16 February 2026: SunnyKids has strengthened its commitment to supporting vulnerable children and young people with the acquisition of Altitude Scholarships, which will now operate as a dedicated program within the SunnyKids organisation.
The strategic integration enhances SunnyKids’ capacity to provide educational scholarships, mentorship and long-term opportunity pathways for students across South East Queensland. Altitude Scholarships will continue delivering its established program, now backed by the broader infrastructure, governance and community reach of SunnyKids
SunnyKids CEO Kathleen Hope said the acquisition represents a natural and values-aligned evolution for both organisations.
“Education is one of the most powerful protective factors in a young person’s life. By bringing Altitude Scholarships into SunnyKids, we are strengthening our ability to walk alongside children and young people not only through crisis, but into a future defined by opportunity and achievement,” Ms Hope said.
“This integration ensures continuity for current students and families, while expanding the depth of support available to them. It also enables us to grow the program sustainably and extend its reach to more young people who would benefit from educational assistance and mentorship.”
Altitude Scholarships has built a strong reputation for providing financial support, mentoring and practical guidance to students facing disadvantage, helping them remain engaged in education and pursue further study or career pathways.
Chairman of Altitude Scholarships, Andrew Pierpoint, said joining SunnyKids marks an important new chapter.
“From the outset, Altitude Scholarships has been focused on giving young people the opportunity to thrive through education. Becoming part of SunnyKids allows us to amplify that impact,” Mr Pierpoint said.
“Our students will continue to receive the scholarships and mentoring they rely on, with the added benefit of SunnyKids’ established networks and wraparound support services. Together, we can support more young people to realise their potential.”
Principal of Noosa District State High School, Stacy Wilmore, said access to educational opportunity can be life-changing for young people.
“These scholarships provide practical support that removes barriers and enables students to fully engage in their learning and broader school experience. For many families, this funding makes opportunities that may otherwise be out of reach possible. It is incredibly rewarding to see students grow in confidence and aspiration through a program that recognises their potential and invests in their future.”
Current Altitude students and families will experience no disruption to their scholarships or mentoring arrangements, with all existing commitments continuing under the SunnyKids banner
The acquisition further positions SunnyKids as a leader in child welfare and educational support in the region, reinforcing its holistic approach to breaking cycles of disadvantage through early intervention, family support and long-term opportunity creation.
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