PHOTO: Burleigh Beach.TRIPADVISOR
🎂 A $5 Birthday Gift That Changed Everything
What started as a simple birthday present has turned into one of Australia’s most jaw-dropping good-luck stories.
A Brisbane man known as Andrew has become a multi-millionaire overnight after a mate gifted him a $5 raffle ticket — a move that ended with Andrew winning a $13 million prize package, including a jaw-dropping Gold Coast mansion.
“I thought… are you joking?” Andrew said after receiving the life-changing phone call.
🏡 Inside the $12 Million Gold Coast Dream Home
The headline prize includes a $12 million luxury oceanfront home overlooking Burleigh Beach, paired with an additional $500,000 in gold.
The Moroccan-inspired, four-level property features:
🏖️ Panoramic ocean views
🏊 17-metre infinity pool and spa
🧖 Steam room
🎥 Outdoor cinema
🍕 Designer kitchen with pizza oven
🛏️ Five bedrooms and five bathrooms
🛋️ Nearly $500,000 in designer furniture and appliances
The home was built by luxury specialists Graya Homes, a brand Andrew admitted he never thought he’d be able to afford.
📞 “I Thought It Was a Survey”
The win came just 22 days after Andrew received the raffle tickets.
When the phone rang, he nearly ignored it.
“When Ben from Dream Home Art Union first called, I thought it was about a VIP membership or a survey — because I’m definitely not a VIP,” Andrew said.
Instead, he was told he’d won Australia’s biggest-ever prize home.
“You’re absolutely joking… are you kidding?” he replied, as the reality slowly sank in.
😭 Tears, Shock — and Then the Realisation
Andrew said the moment became real when questions about the property started.
“I just broke down in tears,” he said.
“It’s incredibly life-changing and very surprising.”
As a $100 ticket-book buyer, Andrew also received a bonus $100,000 in gold, on top of the original prize.
“The gold is a substantial amount of money,” he said.
“It really helps with the mortgage and keeps us very comfortable.”
🚗 They’d Already Visited the House — Without Knowing
Just days before the draw, Andrew and his partner had driven two hours from Brisbane to the Gold Coast to see the home in person.
They admired it — never imagining it would soon be theirs.
Now, Andrew says the Gold Coast mansion will likely become their main residence, while keeping their Brisbane home.
“We both work from home,” he laughed.
“So it’s going to be very hard to work from home now.”
❤️ The Cause Behind the Win
Beyond the fairytale ending, the raffle supports a serious cause.
Proceeds from Dream Home Art Union ticket sales help fund RSL Queensland, supporting Australian veterans and their families.
The organisation has been backing RSL Queensland for nearly 70 years, turning dream homes into real-world impact.
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🔑 The Bottom Line
A $5 birthday gift.
A phone call ignored almost by accident.
A $13 million future secured overnight.
For Andrew, it’s proof that sometimes the smallest gesture can change everything.
And for the rest of us?
It’s one of those stories that makes you stop, smile — and check your tickets.
Name has been changed for privacy.
SOURCE: THE DAILY MAIL