In the pink: Hot property helps fund breast cancer research

Professionals Real Estate has marked a corporate philanthropic partnership that has delivered $4.5m to support lifesaving research into breast cancer over two decades.

The Professionals team (from left) Sharni-Lee Pigram, Katherine Gonzalez-Cork and Daniel Pigram.

Professionals Real Estate has marked a corporate philanthropic partnership that has delivered $4.5m to support lifesaving research by the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) over the past 20 years. The financial support has contributed to funding world-class advancements in diagnosis and treatment, with the death rate from breast cancer falling by 27 per cent in Australia over the period. A portion of every property sold across the Professionals network of 170 offices is donated to NBCF, complemented by an extensive calendar of corporate and community fundraising events at both national and local levels.

Professionals chief executive Katherine Gonzalez-Cork marked the occasion at the firm’s City to Surf office in Beenleigh this week that was turned pink in honour of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Gonzalez-Cork says Professionals was proud of its long commitment that has supported dozens of world-class research projects.

Katherine Gonzalez-Cork

“This research is making a real difference in the lives of women and supports NBCF’s ambitious vision of achieving zero deaths from breast cancer in Australia,’’ Gonzalez-Cork says. “Our philanthropic program at Professionals is actively supporting the one in seven women who will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime so none need to fear that their diagnosis will result in death.”

NBCF chief executive Cleola Anderiesz, said The Professionals’ 20-year support was an extraordinary effort from a single organisation.

Water Works

Brisbane-based start up Water & Carbon Group has raised $15m in capital to fast-track the deployment of its water treatment technology in the US and globally.

Global venture capital firm Emerald Technology Ventures led the raise with Nasdaq-listed water treatment company Ecolab also participating.

The technology helps remove PFAS (per- and poly- fluoroalkyl substances) that have been used in products like firefighting foam, food packaging and many non-stick, water and stain resistant products. They are frequently referred to as “forever chemicals” due to the length of time it takes them to naturally degrade, and they have been shown to pose serious health risks. The Water & Carbon Group’s first US plant, the Bethlehem Landfill project in Pennsylvania, can treat up to 378,000 litres of leachate daily. Trade Investment Queensland assisted the company’s entry into the US, including introductions to potential investors.

Japan focus

The outlook for the giant Japanese economy and its impact on trading partners such as Australia will be discussed at a special session of the Queensland Japan Chamber of Commerce & Industry (QJCCI) next week.

Hosted by Hall Chadwick, next Wednesday, October 23, the sessions will address recession fears in the United States, rising interest rates in Japan and slowing growth in Australia and China together with global geopolitical tensions.

Japanese economy facing challenges.

It also will discuss how businesses can position themselves to ride out the downturn and emerge in a stronger position for the year ahead. The keynote speaker will University of Southern Queensland professor Fabrizio Carmignani, an expert in macroeconomics,.

Blazing businesses

Brisbane industry experts, academics and researchers are being invited to apply for the Lord Mayor’s Convention Trailblazer Grant, with the aim of bringing globally significant business events to the city. The grant, administered by Brisbane Economic Development Agency (BEDA), helps recipients attend international conferences and conventions, as a first step towards securing hosting rights for Brisbane in future years.

Applications for 2025 are open now, with recipients receiving up to $5,000 to attend their nominated event.

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Originally published as In the pink: Hot property helps fund breast cancer research