Debbie Palmer (Cosman)

As a Property Management Corporate Trainer, one of my favourite questions to ask has always been: “How would you feel if you were in their shoes?

For almost 40 years, my career has centred around educating and inspiring Property Managers, whose core role is built around one basic human need ~ helping people find a place to call home.

After spending 10 years working as a Property Manager, I established PPM Group in 2000 with a passion for educating, supporting and helping shape the mindset of Property Managers and Real Estate professionals across Australia.

Over the past 25 years, I have spoken at franchise group events, trained thousands of Property Managers and Business Owners, published “The Investor’ newsletter read by hundred’s of thousands of landlords, consulted to the industry and hosted the PPM National Property Management Conference ~ now recognised as the longest-running independently owned Property Management conference in the Southern Hemisphere.

Another message I have consistently shared throughout my training is: “Working Smarter Not Harder” ~ because meaningful change often begins with greater awareness, compassion and people coming together to help solve the challenges many Australians are facing.

Because behind every tenancy, rental application or housing struggle is a real person with a story.

This year, joining the Vinnies CEO Sleepout is something deeply personal and something that has been on my bucket list for many years.

And right now, one thing has become increasingly difficult to ignore ~ more Australians than ever are struggling to simply keep a roof over their heads.

Over the years, I have taken the time to speak with homeless people and many suffering mental illness on the Gold Coast ~ to listen to their stories. What impacted me most is that they are ordinary people who have experienced extraordinary hardship.

A job loss.

Domestic violence.

Illness.

Relationship breakdown.

Financial pressure.

Or, life struggles in general.

Sometimes all it takes is one life event for someone’s world to change.

Homelessness does not discriminate, and people often think it only happens to ‘someone else’… until it suddenly happens to you or someone you know.

Property Managers, landlords and tenants are all navigating the pressures of a growing housing crisis affecting Australians from all walks of life. 

While no single person or industry can solve homelessness alone, greater awareness, compassion and meaningful conversations are an important step towards change.

This year also marks the 25th anniversary milestone of the PPM National Property Management Conference, with my final event taking place later this year. 

Through a network of more than 20,000 Real Estate and Property Management professionals, I hope to use this platform to help create greater awareness and meaningful support for Australians experiencing homelessness.

And yes… I’m also quietly competitive, so if you’d like to help me raise one of the highest donation totals, I promise to suffer professionally.

Because everybody deserves the dignity of a safe place to sleep.