Mater Prize Home Lottery - Everything You Need to Know
Discover how the Mater Prize Home Lottery gives you the chance to win a luxury home, luxury vehicles, gold bullion, and cash prizes while supporting world-class healthcare across Queensland.
What is the Mater Prize Home Lottery?
The Mater Prize Home Lottery is one of Australia's most established and trusted charity lotteries, offering Australians the chance to win spectacular homes valued from $3.6 million to over $7 million, along with luxury vehicles, gold bullion, and substantial cash prizes. Every ticket purchased directly supports the Mater Foundation's mission to provide exceptional healthcare, medical research, and patient support services across Queensland.
Unlike commercial lotteries, the Mater home lottery operates as a genuine fundraising initiative where 100% of net proceeds go directly to Mater Health services. This means your entry doesn't just give you a chance at life-changing prizes—it actively supports mothers, babies, cancer patients, mental health services, and cutting-edge medical research.
The Mater Prize Home Lottery typically runs around 6 separate lottery draws each year, with each draw featuring a unique grand prize home in premium locations throughout Queensland and northern New South Wales. These aren't just any homes—they're architecturally designed, fully furnished luxury properties that represent the pinnacle of Australian coastal and lifestyle living.
Why Mater Lotteries Are Different
The Mater Foundation has been running charitable lotteries since 1931, making it one of Australia's longest-running and most reputable lottery operations. Every dollar raised goes directly to healthcare services—no shareholders, no commercial profit margins.
The History Behind Mater Lotteries
The Mater story begins in 1906 when the Sisters of Mercy established Mater Misericordiae Hospital in South Brisbane. From these humble beginnings, Mater has grown into one of Australia's largest and most respected healthcare providers, treating over 400,000 patients annually across multiple hospitals and health services.
In 1931, facing the economic challenges of the Great Depression, Mater Hospital launched its first charitable lottery to fund essential healthcare services. This innovative fundraising approach proved remarkably successful, creating a sustainable model that has continued for over 90 years. The first lottery raised crucial funds to keep the hospital operating when government support was limited, establishing a tradition of community-funded healthcare excellence.
The Mater Prize Home concept as we know it today evolved in the 1980s, when the foundation recognised that offering a spectacular grand prize home would dramatically increase community participation and fundraising capacity. The first purpose-built Mater Prize Home was an instant success, and the model has been refined and enhanced ever since.
Mater Foundation Milestones
Today, Mater Lotteries is one of the most successful charity lottery programmes in Australia, raising millions of dollars each year to fund maternity services, neonatal intensive care, cancer treatment, mental health programmes, medical research, and vital equipment for Mater hospitals across Queensland.
How the Mater Home Lottery Works
Understanding how the Mater Prize Home Lottery operates will help you maximise your chances and make informed decisions about which draws to enter. Here's everything you need to know about the mechanics, pricing, and draw process.
Ticket Prices
Individual tickets start from just $2 each, making Mater one of the most affordable home lotteries in Australia. Multi-ticket packages offer better value, with bundles of 5, 10, or 20+ tickets available.
Draw Frequency
Mater runs approximately 6 separate lottery draws each year, with each draw open for 8-12 weeks. Multiple draws can be open simultaneously, allowing you to enter different lotteries for different prize homes.
Odds of Winning
Your odds depend on total tickets sold, which typically ranges from 150,000 to 400,000 per draw. Early bird entries often include bonus entries, effectively improving your odds.
Prize Structure
Each draw includes multiple prize tiers beyond the grand prize home. Typically 400-600 prizes per draw, including luxury vehicles, gold bullion, cash prizes, and travel vouchers.
Entry to Draw: Step-by-Step Process
Choose Your Draw
Browse currently open draws and select the prize home that appeals to you most. Each draw features different properties in different locations.
Select Your Tickets
Decide how many tickets to purchase. Multi-ticket packages offer better value, and early bird entries often include bonus tickets.
Complete Your Purchase
Provide your contact details and payment. You'll receive ticket numbers via email immediately after purchase, along with a tax-deductible receipt.
Wait for the Draw
The draw is conducted by an independent auditor on the scheduled date. All draws are conducted under strict Queensland Government regulation and oversight.
Winners Announced
All winners are published on the Mater Lotteries website and in The Courier Mail newspaper. Major prize winners are contacted directly by phone and email.
Recent Mater Prize Home Winners and Properties
The Mater Prize Home Lottery consistently delivers some of the most impressive residential properties in Australia. These aren't just houses—they're architectural masterpieces in premium locations, fully furnished with designer furniture, state-of-the-art appliances, and every luxury imaginable.
Recent prize homes have been located in some of Queensland's most desirable coastal and lifestyle destinations, including the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane waterfront suburbs, and premium Northern NSW locations like Byron Bay and Tweed Heads.
What Makes Mater Prize Homes Special
Every Mater Prize Home is custom-designed by leading architects and built by award-winning builders. Properties are delivered fully furnished, including artwork, manchester, kitchenware, and even pantry staples—you could literally move in with just your suitcase.
- Prime waterfront, coastal, or prestige suburban locations
- Architecturally designed with luxury finishes throughout
- Professionally styled and fully furnished by leading interior designers
- Often includes pool, outdoor entertainment areas, and smart home technology
Burleigh Heads Masterpiece
Recent draw featured a stunning contemporary residence just metres from Burleigh Beach, complete with ocean views, infinity pool, and luxury Mercedes-Benz.
Noosa Hinterland Retreat
Award-winning design nestled in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, featuring sustainable architecture, resort-style pool, and $50,000 gold bullion.
Hamilton Waterfront Luxury
Inner-city Brisbane masterpiece with Brisbane River frontage, private jetty, wine cellar, and two luxury European vehicles worth $250,000.
Types of Prizes You Can Win
While the grand prize home gets the spotlight, every Mater Lottery draw includes hundreds of additional prizes across multiple tiers. This means you have many opportunities to win something substantial, not just the first prize.
First Prize: Grand Prize Home Package
The star attraction valued between $2 million and $3.5 million. Includes the luxury home, all furniture and styling, and typically one or two luxury vehicles (often Mercedes-Benz, BMW, or Range Rover). Some draws also include gold bullion, cash, or additional travel vouchers as part of the first prize package.
Second & Third Prizes: Luxury Vehicles
Subsequent major prizes typically feature high-end vehicles worth $80,000 to $150,000. Recent draws have awarded Mercedes-Benz SUVs, BMW sedans, Audi vehicles, and premium 4WDs. Vehicles are delivered brand new with full manufacturer warranty and registration.
Gold Bullion Prizes
Multiple gold bullion prizes ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 worth of gold. These are delivered as certified gold bars or coins from the Perth Mint, providing both intrinsic value and investment potential.
Cash Prizes
Hundreds of cash prizes from $500 to $25,000. These are paid via electronic transfer directly to your nominated bank account. Cash prizes give winners complete flexibility in how they use their winnings.
Travel & Experience Prizes
Some draws include luxury holiday packages, travel vouchers, restaurant experiences, or adventure packages valued between $2,000 and $15,000. These often feature five-star accommodation and premium experiences.
Pro Tip: Early Bird Bonuses
Purchasing tickets in the first few weeks of a draw often qualifies you for early bird bonus entries—sometimes doubling or tripling your entries at no additional cost. This significantly improves your odds without spending more.
How to Enter Mater Lotteries
Entering the Mater Prize Home Lottery is straightforward, with multiple purchase options designed to make participation convenient. You can enter online, by phone, through authorised sellers, or even by mail.
Direct Online Entry
The fastest and most popular method. Visit the official Mater Lotteries website to browse current draws, select your tickets, and complete your purchase securely. You'll receive instant ticket number confirmation via email.
- Instant confirmation
- View all current draws
- Secure payment options
- Manage your entries online
Authorised Sellers
Purchase tickets through authorised retail sellers located throughout Queensland and northern NSW. These include newsagents, shopping centre kiosks, and community events where Mater has promotional stands.
- Face-to-face service
- Ask questions in person
- Cash payment option
- Physical ticket receipt
Phone Entry
Call the Mater Lotteries customer service line to place your order over the phone. Friendly staff can answer questions, explain current draws, and process your entry with payment by credit card.
Mail Entry
For those who prefer traditional methods, you can request a mail-in entry form or download one from the website. Complete the form and mail it with payment (cheque or money order) to the Mater Lotteries office.
Entry Requirements & Eligibility
Who Can Enter
- Australian residents aged 18 years or older
- Must have a valid Australian address
- Tickets purchased before draw close date
- No limit on number of tickets per person
What You'll Need
- Valid email address for ticket confirmation
- Australian phone number for winner contact
- Payment method (credit card, debit, PayPal, or cheque)
- Postal address for official correspondence
Where Your Money Goes: Supporting Mater Health
This is what truly sets Mater Lotteries apart from commercial prize draws. Every dollar you spend on a Mater lottery ticket directly supports world-class healthcare services, groundbreaking medical research, and compassionate patient care across Queensland.
The Mater Foundation is the fundraising arm of Mater Health, which includes five hospitals, research institutes, and numerous community health services. Net proceeds from lottery sales fund critical areas that government funding doesn't fully cover, enabling Mater to provide exceptional care and pursue medical innovations.
How Mater Lottery Funds Are Allocated
Allocated to prize homes, vehicles, gold, and cash prizes distributed to winners
Direct funding for Mater hospitals, research, equipment, and patient care programmes
Lottery administration, marketing, and compliance costs to maintain the programme
Every dollar of net profit goes directly to Mater Health—zero commercial shareholders
Key Healthcare Areas Your Ticket Supports
Maternity & Neonatal Care
Mater Mothers' Hospital is one of Australia's largest maternity services, delivering over 10,000 babies annually. Lottery funds support neonatal intensive care units, maternal mental health programmes, and specialist equipment.
Cancer Treatment & Research
Funding supports Mater's comprehensive cancer care services including radiation oncology, chemotherapy units, clinical trials, and psychosocial support for patients and families.
Mental Health Services
Mater operates Queensland's largest private mental health service. Lottery proceeds fund adolescent mental health programmes, adult psychiatric care, and community mental health initiatives.
Medical Research
The Mater Research Institute conducts groundbreaking studies in maternal-fetal medicine, immunology, cancer, and regenerative medicine. Lottery funds support researchers, laboratory equipment, and clinical trials.
Tax Deductibility
Mater Foundation is a registered charity with Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status. A portion of your ticket purchase may be tax-deductible. You'll receive a receipt after purchase showing the tax-deductible component.
Consult your tax adviser for specific deductibility amounts based on the lottery draw structure.
Mater Prize Home vs Other Australian Home Lotteries
Australia has several reputable home lottery operators, each supporting different charitable causes. Here's how the Mater Prize Home Lottery compares to other major players like RSL Art Union and Yourtown Prize Home Lottery.
Australian Home Lottery Comparison
| Feature | Mater Prize Home | RSL Art Union | Yourtown |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charity Supported | Mater Health (hospitals, research) | RSL veterans & families | Youth services & homelessness |
| First Prize Value | $3.6M - $7M | $6M - $14M | $2.8M - $3.3M |
| Draws Per Year | ~6 draws | 7-8 draws | 4-6 draws |
| Prize Locations | QLD & Northern NSW focus | All states (national coverage) | QLD & NSW focus |
| Total Prizes Per Draw | 400-600 prizes | 300-500 prizes | 200-400 prizes |
| Operating Since | 1931 (95 years) | 1950s (70+ years) | 1961 (65 years, as BoysTown) |
Read our comprehensive Australian Home Lotteries Comparison Guide or learn about RSL Art Union Prize Homes
Expert Tips for Entering Mater Lotteries
While lottery draws are fundamentally games of chance, there are smart strategies you can employ to maximise value, improve your experience, and ensure you don't miss out on bonuses or special opportunities.
Enter Early for Bonus Entries
The single best strategy is purchasing tickets during the early bird period, which typically runs for the first 2-4 weeks of each draw. Early bird buyers often receive double or triple entries at no extra cost, dramatically improving odds without additional expense.
Look for Multi-Ticket Bundles
Package deals of 3, 5, or 10 tickets almost always offer better per-ticket pricing than individual purchases. The savings might seem modest, but they add up, especially if you enter multiple draws throughout the year.
Set Up Draw Notifications
Subscribe to Mater Lotteries email updates or follow them on social media to be notified immediately when new draws open. This ensures you never miss an early bird period.
Budget Responsibly
Lottery entries should be viewed as charitable donations with a bonus chance to win, not investments. Set an annual lottery budget you're comfortable with and spread entries across multiple draws.
Important Reminder: Play Responsibly
Lotteries are games of chance. While entering supports an excellent cause, never spend money you can't afford to lose. If you feel your lottery participation is becoming problematic, seek support through Gambling Help Online (1800 858 858) or talk to your GP.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Mater Prize Home Lottery legitimate?
Absolutely. Mater Lotteries is one of Australia's longest-running and most reputable charity lottery operations, having operated continuously since 1931. All draws are conducted under strict Queensland Government regulation, overseen by the Queensland Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR).
The Mater Foundation is a registered charity with full DGR status, and all lottery operations are independently audited. Winners are genuine, publicly announced, and contacted directly. Mater's 94-year track record speaks to its legitimacy and trustworthiness.
How often does Mater Prize Home Lottery draw?
Mater typically runs approximately 6 separate lottery draws per year, with draws held throughout the year on a rolling schedule. Each draw remains open for entries for 8-12 weeks before the draw date.
Multiple draws can be open simultaneously, meaning you can enter different lotteries for different prize homes at the same time. Draw dates are always clearly advertised on tickets and the Mater Lotteries website, typically held on a Friday at the end of the entry period.
Can I take cash instead of the prize home if I win?
This varies by draw. Some Mater Prize Home draws offer a cash alternative to the first prize home, typically around 50-70% of the home's market value. Other draws require you to accept the home as-is or forfeit the prize.
Cash alternative details are always specified in the terms and conditions for each specific draw. If accepting the home, you can sell it yourself afterwards, though you'll be responsible for selling costs and potential capital gains tax implications.
Do I have to pay tax on Mater lottery winnings?
In Australia, lottery and competition prizes are generally not subject to income tax when you receive them. This means if you win the Mater Prize Home, you don't pay tax on the initial win.
However, if you later sell the prize home for a profit, you may be liable for capital gains tax on the increase in value from when you won it. If you keep the home as an investment property and rent it out, rental income is taxable.
For detailed tax implications specific to your situation, consult our comprehensive guide to competition winnings and tax in Australia or speak with a qualified tax professional.
Can I inspect the prize home before entering?
Yes. Mater typically holds open house viewing days for each prize home during the draw period, allowing prospective entrants to tour the property in person. Viewing dates and times are advertised on the Mater Lotteries website and in promotional materials.
Additionally, extensive professional photography, floor plans, virtual tours, and detailed property specifications are available online for every prize home.
Quick Reference: Mater Prize Home at a Glance
~6 separate lottery draws per year with unique prize homes
Prize homes valued $3.6M-$7M in premium QLD locations
400-600 prizes per draw including cars, gold, and cash
100% of net proceeds support Mater Health services
Operating since 1931 with 94 years of trusted service
Portion of ticket price is tax-deductible (DGR status)
Ready to Enter the Current Mater Prize Home Draw?
Explore currently open Mater Prize Home Lottery draws, view stunning property galleries, and enter for your chance to win a luxury home while supporting world-class healthcare across Queensland.