Lacing up to help kids in need
Every June for the past 6 years, PhoenixDX team members hit the pavement — running and walking throughout the month to raise funds for one of Australia's most important causes - The Smith Family Dream Run.
In Australia, one in six children experiences disadvantage, missing out on the learning essentials they need to succeed at school. The Smith Family's Dream Run helps change that, funding financial, personal, and practical educational support for students who need it most.
What we love about The Dream Run is that it's for everyone. Participants choose their own pace and activity — whether that's 50km or 100km, running or walking — making it a genuinely inclusive community challenge.
Our 2026 Dream Run team logged an impressive 493 km and raised $525 to help give Australian children a better shot at education. Our team included:
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Juan Martin - Co-Founder + Director
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Ruki Kurukulasuriya - Senior Customer Manager
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Patricia Gailey - Head of Marketing
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Sean Chamberlin - Principal Consultant + Solution Architect
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Margaret Mendoza - Business / Technical Analyst
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Gabriella de Sousa - Designer
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Joao Melo — Director of Delivery + OutSystems MVP
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John Salamat — Tech Lead & OutSystems MVP
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Hanno Coetzee — Tech Lead & OutSystems MVP
Their words say it best:
"This is my third time doing The Dream Run. As a newcomer to this beautiful country, it's my way of giving back. Small gestures, when added together, can have a big impact." — John Salamat
"Many kids don't have the privilege of a well-resourced education. The least I can do is show them that someone out there gives a damn." — Hanno Coetzee
A huge thank you to every team member who laced up and every supporter who donated to the 2026 Dream Run team. Every contribution makes a real difference to a child's education.
At PhoenixDX, we believe in showing up for the communities we operate in. Beyond the Dream Run, we donate 1% of profits to The Smith Family, offer team members an additional day of leave to volunteer with a registered charity, and contribute software and staff time to digital initiatives for charities across Australia.
