Tracy used to sit and look at yourtown Prize Home brochures as a child, dreaming of one day choosing her new bedroom in those million-dollar homes. She never imagined her dreams would one day become reality.
When we handed Tracy the keys to her Coolum Beach Prize Home, her smile told a complex story of hardship, resilience and hope.
Her childhood wasn’t always easy. Growing up in a small town, Tracy often relied on Kids Helpline for support during tough times and vividly remembers how comforting it was to have someone on the other end of the line, always ready to listen.
"Kids Helpline in the 90's used to be the only place out there."
Tracy’s mother was a devoted supporter of our Prize Home draws. As a child, Tracy eagerly awaited the brochures, dreaming of picking out her bedroom. In a full-circle moment, when she won the home, her four daughters were the ones picking their rooms – even negotiating over lollies to seal a room swap!
When Tracy found herself homeless with three kids after her mother’s passing, she moved back to the country, bought a home and was juggling three jobs to avoid bankruptcy.
Things were tough, but life was about to get tougher – seven years ago, Tracy faced a heartbreaking loss with the death of her husband and the father of her fourth daughter.
Despite all this, she continued to work tirelessly to support her family and chose to become a yourtown myplace member for ongoing tickets, driven by the role Kids Helpline played in her life, along with her own resilience.
Now remarried to Alan, her husband of five years, and working at the local pub six days a week, Tracy hopes this Prize Home win will ease some of her burdens and open new possibilities for her future. She’s planning to cut back on a couple of night shifts soon – though she’s committed to not letting her boss down!
Tracy and her family are such avid supporters of yourtown and Kids Helpline that they were kind enough to join Jo, yourtown's Fundraising Operations Manager, on live television! The Today Show visited our $3.5 Million Prize Home in Doonan for Draw 540, which is closing soon.
"It only takes one ticket and your life could be changed forever. I buy 3 tickets every month and I'm going to continue doing that, because it supports such a great cause."
On national television, she shared her inspiring story – extending her gratitude to Kids Helpline and spreading awareness about the impact of the work we do.
Tracy – thank you for your unwavering support and for sharing your journey with the nation. We hope you enjoy your new home and the lifestyle to match!