The owners of a Sunshine Coast educational publishing company have been nominated for a major philanthropy award for their work supporting families escaping domestic and family violence.
Ann Smales and Peter Stannard from Buderim-based Firefly Education were shortlisted for the 2025 Queensland Philanthropy Awards.
Their nomination, made by SunnyKids and announced during Queensland Philanthropy Week, recognises their role in the SunnyKids Transitional Housing Project.
The project, a direct response to the growing housing crisis on the Sunshine Coast, aims to create safe, supported transitional housing for vulnerable families.
The first stage of the project – three townhouses with three bedrooms and two bathrooms – is fully funded thanks to the couple and well into construction. Ms Smales and Mr Stannard also donated the land on which the homes will be built.
“We believe every family deserves the opportunity to live in a safe and stable home,” Mr Stannard said.
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“Supporting this project through SunnyKids is our way of giving families a second chance – one that empowers them to move forward with dignity and hope.”
The idea for the project began after they attended a SunnyKids P100 event and heard firsthand the devastating impact of the housing crisis on local families. Their vision quickly took shape with the support of SunnyKids CEO Kathleen Hope and builder James McCartney.
“These homes will provide more than just a roof over a family’s head, they will offer the support, stability and space to heal and move toward independence,” Ms Hope said.
“We are deeply grateful to Firefly Education for being the catalyst to make this vision a reality.”
As long-time supporters of SunnyKids, Ms Smales and Mr Stannard have involved the entire Firefly Education team in hands-on activities, from assembling bikes and flat-pack desks for children in refuge, to promoting awareness and fundraising within their networks.
“We feel incredibly honoured to be nominated,” Ms Smales said.
“This project has been a true labour of love for our team. While Firefly’s work in education has a broad impact nationally, this initiative has allowed us to do something deeply meaningful for our own community here on the Sunshine Coast.”
The winners of the Queensland Philanthropy Awards were announced last Friday.
It comes after SunnyKids held its inaugural $100K Challenge in May, raising $101,788 – which will be matched dollar-for-dollar, unlocking a total of $203,576 in vital support for children and families escaping domestic and family violence.
The campaign, which ran throughout Domestic Violence Awareness Month, saw individuals, businesses and community groups from across the Sunshine Coast unite to support the Transitional Housing Project.
“This is what community looks like,” Ms Hope said. “Thanks to the generosity of our supporters – and one extraordinary Sunshine Coast philanthropist who pledged to match every eligible dollar – we’ve raised over $200,000 to provide safety, stability and a fresh start for families in crisis.
“It’s a game-changer.”
