Surprising things Aussies do to ‘manifest’ winning a dream home as Australia’s biggest ever prize unveiled
- Written by: Times Media
Dream Home Art Union has unveiled its biggest prize in its 70-year history supporting veterans - a $15.5M Sunshine Coast prize package while also revealing the lengths people go to in manifesting the win.
“Our story began in the spirit of mateship, born from the need to support veterans facing immense challenges after World War 1. In 1956 Dream Home Art Union was created as a sustainable way to fundraise for RSL Queensland and 70 years on still provides vital funding for veteran services and programs.,” said Ben Sawkins, General Manager Lotteries at Dream Home Art Union.
“Valued at £7,237, the very first prize included a fully furnished Dream Home, complete with a refrigerator, washing machine as well as a Hillman Californian Sedan
“Over its 70-year lifespan Dream Home Art Union has raised vital funds for veteran support services through its charity prize homes, with the biggest ever prize draw unveiled this month - an entire complex of four luxury apartments with 180-degrees sweeping views of Kings Beach,” said Mr Sawkins.
The Sunshine Coast Kingdom, on a hilltop in Caloundra, with three fully furnished luxury apartments as well as a penthouse crowned by a rooftop terrace with spa and outdoor kitchen. Rates, water and body corporate covered for a year as well as $250,000 in gold bullion. Combined the four homes have an estimated rental income of $265,200 per year.
“It shows how much the program has grown, and how Australians’ dreams have changed over time.”
“Alongside the growth in prize value, a unique culture of manifestation has emerged among the entrants.
“We hear incredible stories from our winners about what they do leading up to a draw to attract that positive energy, whether it’s speaking the win into existence or visiting the home beforehand, there’s a strong sense of belief and optimism that’s become part of the experience,” Mr Sawkins said.
Some of the ways entrants say they are “manifesting” a win include:
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Redirecting their mail to the prize home address
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Speaking about the property as if it’s already theirs
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Assigning bedrooms and planning layouts
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Driving past or visiting prize homes before the draw
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Only entering specific draws, such as the Christmas draw, hoping to win at the “perfect” time
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Buying extra tickets based on a dream
“We regularly hear from winners who say they ‘felt’ it was their time,” as there’s often a mindset that they’ve already won before the draw even takes place.”
The charity has proudly supported RSL Queensland for 70 years, raising vital funds to assist veterans and their families with housing, employment, health and wellbeing..
In 2025 alone:
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7,563 veterans and their families were supported to improve their health and wellbeing
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5,293 claims and appeals were submitted to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA)
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267 jobs were secured for veterans and their partners
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227 veterans and families were housed in safe, permanent accommodation
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4,670 individuals were supported through Veteran & Family Wellbeing Centres nationally
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2,240 veterans enrolled in online wellbeing programs
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10,104 mental health and rehabilitation sessions were delivered
“Whether it’s a simple ticket or a deeply held belief, every entry represents the possibility of something extraordinary while also supporting veterans and their families,” Mr Sawkins said.
About Dream Home Art Union
Dream Home Art Union is the fundraising arm of RSL Queensland, offering Australians the chance to win luxury homes while supporting veterans and their families. In 2026, it is proudly celebrating 70 years of making dreams come true - for winners, veterans, and the families who stand beside them. What started as a legacy of giving back has grown into a tradition that continues to change lives across generations.
Dream Home Art Union is the fundraising arm of RSL Queensland, offering Australians the chance to win luxury homes while supporting veterans and their families. In 2026, it is proudly celebrating 70 years of making dreams come true - for winners, veterans, and the families who stand beside them. What started as a legacy of giving back has grown into a tradition that continues to change lives across generations.
Dream Home Art Union Draw 432 | AU432L | $15,509,132 | Tickets $10 | Close: 8pm (AEST) Wed 1 Jul 2026 | Drawn: 10am (AEST) Wed 8 Jul 2026 | T&Cs apply
