Canberra women building change this June
Jessica Stewart and Amy Symonds work in the development team at Ginninderry, where people’s dream homes are brought to life. They spend their days working to improve housing quality, sustainability, and community development in Canberra.
This June, they’re stepping out of the office and into the cold for a night that will fundamentally shift their perspective on the work they do. They’re part of “Women Building Change,” a team of female leaders from across Canberra’s building, construction, and property sectors participating in the Vinnies CEO Sleepout, and their reason for doing it is sobering.
As someone working in housing and community development, you’d think Jessica and Amy would be optimistic. They’re literally building better homes, improving sustainability, designing spaces where people can thrive. But the reality of Canberra’s housing crisis is impossible to ignore when that’s your day job.
“Working in housing makes the reality of the housing crisis impossible to ignore,” Jessica explains. “I work with people building their homes every day, helping them make good choices about creating a comfortable place to live. I’m passionate about my work and the impact I can have on improving the quality and sustainability of housing in Canberra. However, it’s a confronting realisation that so many don’t have a safe, warm, or secure place to live.”
This is the paradox that’s hitting housing professionals across Canberra: they’re building, designing, and developing, while simultaneously witnessing more and more people falling through the cracks. Vinnies is seeing more people each day experiencing homelessness or at risk of falling into it. The cost of living keeps climbing. Housing pressures continue to grow. And the gap between those with homes and those without keeps widening.
The Vinnies CEO Sleepout raises funds to support people experiencing homelessness. People across Canberra who are privileged enough to have a secure and safe home, step out of their comfort zone and into the reality that others face every single night.
Amy is feeling “a mix of anticipation and a deep sense of responsibility.”
“In my day-to-day role at Ginninderry, I’m actively working to build and improve communities,” she says. “So stepping out for a freezing winter night is a grounding way to personally connect with the harsh reality of the crisis we are fighting to change. I feel so privileged to be a part of the Women Building Change team and to be able to participate in this event.”
Jessica and Amy are building change, both in their day jobs and through events like this. They’re using their expertise and willingness to be uncomfortable to raise awareness and much-needed funds for people experiencing homelessness in Canberra.
The question isn’t whether we can afford to support this work. The question is whether we can afford not to.
How you can help
The Vinnies CEO Sleepout is Thursday, 18 June 2026. Jessica and Amy are part of the team making a difference, but they need your support.
You can donate directly to their fundraising efforts:
Every dollar raised goes directly to Vinnies’ vital work supporting those most in need in our community.
