The crowd erupted in celebration today as the 2026 House For Life sold for $2,900,000 - transforming a stunning home at 9 Luke Street Wavell Heights into vital support for Mater’s smallest and most fragile patients.
Before the first bid was called, Mater Little Miracle eight-year-old Oliver proudly stood before the crowd to officially open the auction, gavel bravely in hand.
Oliver was born at just 25 weeks’ gestation weighing a tiny 810 grams and spent 105 days in Mater’s Neonatal Critical Care Unit – a world away from the strong young boy opening the auction to a crowd of hundreds.
During those first months, he underwent five blood transfusions, surgery for a perforated bowel at just 10 days old and a lumbar puncture. He also experienced chronic lung issues and continued to require oxygen support after leaving hospital.
As he left the stage, the atmosphere intensified, with bidders ready to compete for the fully furnished and landscaped Plantation Homes family home.
Award-winning auctioneer Justin Nickerson returned to lead the House for Life auction for the third time, bringing energy, humour and a flurry of fast and considered bids to achieve the final, record-breaking result.
Tension ran through the crowd as the bids climbed higher – offers coming in from onsite buyers and one offsite phone bidder.
As the bidding tightened, Justin scanned the crowd for one last raised hand before declaring the home sold to onsite bidder, Declan Coady, a local Hendra resident.
“We visited the home five times before the auction and we liked it all – the size, the location, and especially the cause,” he said.
Declan's two-and-a-half-year-old recently suffered a medical episode, and he said being in the emergency department and needing medical care for his child struck a deep chord with the purpose of the campaign.
"Just two and a half weeks ago, we were in hospital as the parents of a sick child, so it made the purpose of this house that much more meaningful," he said.
Declan added that with the house fully furnished and ready to go, they will be looking to move in as soon as possible!
“It’s a great area and so family friendly, and we’ll be close to grandparents – we are really looking forward to moving in,” he said.
The final call sparked an enormous cheer from Mater families, volunteer tradies, suppliers, project partners and members of the Wavell Heights community, who had gathered to see months of generosity reach its defining moment.
The 2026 Plantation Homes House For Life sets a new campaign record, superseding the 2025 result of $2.45 million.
Plantation Homes, General Manager, Shelley Becker, said the amazing result reflected the generosity of an entire community.
“This incredible outcome began long before the first bid was called today,” Shelley said.
“It started with every tradie who donated their time, every supplier who contributed materials and every person who brought their expertise to this home knowing their work could help a premature or seriously ill baby.
“Today, a new family get to call the stunning Lillian 438-D47 home and Mater Little Miracles receive $2,900,000 to help more babies grow stronger, more parents feel supported and more families reach the day they have been waiting for, taking their baby home.”
Mater Foundation CEO, Andrew Thomas, said the funds would support the full breadth of care surrounding premature and seriously ill babies at Mater.
“This House For Life result is incredible and we are so grateful to everyone who contributed and congratulate the new owner on their purpose-driven purchase.
“Funds raised will help Mater continue to invest in specialised neonatal care, lifesaving equipment and research that can improve the future for babies and their families,” Andrew said.
A remarkable family home
The 2026 House For Life is our Lillian 438-D47, a 47-square, double-storey net-zero home featuring the striking Monroe façade.
Built on a 708m² block, the five-bedroom home features three bathrooms, a grand master suite with a private retreat, multiple living zones, a theatre room, an upstairs leisure area, an expansive kitchen with a grand island bench and a walk-in butler’s pantry.
The home also includes open-plan living and dining spaces, a large under-roof alfresco area, a swimming pool, professional landscaping and fully furnished interiors.