First National’s Chief Executive Officer, David Edwards, said the partnership formalises an alignment to fighting domestic violence that has already seen the network invest heavily in specialist training for its property managers.
‘Our people are often the first professionals to recognise when a tenancy has become unsafe,’ Mr Edwards said.
‘Over recent years we have equipped our property managers with the skills to respond sensitively, discreetly and in full compliance with legislation.
Partnering with RizeUp allows us to move from awareness to action – channelling our nationwide resources into supporting RizeUp’s excellent work in creating safe, fully furnished homes for those who urgently need a fresh start.’
Founded in 2015, RizeUp Australia works exclusively through frontline domestic-violence services, furnishing new tenancies and supplying critical household essentials within hours of referral.
Its model dovetails naturally with a real estate network whose daily business centres on housing, logistics and community connections.
RizeUp’s Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Nicolle Edwards, welcomed the announcement.
“Real estate professionals know better than most just how life-changing a safe and welcoming home can be,” Ms Edwards said.
“With First National’s reach, the generosity of their volunteers, and the power of their fundraising, our programmes will not only grow — they will restore dignity and hope to victim-survivors who have already endured far too much.
“First National Real Estate has already assisted us with the furnishing of a new home in Victoria. This pilot will serve as an example for how offices across its national network can support RizeUp, in addition to fundraising and other initiatives.”
The partnership will see First National sales agents and property managers participate in individual and nationally coordinated fundraising initiatives, as well as volunteering via RizeUp’s ‘Homes Programme’ to help set up homes with carefully curated new furnishings – so when families move in, they feel immediately that it’s ‘their home’ and safe place.
First National Foundation Chair Suzi Cowperthwaite emphasised that the relationship aligns precisely with the Foundation’s mandate to strengthen the communities in which its agents live and work.
‘By combining our industry’s practical know-how with RizeUp’s proven programmes we can deliver immediate, measurable outcomes for families in crisis,’ Ms Cowperthwaite said.
