For Annie, a loyal yourtown myplace supporter of many years, winning the stunning Maroochy River Prize Home felt like stepping into a dream.
A proud mum of six, grandmother to four, and owner of a lovable border collie, Sasha, Annie’s life changed forever with one unforgettable phone call.
A life-changing moment
It was an ordinary day when Annie received the call that would transform her family's future.
"I’d just sat down to rest my knee when the phone rang," she recalls.
"My daughter and husband were with me, and we put it on speaker. When Tracy Adams, the yourtown CEO, said we had won, all I could ask was, 'Is this real?'"
The excitement was immediate — and Annie’s next question came naturally: "Can we see it this afternoon?"
The unforgettable handover
Just two and a half hours after the life-changing call, Annie and her family arrived to find not just a house, but a home lovingly prepared for them.
"The handover day felt like winning the Olympics," Annie laughs. "It was like standing on the podium for a medal!"
The day was made even more magical with the yourtown team greeting Annie with a bottle of champagne and a stunning gourmet platter.
"They made us feel so special. It wasn’t just about handing over keys — it was about welcoming us into a new life."
Holding onto the dream
Annie believes that imagining the full experience is a huge part of keeping the dream of winning alive.
"When you’re visualising winning a Prize Home, don’t just think about the house,” she says.
“Think about the moment you’re handed the keys — the feeling that it’s all real. That moment is something you’ll never forget."
And her advice to future supporters?
"Just do it! Yes, there's the hope of winning, but there's also the incredible satisfaction of knowing you're making a difference in a young person's life through yourtown."
A fresh start for the family
Winning the yourtown Maroochy River Prize Home means so much more than just a new house — it’s a completely fresh start.
"We were facing major renovations on our old house, but now, we don’t have to do a thing," Annie says. "Best of all, we’ll be able to help our kids too."
The family plans to sell their Bribie Island home and move into their stunning new country retreat, fulfilling a long-held dream of retiring to the countryside.
A heart full of gratitude
True to their giving spirit, Annie and her family are donating many of their current belongings to a local charity that supports women escaping domestic violence.
"We received a gift, and now we want to pass it on," Annie says warmly.
Annie’s story is a beautiful reminder of the real power behind yourtown Prize Homes — helping dreams come true, supporting young Australians through services like Kids Helpline, and inspiring hope for a better future.
