A decision to relocate her family from the Hunter Valley to Port Macquarie six months ago to be closer to her daughter has paid off big time for one lucky new home builder.

Jodi Harper is the proud new owner of a Mazda CX3 Maxx after winning the Sovereign Hills Display Village major prize draw on Saturday evening, during the village’s first birthday celebrations.

Jodi’s name was plucked from 137 entries by Port Macquarie Mazda Manager Dean Orley, watched on by a crowd of more than 500 people, including hopeful entrants and their families, on Sovereign Drive.

The mother-of-four delayed a family dinner to celebrate her husband Chris’ birthday and Mother’s Day to ensure she was present for the draw, which stipulated the winner needed to be present to claim the keys.

“It’s very exciting, I didn’t think I would win, not at all,” exclaimed Jodi after her name was announced.

“We moved to the area just before Christmas, we sold our house in Scone and want to build a new family home.”

Jodi entered the draw after choosing a design and signing up with display village builder Better Homes and Developments.

“We are so happy for the Harper family,” said Better Homes and Developments’ Neville Jones.

“What a great night! All the display homes looked amazing, the fact that one of our clients won the Mazda was the icing on the cake and certainly unexpected.”

During the 10-week competition period, 137 people committed to build a new home with one of the 12 Sovereign Hills Display Village builders, which also includes Adenbrook Homes, Coral Homes, Hotondo Homes, Integrity New Homes, McDonald Jones Homes, Sorensen and Caldon Builders, Pycon Homes and Constructions, Perry Homes, Stroud Homes and Vaughan Homes.

“This 10-week period equates to a staggering $41 million worth of new home construction across the Hastings region over the next 12 months,” revealed Lewis Land Group’s Head of National Sales and Marketing Robert Challenger.

“This is great news for the region, the growing Sovereign Hills community and the local economy.”

The Harpers were among hundreds of people to venture through the stunning Sovereign Hills Display Village designs on Saturday night to mark what has been a bumper first year of new homes sales.

Attendees were treated to a beautiful light display, Cassegrain wine and beer tastings, delicious local produce from Bago Bluff, Adam Roberts and Baba Lila handmade chocolates, with live music from Latin fusion guitarist Mat Brooker.

The Harper family is loving their new coastal lifestyle. “It’s much warmer, much nicer and there’s lots to do,” added Jodi, who has a new home on the way, and now a brand new car to go with it.