The recent Proptech Awards 2024 succeeded in raising over $5,600 for homelessness relief through a lively silent auction held during the event.
Participants engaged in spirited online bidding via the MarketBuy platform, competing for two exclusive prizes: a distinctive wine experience package from Smidge Wines in McLaren Vale and a conservation initiative from the new proptech startup Square By Square aimed at preserving a segment of tropical rainforest. All proceeds from these auction items were donated to Orange Sky, a charity dedicated to providing mobile laundry and shower services to Australians facing homelessness.
“We are thrilled to use the positive energy from the Proptech Awards to support a cause as impactful as Orange Sky. It’s incredible to see the generous contributions from the evening.”
Peter Schravemade, Vice President of the Proptech Association
He also emphasized the camaraderie within the proptech community, noting how rewarding it was to channel their competitive drive into supporting a meaningful cause. He expressed gratitude to John Hellaby and the MarketBuy team for their support in facilitating the auction through their platform.
Spotlight on the Winners
The Smidge Wines Barrels & BBQ Experience was awarded to Stuart Wilmot from Urban Prospects. This unique package offers a behind-the-scenes barrel tasting for eight, coupled with a wine-paired barbecue lunch hosted by winemaker Matt Wenk.
Josh Callaghan from Little Hinges emerged as the highest bidder for the Square By Square Rainforest item, which allows him to own a square of rainforest land on Djiru Land near Mission Beach in Tropical North Queensland. This land is designated for conservation purposes, with options to sell, gift, or keep it to support habitat preservation.
Best Dressed Highlights
In a fun twist, REACH Australia cohort member and honorary proptech figure Theodore made the most of the formal dress occasion by presenting Best Dressed awards.
Andrew Calagiuri from FlckItOver was honored as Best Dressed Man, and Katrina Bignasca from Asseti was named Best Dressed Woman. Both received a $1,500 gift voucher for custom-made suits.
The Best Dressed competition was a standout feature of the evening, reflecting the significant transformation of the awards from their more casual beginnings in 2020 to a much more glamorous event in 2024. The organizers are eager to continue this exciting evolution and build on these successful elements for the 2025 awards.
