Brisbane real estate leaders raise record funds for homeless women and children at the Pink Tie Gala

Hosted by the Leading Ladies of Real Estate and Ray White Queensland, the glamorous evening saw 640 glamour-clad attendees come together to raise vital funds for The Lady Musgrave Trust, Queensland’s oldest charity dedicated to supporting homeless women and children.

The evening shone a critical spotlight on the ongoing housing crisis and domestic violence emergency, while celebrating the generosity of the Queensland community and property sector.

Emceed by NewsCorp Australia’s senior real estate reporter, Liz Tilley, the gala featured a powerful lineup of speakers, including: Jason Andrew, CEO of Ray White Queensland, Sally Patch, Chair of Leading Ladies of Real Estate and Victoria Parker, CEO of The Lady Musgrave Trust.

“Homelessness is often far closer to people than they realise, particularly for young women escaping domestic and family violence,” Liz Tilley said.

“What makes this event so powerful is that it brings together people from across business, property and the broader community who genuinely want to help create change."

Sally Patch agreed, noting the pride Leading Ladies of Real Estate felt by supporting the Pink Tie Gala.

“Tonight is about community. It’s about compassion and a commitment to lasting change. Domestic and family violence, homelessness, and housing insecurity are not issues for one organisation to solve alone,” Sally Patch said.

“They are community issues. Real change happens when communities come together to support each other.”

Jason Andrew echoed Sally’s sentiment, saying that the importance of a home became even more evident in the wake of COVID.

“A home isn't just bricks and mortar,” he said. “It is a place of safety. Sadly, there is a critical shortage of safe accommodation for young women and their children escaping violence. When times are tough, the real estate industry is often the first to rally. Ray White is enormously proud to stand alongside the Lady Musgrave Trust and to support their wonderful work for some of the most vulnerable in our community.”

A moving address by Michaela, who shared her lived experience, was the emotional pinnacle of the night, as she represented the thousands of vulnerable women the Trust has successfully assisted in breaking the cycle of homelessness.

“Prior to engaging with The Lady Musgrave Trust I had no confidence, self-esteem or faith in myself. I believed what the perpetrators in my life manipulated me to believe about my worth,” she said.

“Now, I am empowered to be the best version of myself I can be. I have the strength and resilience to fight adversity. Words cannot express the gratitude I have for my support network, for my small family circle, for The Lady Musgrave Trust for providing our accommodation and Jacquie [Michaela's housing support worker] for always believing in me.”

The driving force of the evening was the highly anticipated charity auction and raffle, led by experienced auctioneers Haesley Cush (CEO, Ray White Collective) and Tiera Butkus (Head of Growth and Performance, Ray White Mooloolaba | Kawana Waters).

Bidding wars ignited over luxury packages, including the Gold Coast Luxe Weekend, the Ultimate Skin Transformation package (sponsored by Silver Partner Ascension), and the Tropical North Escape (sponsored by Silver Partner HopgoodGanim).

The final tally across the charity auction, premium raffles, and the "Mothers Nest" house activation resulted in a record number being raised directly for The Lady Musgrave Trust.

Guests were treated to world-class entertainment throughout the evening. The pre-event drinks featured a custom DJ booth sponsored by Gold Partner Domain, a 360-degree camera booth courtesy of Platinum Partner SearchX, and live illustrations by artist Emma Bond, sponsored by Silver Partner Do Financial Services.

The main stage erupted with a spectacular Dance The Night Away performance, choreographed by Kate Wormald (known for her work on Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis), featuring four of Australia’s premier dancers and the signature vocals of Stef Long. Long, accompanied by a live saxophonist, later opened the dance floor to close out the spectacular night, courtesy of The Little Red Company.