A family home in Clovelly has delivered a rare windfall for education support across Australia, after a beachfront property sold for more than $10 million with every dollar directed to helping disadvantaged students — a move that is expected to support about 1,300 young people and leave a lasting mark on the local community.
The Surfside Avenue property sold at auction on 14 February 2026, with the proceeds donated to children’s education charity The Smith Family, following the wishes of the late Dr Karen Duggan, a cardiovascular physician and medical researcher who had supported the organisation for decades.
A local legacy shaped by giving
The five-bedroom home, set beside Clovelly Beach with direct access to the shoreline, had been in the same family since the 1950s. Dr Duggan inherited the property from her parents and later directed in her will that its sale should help children facing financial barriers to education.
Family members who oversaw the estate described the decision as consistent with Dr Duggan’s long-standing focus on education and community care. She had worked as an associate professor of medicine at the University of New South Wales and helped establish the biotechnology firm Vectus Biosystems, reflecting a career built on research and education.
The property’s auction drew a large crowd of residents, prospective buyers and charity representatives, highlighting the strong local interest in the sale and its purpose. Eight bidders registered for the auction, with competitive offers pushing the final price to $10.425 million.
The real estate agents handling the sale also contributed to the cause, donating their commission to increase the funds directed to the charity. Details of the property listing were published by PPD Real Estate, which confirmed that the full proceeds were pledged to support disadvantaged students.
Support for students nationwide
The Smith Family, a national organisation working with families across Australia, provides financial assistance for school costs such as uniforms, books and digital devices, along with programs that help parents support their children’s learning.
The donation from the Clovelly sale is expected to help fund education support for about 1,300 students over five years through the charity’s programs. The organisation has described the contribution as creating meaningful long-term support for young people and their families.
A statement shared by The Smith Family said the funds would strengthen its Learning for Life scholarships, which help children stay engaged in school and build future opportunities.
A moment that brought the community together
Coverage of the Clovelly auction described a strong turnout, with neighbours, media crews and local families gathering to watch the sale unfold.
For many residents, the outcome reflected the property’s close ties to the suburb’s history. The home had been a familiar part of the neighbourhood for generations, and its sale for charitable purposes created a shared sense of local pride.
Published 17-Feb-2026
