5. Community

AU: Back William’s rally for cancer research 

👓 2 minute read

William Bonnici of FN Bonnici & Associates (Wodonga, Beechworth, Thurgoona) is preparing to tackle the Spring 2026 Shitbox Rally, raising funds for Cancer Council and vital cancer research. 

William and teammate Carey will drive ‘Maureen’, their well-travelled 2000 Toyota Corolla, approximately 3,400 kilometres from Adelaide to Darwin in August. The route will take them through some of Australia’s most remote and demanding country – all in a car valued at no more than $1,500. 

Maureen has already completed rallies from Mackay to Darwin in 2022 and Bendigo to Townsville in 2024. She now carries a red First National Commercial sticker for her next adventure. 

The team has raised more than $18,000+ towards its $20,000 target, but there is still ground to cover. Every donation goes directly to Cancer Council and helps fund research into the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. 

Many members have already supported William and Carey. If you can help them move closer to their target, please make a tax-deductible donation through their official fundraising page. 

Every contribution helps – and we look forward to following Maureen’s progress north. 

Thank you to the following members who have contributed so far: 

• FN National Support Office (VIC) 

• FN Murray Bridge (SA) 

• FN Casino (NSW) 

• FN Tweed Sutherland (VIC) 

• FN Marschall (SA) 

• FN Springfield (QLD) 

• FN Mackay, Sarina & Nebo (QLD) 

• FN Bonnici & Associates (NSW/VIC) 

• FN Candappa (VIC) 

• FN Townsville (QLD) 

• FN Point Cook (VIC) 

AU: Property Management at its most human 

👓 2 minute read 

Property managers do far more than administer tenancies, organise maintenance and conduct inspections. At times, their judgement and compassion can help change the direction of someone’s life. 

The team at FN Neilson Partners (Narre Warren, Berwick, Pakenham, Officer - VIC) recently received a moving message from a renter who had escaped family violence with her two sons. 

Rebuilding their lives was difficult. Despite circumstances beyond their control, the family repeatedly encountered closed doors while trying to secure a safe home. That changed when they met Property Manager Kim Rosser. 

The renter thanked Kim for looking beyond the paperwork and recognising a mother trying to protect her children. By helping the family secure a home, Kim and the FN Neilson Partners rental team provided the safety and stability they needed to begin recovering. 

Her message also recognised the kindness, respect and professionalism shown by Kim, Rental Department Manager Rebecca Lawson and the reception team throughout the tenancy. 

‘The work you do is so much more than property management,’ she wrote. ‘Sometimes, whether you realise it or not, you help change the course of someone’s life.’ 

The story is a powerful reminder of the work property managers undertake every day. They often meet people during periods of significant change or vulnerability and must balance legal obligations, commercial responsibilities and the needs of rental providers with a clear understanding of the person in front of them. 

It also reinforces why First National supports RizeUp Australia. Although RizeUp was not directly involved in this case, its work helping people affected by domestic and family violence closely reflects the need that Kim and her colleagues recognised. 

Congratulations to Kim, Rebecca and the entire FN Neilson Partners property management team. Their professionalism, sound judgement and humanity allowed one family to feel safe, rebuild and move forward.