Thanks to the work of many local hands the Tutungi and McGrath charity house went above its expected selling price during Saturday’s auction.

Hands continued to rise in front of a crowd of over 100 people before the final hammer slam from auctioneer, Bob Gartland, hit an unforeseen figure of $410,000.

The auction couldn’t have had a happier ending with a young local couple, Jessica Hansen and Luke Andrews, securing the last bid. The first homebuyers were thrilled with their win and couldn’t wait to celebrate with a bottle of champagne.

The four-bedroom house in Warralily, which has provided Casey Tutungi and Bluey McGrath with approximately $130,000 each, took only 12 weeks to build with the help from 70 local trade workers.

Warralily director, Sean Duke, and the boss of Shojun Concrete, Simon Farrell, were the masterminds behind the entire project, and together with Urbanedge Homes and Gartland Real Estate they reached out to give Tutungi and McGrath a much needed and appreciated hand.

Both Tutungi and Bluey were blown away with everyone’s efforts and kind support.  

“Once we get home and actually comprehend the enormity of what has happened, we’ll be writing many thank-you cards. It’s the least we can do,” Bluey told the Geelong Advertiser.

Geelong players, Tom Hawkins, Corey Enright and Mitch Duncan, also gave a hand to help make the charity house possible.