Around 200 construction workers at The Star Gold Coast took a well-earned break from the Dorsett hotel and apartments tower project to support a BBQ fundraising effort for homeless youth today.
The fundraiser for ‘National Hard Hat Day’ on Friday 28 August is part of a wider community partnership between the Property Industry Foundation and Destination Gold Coast Consortium (DGCC) – the joint venture company developing the 53-storey tower.
The consortium is led by The Star Gold Coast’s parent company – The Star Entertainment Group – along with Hong Kong-based partners, Chow Tai Fook Enterprises and Far East Consortium.
Property Industry Foundation CEO Kate Mills said she was proud the consortium had extended the partnership for a second year and had encouraged site workers to donate valued dollars for a burger and a good cause.
“Through DGCC’s continued partnership, it has not only provided vital funds but has also participated in a wide range of additional fundraising initiatives like our National Hard Hat Day, which is a culmination of our wider Hard Hat 2020 fundraising drive throughout July and August,” Ms Mills said.
“Their support has also broken records. They were the highest fundraising team in our StreetSLEEP Gold Coast event last year – the second time they had entered, and I know they plan to be involved again in 2020.
“Today, they teamed up with The Star Gold Coast to organise a BBQ fundraiser for National Hard Hat Day with all the onsite construction workers. We also want to acknowledge the generous support of the tower’s appointed builder – Hutchinsons Builders – who contributed by subsidising the cost of each BBQ lunch ticket for every site worker to raise funds for our cause.
“It all goes towards our goal of building transitional housing for homeless youth under the age of 25, which helps provide a stepping stone and stability for them as they move forward with their lives. “Having a place to call home helps establish a routine and gets them back to school or in other forms of further education.
“It means they have a greater chance of working towards something positive and permanent such as ongoing employment to support their future.
“The funds from today’s initiative will go towards building a bedroom within more transitional homes that we are developing around the country, including in Queensland.
“A typical home costs around $600K to build but with collective support from property and construction companies like DGCC, we are able to build a home for around half that amount with a bedroom costing around $50K.
“Once built, we will deliver these homes to a frontline charity partner to manage and provide interim housing for young people for a period of 12-18 months while they get back on their feet.”
DGCC Project Director Jaime Cali said the company was proud to get behind the National Hard Hat Day initiative as part of its wider partnership.
“The Property Industry Foundation is a wonderful organisation that brings together the construction and property sector in a bid to help young people who have experienced struggle and hardship,” Ms Cali said.
“We’re highly involved in supporting their activities with members of our team on their Future Leaders Committee and taking part in other fundraisers like its Tour De PIF cycling event.
“As we all continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, it couldn’t be a more relevant time to remember those who are doing it toughest and who may not have the comforts and support that many of us take for granted.”
Ms Cali said construction on the Dorsett hotel and apartments tower continued to progress on track. “We’re building a stunning, world-class mixed-use tower that is going to provide a 4.5-star hotel and luxurious apartments for the Gold Coast, as well as more restaurants and recreational options,” Ms Cali said.
“We’ve reached the 14th storey of the tower with around 220 people on site daily attending to construction.
“We look forward to topping out in August next year for completion in early 2022.”
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