Proceeds from the auction will go towards Dementia Australia’s support services and programs for people living with dementia, their families and carers. The winning bid of $19,500 came from a bidder in the United Kingdom. The portrait received 104 bids in total across the seven-day auction. Dementia Australia CEO Professor Tanya Buchanan said the one-of-a-kind artwork, which has been a fan favourite since the 1980s, was surprisingly sought after from all corners of the world. Bids came from the UK, US, Singapore, Italy and Denmark, as well as across Australia.   

“We knew Neighbours was popular with fans across the world, but it’s been incredible seeing the reaction to the auction and the bids coming from so many different countries,” Professor Buchanan commented  “The success of the past week has shown how beloved Vivean Gray and the character of Mrs Mangel are to Neighbours fans. We’re sure the writers and Vivean Gray would be proud of their legacy and the impact the portrait is having 40 years on from when it first appeared in 1987.

 “We’d like to thank Neighbours actor Annie Jones again for donating the piece in honour of her mum who lived with dementia, and our Dementia Australia ambassador Takaya Honda for his support on this fundraising campaign.” Professor Buchanan commented “We’d also like to thank the successful bidder for their generous support, everyone who bid on the portrait and supported the campaign in any way to help us raise money which will go towards supporting families living with dementia; the leading cause of death in Australia.”   

Fans who missed out on the portrait but still want to donate to support Australians impacted by Dementia can do so athttps://www.dementia.org.au/