SunnyKids was established in 1999 as a Domestic and Family Violence service on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia. Then known as Najidah – the service partnered with government and the community to build and purchase a series of properties in the region to accommodate women and children escaping Domestic Violence.
By 2003 we were providing 7000 nights accommodation per year with 75% of this provided to children; and with many of those children representing the third generation of their family to live in refuge, it had become clear that something had to be done to break the cycles of poverty and disadvantage that were leading so many children into refuge accommodation.
Between 2003 and 2009 SunnyKids quietly went about the business of developing integrated support systems and child focussed programs. Emergency accommodation for families grew to 10,000 nights per year. Our outstanding efforts in these areas were rewarded with improved outcomes for children, and recognition through a number of national awards programs.
- 2005 National Community Housing Awards
- 2006 National Crime and Violence Awards
- 2006 Suicide Prevention Australia Awards
- 2007 National Volunteer Management Awards
- 2008 Givewell National Charity Awards
- 2009 Westpac Community Idol
In 2009, with multiple requests to establish similar programs in communities across Australia – the SunnyKids partners program, and SunnyKids childrens charity were established. Today SunnyKids is establishing:
- A national affiliation – delivering crisis and early intervention services for children throughout Australia
- A collaborative resource development and distribution network
- A national brand advocating for the needs of under served and disadvantaged children; and raising funds to support childrens services.
