With a warm smile and a heart full of purpose, Maree Ratcliffe is the passionate force behind fuel Café and Solid Ground Coffee, two much-loved local businesses with community at their core. Alongside her husband John, Maree has spent nearly two decades immersed in the café industry, dedicated to serving wholesome food, ethically sourced coffee, and kindness with every interaction.
Alexandra Phillipa (“Pippa”) Colman is the Founder and Director of Pippa Colman Family Law, a long-established firm known for its compassionate and expert support for families navigating crisis. With a career spanning decades, Pippa has built a practice that not only delivers trusted legal advice, but also champions education as a tool for empowerment—both for the wider community and the next generation of legal professionals.
As long-time supporters of SunnyKids, Ann Smales and Peter Stannard of Firefly Education have played a pivotal role in bringing the Transitional Housing Project to life. The idea for the project began with a conversation and a vision—Ann and Peter approached SunnyKids CEO Kathleen Hope with land and a desire to make a meaningful, long-term difference for families in need.
Coastal View Homes Pty Ltd has played a vital role in bringing SunnyKids’ Transitional Housing Project to life. With decades of experience and a heart for community, James and Kerrie McCartney have contributed their expertise and services at a discounted rate, ensuring high-quality homes are built with compassion and care.
Talking Business Co is proud to support the SunnyKids Transitional Housing Project by providing essential internet and telephony services to each home at a greatly discounted rate. Their contribution ensures that families in crisis are not just housed, but connected—giving them access to support services, job opportunities, education, and a vital link to community.
Griffiths Parry Lawyers & Notary is a long-time supporter of SunnyKids and a proud contributor to the Transitional Housing Project, offering critical legal support to help bring the project to life. Their expertise ensured a smooth and favourable outcome for SunnyKids in securing the land and agreements necessary to begin building safe, stable homes for vulnerable families on the Sunshine Coast.
Justin and Jodi Veivers, business owners of The Branding Office, are not just experts in branded merchandise—they’re passionate community builders. For over 13 years, this dynamic duo has combined creativity with purpose, helping businesses, schools, charities, and community groups bring their messages to life through custom apparel, stationery and tech gadgets, drinkware, promotional products, onboarding kits, and more.
Lisa Aitken, Managing Director of Aitken Legal, is a trailblazer in the world of employment law and a passionate advocate for giving back to the community. As the founder of one of the Sunshine Coast’s most respected specialist law firms, Lisa has not only shaped the way employers approach employment law but has also demonstrated how small businesses can have a big impact.
Brett and Sandra Mitchell are the proud owners of a business dedicated to supplying high-quality tile equipment and products for tilers, landscapers, pool builders, and DIYers across the Sunshine Coast. With a passion for growth and development, they saw the opportunity to contribute to the region’s progress while providing top-notch service with a smile.
The Sunshine Coast Wanderers Football Club is thrilled to announce a monumental partnership withSunnyKids, a leading organisation dedicated to supporting vulnerable children and families in the SunshineCoast community.
SunnyKids receives recognition for outstanding contribution to supporting children and families facing domestic violence and hardship.
SunnyKids, a leading provider of emotional support and wraparound services for children and families affected by domestic violence and hardship, has been awarded the prestigious Social Impact Category (Large Business) at the 2024 Sunshine Coast Business Awards. The annual awards ceremony, which recognises exceptional business achievements across a wide range of sectors, honoured SunnyKids for its transformative work in improving the lives of vulnerable children and families in the region.
SunnyKids,
a leading charity dedicated to supporting vulnerable children and families experience domestic
violence and hardship, is expanding its services into the Moreton Bay region, bringing vital resources,
advocacy, and support to a community in need.
Ashley Gullo is the Founder and Director of Brandon & Gullo Lawyers, one of the largest law firms on the Sunshine Coast. As a personal injury firm, Brandon & Gullo Lawyers helps individuals navigate claims after car accidents and workplace injuries. Through expert legal guidance, Ashley and his team ensure their clients receive the compensation they deserve to cover treatment, lost wages, and future financial stability.
Paul Nogueira, Principal at Worrells Sunshine Coast, is a dedicated Small Business Restructuring Practitioner, Liquidator, and Bankruptcy Trustee with a passion for helping individuals and businesses navigate financial difficulties. With years of experience in insolvency and restructuring, Paul leads his team in providing practical advice and solutions to support clients during challenging times.
Trevor Larkins, Executive Partner and Co-Founder of Sunny Advertising, has been a driving force in helping businesses across the Sunshine Coast achieve their goals. Specialising in traditional media, digital marketing, and PR/communications, Trevor and his team are committed to delivering innovative solutions that foster growth and success for their clients.
Jaymee Morrison, General Manager of TOWN Pty Ltd, leads a team dedicated to delivering exceptional real estate services for both residential and commercial clients across the Sunshine Coast. With over 155 combined years of industry experience, TOWN has become known not just for their expertise, but for their passion for helping people find their perfect property.
Gavin Smith, Founder and Financial Coach at The Profit Analyst, is passionate about helping Sunshine Coast businesses achieve financial clarity, confidence, and growth. Through the Profit & Cashflow Mastery coaching program, Gavin provides business owners with the tools, education, and strategies they need to simplify financial management, boost profitability, and improve cash flow. His mission is to empower entrepreneurs to build sustainable and thriving businesses.
Peter Jones leads a business that specialises in motorsport services, vehicle storage, sales, and maintenance. Based on the Sunshine Coast, JONES Motorsport & CARS are built on passion, with every team member sharing a love for motorsport and special vehicles delivering excellence to the local community.
Scott Harrison, the owner of Scott Harrison Media, brings years of marketing and advertising expertise to the Sunshine Coast community. With a career in media that began in 2005, Scott has built his business on the power of connection, helping people and businesses forge relationships that truly make a difference.
At the heart of the Sunshine Coast business community is KBAS Bookkeeping, a dynamic and trusted provider of bookkeeping, payroll, business advisory, and BAS agent services. Led by Karen Hirst, the driving force behind the business, KBAS has spent a decade helping local businesses thrive by simplifying their bookkeeping and giving them the tools to grow.
Sally Desch, Director of HRM Contracting & Consulting, has been at the forefront of connecting people with their dream roles and supporting businesses with tailored HR solutions for two decades.
Fiona Simpson MP, the Member for Maroochydore, has dedicated her career to serving the Sunshine Coast community. As the Minister for Women and Women’s Economic Security, Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, and Minister for Multiculturalism, Fiona plays a pivotal role in advocating for the needs of her region while championing inclusivity, equality, and growth.
Kristen Beckhaus, Director Solicitor at Beckhaus Legal, brings a wealth of expertise to the Sunshine Coast community, specialising in family law, wills and estates, civil disputes, estate administration and litigation, criminal and traffic matters, powers of attorney, and advanced health directives.
Leisa Toomey, Director of Toomey Family Law, leads a team dedicated to supporting clients through some of life’s most challenging moments. Specialising in family law, Leisa and her team are committed to providing compassionate legal services to the Sunshine Coast community.
Victor Woll, Director of Alexander and Co Consulting, is passionate about empowering local business owners through financial clarity. His firm specialises in cashflow forecasting, helping enterprises gain a clear understanding of their performance and position. This focus not only supports immediate decision-making but also enables long-term planning, empowering business owners for their future journey.
92.7 MIX FM and 91.9 SEA FM exemplify the power of connection through voice. Positioned as influential community leaders, these stations use their platforms to tell meaningful stories, deliver important messages, and connect the Sunshine Coast community in a high-profile yet sensitive way. Through their daily engagement with local charities like SunnyKids, they have become an integral part of the region’s social foundation, promoting awareness and driving positive change.
Southern Cross Austereo – LiSTNR, offer a range of marketing services designed to engage and inform the local community. From TV and radio to digital audio targeting on their LiSTNR platform, they bring businesses and audiences together!
“Every day is different. We work with incredible businesses and people, providing creative solutions that make a difference. Our office is always buzzing with energy, with the music turned up loud on LiSTNR!”
Tanya McDonough is the Managing director of Gold Buyers Online and the proud sponsor of the SunnyKids Luncheon for Melbourne Cup.
Ferre De Deyne is the owner of Big Kart Track, one of the Sunshine Coast’s major tourist attractions and the largest commercial kart track in Australia! He is also one of this year’s sponsors of our 25th SunnyKids Anniversary Ball.
Kelli Martin, Managing Partner and the team at KLM Solicitors are proud sponsors of this year’s SunnyKids 25th Anniversary Charity Ball. With a team of legal specialists covering a wide variety of experience, KLM are passionate about supporting their clients with the most practical legal advice. Helping their clients every step of the way with down-to-earth, quality legal representation.
Meeting people and getting to know their stories is something I enjoy,” says Hilary. “Everyone is different. I like being able to help people at a difficult time in their lives and hopefully take some stress off their shoulders. I also love a good puzzle and estate planning is essentially putting all the pieces together.
SunnyKids celebrates 25 years of service on the Sunshine Coast, with Mayor Rosanna Natoli set to be its new patron. On 27th August Mayor Natoli will be officially recognised as the new SunnyKids patron at a special event at Kuluin State School.
Jodi Price, Director of LJ Hooker Mooloolaba|Mountain Creek has been a loyal supporter of SunnyKids for over 11 years. Giving back to the community in which she lives is something Jodi feels extremely passionate about. To have Jodi and the LJ Hooker Mooloolaba|Mountain Creek team be a sponsor of this year’s major event is quite special to us.
Ky Vogler, Dealer Principal and the team at Pacific Ford are proud sponsors of this year’s SunnyKids 25th Anniversary Charity Ball. With a steadfast commitment to helping those facing adversity, Pacific Ford have been dedicated supporters of SunnyKids since 2018.
When Greg Tindall, Practice Principal & Certified Financial Planner at MiQ Private Wealth, joined the SunnyKids P100 Village ten years ago, little did he know the profound impact his ongoing generosity and support would have on thousands of vulnerable women and children on the Coast.
With customer service at the very heart of Paul Nay’s business, PMCN Consulting, it’s easy to see why he’s been so committed to SunnyKids and is a founding member of our P100 Village.
It’s hard to believe that ten years ago we had just a small group of P100 members who helped form what we now know as our P100 Village. Shaping the landscape of our regular giving program and paving the way for the growth of an incredible community of like-minded and generous individuals who continually support our cause.
Our founding members helped pave the way for what is now an extremely successful regular giving program for SunnyKids. We hope our founding members are inspired by the notion, that without their initial support and generosity ten years ago, we would not be where we are today.
When Ferre De Deyne, owner of the Big Kart Track became a founding P100 member ten years ago, little did he know that he would become part of a very special group in the eyes of the SunnyKids Village.
There’s a passion for giving back that underpins Maeva Hospitality and forms the fabric of their vision. Supporting a number of registered charities and sporting clubs and raising over $750,000 over the past 10 years. This is a monumental achievement and says a lot about the heart and soul of this dynamic duo.
The mind is a powerful tool and has the capacity to influence many aspects of our thinking and daily functioning. Mandy specialises in coaching individuals, professionals, teams and athletes, helping them overcome obstacles so they’re able to reach their personal and professional goals.
The Travis Schultz Winemakers Master Class event backed by NAB Private Wealth for SunnyKids raises over $187,000 for SunnyKids. Sunshine Coast businesses dig deep, coming together to raise vital funds for vulnerable children.
Marlon Platt, Founder of the web app Tickt, is an innovative connector. Designing what could only be described as every builder’s best friend, Tickt saves builders and project managers valuable time and keeps their projects moving.
We’d like to welcome John Calcino, owner of The Post Office Bar & Nightclub on Ocean St, Maroochydore, to the SunnyKids P100 village. With a love for entertainment and music, John’s dedicated to ensuring the ‘Posty’ provides just that. The ‘Posty’ has become an institution within the entertainment space on the Coast.
Lyn Moore, Sunshine Coast Quota Club President, was only seven years of age when she began actively volunteering in her local community. Growing up in a small country town, where rallying together and supporting each other was second nature,
One Tuesday morning last year, we received a referral from the police to check in with a 42-year-old woman called Bec who had experienced significant trauma during a violent incident at her home.
What is it that builds a strong and vibrant community that cares? We think we know the answer. After spending years working alongside loyal SunnyKids P100 members and getting to know the reasons for them supporting our cause, we’ve discovered something special.
Meet Cher and El, owners of Elmari Boutique, a family-owned fashion store which has been operating for over 20 years and is located in three stunning Sunny Coast locations; Mooloolaba, Cotton Tree and Coolum Beach.
This year we’re extremely excited to welcome Zaleta as proud new sponsors of the Travis Schultz Winemakers Master Class backed by NAB Private Wealth for SunnyKids event.
We’re extremely excited to welcome four incredible Australian winemakers to this year’s Travis Schultz Winemakers Master Class backed by NAB Private Wealth for SunnyKids event.
It doesn’t take much to warm to Maree and John Ratcliffe of Solid Ground Coffee, there’s something about the way they make you feel in their company. Both live and breathe all things coffee, so much so, they’ve devoted much of their working life, 19 years in fact, to running cafes.
NAB Private Wealth are proud sponsors of this year’s Travis Schultz Winemakers Master Class, supporting SunnyKids for the seventh consecutive year.
As the name would suggest, Travis Schultz & Partners (TSP) are very proud sponsors of this year’s Travis Schultz Winemakers Master Class. This annual SunnyKids fundraising event was founded by Travis Schultz and has been supported by Travis and his team for 12 years.
We’re excited to have Greg Tindall, Practice Principal at MiQ Private Wealth as one of this year’s sponsors of the Travis Schultz Winemakers Master Class backed by NAB Private Wealth for SunnyKids event.
We’re extremely excited to have Secure Access IT as one of this year’s sponsors of the Travis Schultz Winemakers Master Class backed by NAB Private Wealth for SunnyKids event.
Leisa Toomey, Sole Director and Family Law Accredited Specialist of Toomey Family Law, is one of our proud sponsors of this year’s Travis Schultz Winemakers Master Class backed by NAB Private Wealth for SunnyKids event.
This year we’re excited to announce that Grenfell Murray are proud sponsors of the Travis Schultz Winemakers Master Class backed by NAB Private Wealth for SunnyKids event. Grenfell Murray have been loyal supporters of SunnyKids for almost eight years.
Our Save A Life Tonight campaign provides a family with a safe place to stay for one night before the threat of violence takes place.
The Burlesque L’amour show White Lies, shines a light on the devastating impacts of domestic violence within our community and creates a space for women to feel a sense of belonging. Jordyn has seen firsthand the positive impacts that dance has had on many of the women who join her dance studio.
Hilary Somerville is a Senior Associate Lawyer at Pacific Law on the Sunshine Coast.
Ange Hore is one of our SunnyKids Key Workers in our Women’s and Children’s Family and Domestic Violence Refuge. She started her career with SunnyKids as a student during her counselling placement.
We’re excited to welcome Mal Wright and his team at the Coolum Surf Club to our P100 Village.
To say Sally Desch of HRM is a loyal supporter of SunnyKids, would have to be an understatement. Having been involved with SunnyKids for nearly 10 years she’s been a Board member, the Chair of the Board and a P100 member.
Mandy Woodall is a dedicated SunnyKids volunteer, having been with us for over three years.
We are determined to break the cycle of disadvantage in our community to create a fair and brighter future for all children.
With our 2023 Christmas Appeal just around the corner, we’ve been overwhelmed by the support of local businesses and individuals who wish to get involved with our toy drive and donate to SunnyKids.
Paul’s love for helping small businesses grow might just be the very reason why he is in fact one of our foundation members.
Our volunteers are a HUGE part of SunnyKids and we value the wealth of knowledge and experience that they offer our team.
Jazz Vilnis has been a part of the SunnyKids team since 2021, starting her journey as a student and slowly working towards her current role as Senior Key Worker.
Sarah Crain’s been a SunnyKids employee for over six years. She’s seen it all and has learnt a tremendous amount about domestic and family violence during this time.
Kelly Phelps is the Chief Executive Officer of Travis Schultz & Partners, who is a proud supporter of SunnyKids. It was through her involvement with the annual Travis Schultz Winemakers Masterclass …
Ferre De Deyne is the owner of Big Kart Track, one of the Sunshine Coast’s major tourist attractions and the largest commercial kart track in Australia!
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Level 1, 9 Maud Street
Maroochydore QLD
Phone: 07 5479 0394
Fax: 07 5451 0700
Email: admin@sunnykids.org.au
Winner – Social Impact
SunnyKids acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we work, live and rest. We appreciate the importance of building stronger relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander people to foster a culture of understanding and respect. By listening to their voices, understanding their needs and collaborating we promote healing, mutual understanding and progress towards reconciliation. SunnyKids continue our commitment to embrace diversity, equity and inclusion.
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