation (the Foundation) spans four generations of team members, each contributing to a legacy of support and commitment to combating youth homelessness. 

This enduring partnership began with Director Tim Morgan’s role on the Beneficiary Review Committee, where his leadership and dedication set the foundation for COX’s long-standing relationship with the Foundation.

This legacy has continued through Director Christina Cho, whose role has been pivotal in steering COX’s strategic involvement in the Foundation initiatives. Christina's passion for social responsibility and her deep understanding of the challenges faced by young people experiencing homelessness have been instrumental in ensuring that COX’s contributions align with the Foundation’s mission.

As Submissions Manager at COX and Co-Chair of the Property Industry Foundation Future Leaders Committee, I’ve had the privilege of watching the Foundation’s initiatives evolve and expand year after year. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of an organisation that continues to grow in its impact and reach, and I’m grateful to contribute to that progress.

Our newest Future Leaders Committee member, Architect Zac Chapman, has further strengthened COX’s legacy of involvement. Zac’s passion for design and his commitment to creating environments that uplift and support vulnerable communities has brought a fresh perspective to the Foundation’s projects, making a lasting impact on the lives of young people.

Together, these four generations of COX team members have built a legacy of leadership, dedication, and community engagement.

For those in the property and construction industries looking to get involved, what advice would you give on how they can make a meaningful impact?

For anyone considering getting involved with the Foundation or a similar cause, my advice is to start small. The Property Industry Foundation offers a range of ways to contribute, from volunteering at working bees to joining committees. The key is to find an avenue that aligns with your skills and passions.

Every action, no matter how small, makes a difference—whether it’s selling raffle tickets, volunteering at events, or simply lending a hand where needed. It’s not just about the big milestones; it’s the smaller, everyday efforts that collectively create lasting change.

Image: Rebecca Hunter and Sal Guardala , Senior Commercial Manager at Brisbane Airport Corporation and Chair of the Property Industry Foundation Board of Advisors / supplied