A selfless mother from Mandurah's Meadow Springs, who is uprooting her life to become a carer for unwell relatives, has received a life-changing financial boost just in time for her international move.
A Timely Windfall for a Caring Journey
Janina Heather's plans to leave Western Australia for the Cook Islands took an unexpectedly joyous turn when she was announced as the major prize winner in Harcourts Mandurah's Ultimate Giveaway. The $15,000 cash prize was presented to her via a Facetime call by agency director Ben Hatch on the eve of her departure.
Ms Heather had been automatically entered into the draw after listing her Mandurah home for sale with the agency earlier in the year. She described the win as arriving at "exactly the right moment," providing crucial funds for the complex logistics of an international relocation.
Funding a Family Mission
The substantial prize money has been directly allocated to a key expense: paying for a shipping container to transport her family's belongings across the Pacific. This practical use underscores the profound timing of the win, transforming a challenging transition into a more manageable endeavour.
"We couldn't believe we had won," Ms Heather said, reflecting on the moment she received the news. "You just never expect these things to happen to you. We're still in shock." Her story highlights a powerful narrative of family duty and community support intersecting at a critical time.
Community Celebration and Year-End Thanks
The major draw capped off a significant community initiative by the Mandurah real estate agency. Over the preceding 12 weeks, Harcourts Mandurah had already distributed $12,000 in weekly prizes and issued 48 platinum passes to clients, all of whom became finalists for the top award. The campaign garnered an outstanding response with over 500 entries from the local community.
Director Ben Hatch expressed deep gratitude to the Peel community for its ongoing trust. "Without the clients that trust us to sell their homes, none of this would be possible," Mr Hatch stated. "As the year comes to a close, we extend a heartfelt thank you to the Mandurah community for another successful year."
He emphasised that community support enables acts of generosity to reach those who need them most. "This prize could not have gone to a more deserving family," he concluded, acknowledging the poignant circumstances of Ms Heather's win. The story, first reported by the Mandurah Times on 24 December 2025, serves as a heartwarming end-of-year highlight for the region.
