Partners in Purpose Corporate Lunch unites leaders to drive social impact

More than 140 leaders across the corporate, government, community, education and social services sectors gathered at Victoria Park, the future Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic stadium precinct, for Anglicare’s inaugural Partners in Purpose Corporate lunch.

The sold-out event, hosted by ABC Radio Brisbane Breakfast presenter Loretta Ryan, explored how partnerships, collaboration and shared leadership can address some of Queensland’s most pressing social challenges, such as housing insecurity and youth homelessness.

Anglicare Southern Queensland CEO Sue Cooke said the event was an opportunity for community leaders to move conversations around social impact into meaningful action.

“We are being called to respond to one of the most urgent challenges facing our community today. Australia is facing a youth homelessness crisis, and Queensland is acutely affected, with more than 28,000 young people experiencing homelessness each year,” Ms Cooke said.

“As we look ahead, the question is not whether the need exists, but what each of us will choose to do about it. Real leadership means moving beyond short-term philanthropy towards long-term partnerships that create lasting change.

“It means using the strengths of business, government and community organisations to address the root causes of housing insecurity and homelessness, not just the symptoms.”

The afternoon featured a thought-provoking panel focused on mobilising corporate leadership for social impact ahead of Brisbane 2032 and the role cross-sector collaboration can play in building stronger and more connected communities.

Joining Ms Cooke, panellists included Jackson Hills, a respected community sector leader with expertise in housing, policy and advocacy; Vicki Howard, Brisbane City Councillor and Civic Cabinet Chair for Community and the Arts; Professor Cameron Parsell, Professor of Social Sciences at The University of Queensland and ARC Industry Fellow; and Simon Forsyth, CEO of The Village Retirement Group.

Cr Howard said the true legacy of Brisbane 2032 would be measured not only by infrastructure, but by the lasting social impact created for communities across Queensland.

“It’s not going to be about the infrastructure. It’s going to be about the legacy that is left as a result of the Olympics and Paralympics,” Cr Howard said.

“The answer to homelessness is to provide housing for all, and while great work is already happening across Brisbane, we know we need to put the accelerator on some of that work. Brisbane has a real opportunity to shine in 2032.”

Discussions explored what meaningful corporate leadership for social impact looks like in practice, with Mr Hills calling for stronger system-wide responses to homelessness and long-term structural reform and Professor Parsell drawing on research into poverty, homelessness and evidence-led approaches to social disadvantage.

Mr Forsyth highlighted the role of the corporate and development sectors in driving social outcomes through cross-sector collaboration; while Ms Cooke emphasised Anglicare’s frontline experience and the importance of integrated, person-centred approaches to housing and homelessness support.

Panellists also reflected on the opportunity Brisbane 2032 presents to create a lasting social legacy for Queenslanders experiencing disadvantage, emphasising that success should be measured not only by infrastructure and economic outcomes, but by the positive and lasting impact left on communities.

Funds raised by the event will go towards Anglicare’s Youth Homelessness Accommodation Service, which will provide 30 apartments for young people aged 16-25 who are experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness.

The project goes beyond providing safe accommodation, with an integrated focus on building stability and independence through trauma-informed support, education and employment pathways, life skills development, and strong community connection.

The event welcomed representatives from Anglican schools and the wider Anglican community, with many attendees describing the event as a valuable opportunity for connection, learning and meaningful conversation.

Anglicare Southern Queensland is continuing to build partnerships with schools, churches, businesses and community organisations that want to make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable Queenslanders through volunteering, fundraising, advocacy and community engagement initiatives.