Vinnies CEO Sleepout aims to raise $1.3m in Brisbane

Brisbane’s corporate leaders have already started raising money for the Vinnies CEO Sleepout in Brisbane which aims to raise $1.3m.

Corporate leaders across Queensland are gearing up for the annual Vinnies CEO Sleepout with the homeless crisis hitting home.

Rowland chairman Geoff Rodgers has participated in the event for the past 13 years and this year he says the sleep-out is even more important with over 22,000 Queenslanders facing a homelessness crisis.

“This isn’t just a worrying statistic. It is a terrifying reality for our future generations,” he says.

“I believe it is incumbent on businesses and business leaders to contribute to addressing the issue of homelessness and to assist our brothers and sisters in their times of desperate need.”

The event takes place on Thursday June 22, at Riverstage, Botanic Gardens, in Brisbane and so far 196 corporate leaders have signed up aiming to raise $1.3m.

Those out of the blocks early include National Tyre & Wheel boss Terry Smith who has raised $21,386 and Followmont Transport CEO Mark Tobin who has $17,706 pledged.

Rodgers says over his time at the event he has raised more than $550,000 to help St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland provide crisis accommodation, food, utilities, and vital programs and services for those sleeping rough.

“Now is the time for us to come together as Australians to support those experiencing hardship,” he says.

Vinnies CEO Sleepout in Queensland aims to raise $1.3m this year.

Trailblazer appointed

Award-winning Australian metal fabrication company Graham Lusty Trailers has appointed manufacturing and engineering trailblazer Shay Chalmers as its chief executive.

Chalmers will work with the newly appointed executive team, including Graham Lusty who established the business.

Chalmers has a plethora of industry awards to her name and sits on multiple industry boards, including the Queensland State Government’s Manufacturing Ministerial Council and the Queensland Manufacturing Institute.

“I’m excited to be working with Graham and the executive team and to lead a team of 100 employees who are equally passionate about manufacturing high-quality products,” she says.

“I was attracted to GLT for its innovative, quality products and customer-first approach, as well as the people who have built the business to where it is today. I’m looking forward help elevate the business to the next level.”

Graham Lusty Trailers new chief executive Shay Chalmers.

New HQ

The Toowoomba skyline will have a new addition with a prominent CBD site to be transformed into Heritage Bank and People’s Choice’s new head office.

The 2800sq m site at 502 Ruthven St, Toowoomba, was the former Shrine Catholic Church and pending final designs and approvals work will start in 2024.

The multimillion-dollar project will involve removing the current structures on the site and building a new six to seven-storey building. It is expected to be completed in 2027.

The company’s CEO Peter Lock says they looked long and hard to find the best site for their members and staff.

“It’s the right size, in a very central location, with three-street frontage and scope to create a

welcoming, collaborative environment that our people will enjoy working in to support our

members,” he says.

The announcement comes weeks after the merger of Heritage Bank and Adelaide-based People’s Choice Credit Union became official on March 1.

At the moment the merged entity operates under both names with a new brand name expected to be decided within 12 months. At this stage they committed to maintaining a dual head office structure, with one in Toowoomba and one in Adelaide.

An artist's impression Heritage and People’s Choice’s new Toowoomba head office at 502 Ruthven St.