A man from Brisbane has seen his life transformed after a simple birthday gift from a friend turned into a multi-million dollar windfall, securing him Australia's largest-ever prize home.
The Birthday Gift That Changed Everything
Andrew, whose name has been changed for privacy, received his first Dream Home Art Union raffle tickets as a birthday present on December 1. Intrigued by the stunning property on offer, he later purchased a few more tickets himself. The top prize was a breathtaking $12 million oceanfront home on Queensland's Gold Coast, plus $500,000 in gold.
"A friend bought me my first tickets for my birthday," Andrew explained. "I saw the home and thought, 'wow, that looks great'. We love the Graya Homes and honestly thought we'd never be able to afford something like that."
A Disbelieving Phone Call and a Life-Changing Revelation
Just 22 days after acquiring his tickets, Andrew received a call from Ben, an employee of the Dream Home Art Union. Initially suspecting it was a marketing survey, Andrew was left speechless when Ben revealed he had won the grand prize.
"You're absolutely joking... Are you kidding?" was Andrew's stunned response. The news was indeed real: he had won the Moroccan-inspired four-level property at Burleigh Beach, complete with a 17-metre infinity pool and spa, steam room, outdoor cinema, and five luxurious bedrooms and bathrooms.
The home comes fully furnished with over $483,000 worth of designer furniture and high-end appliances, including a pizza oven. As a buyer of a $100 ticket book, Andrew also received a bonus $100,000 in gold, bringing his total prize value to a staggering $13 million.
Future Plans and a Charitable Cause
Overwhelmed and in tears, Andrew described the win as "incredibly life-changing and very surprising." His immediate plan is to use the gold to pay off bills and ease mortgage pressures. He and his partner, who both work from home, now intend to make the Gold Coast mansion their primary residence while keeping their Brisbane property.
In a poignant twist, the couple had driven to the Gold Coast to view the home just days before the draw, never imagining it would soon be theirs. The proceeds from the raffle tickets support a vital cause, going towards RSL Queensland to aid Australian veterans and their families, a charity the Art Union has backed for nearly 70 years.
