Dementia Australia auctions off a rare piece of Australian TV history

Dementia Australia has today opened an online fundraising auction of the famous Mrs Mangel portrait from the iconic Australian TV series, Neighbours.   

Dr Kaele Stokes, Executive Director Services, Engagement and Research, Dementia Australia, said the one-of-a-kind artwork has been a fan favourite since the 1980s when the character of Helen Daniels painted an unflattering portrait of fellow character Mrs Mangel and the portrait lived on as a beloved set piece until the end of Neighbours, decades later.    

“For many Australians and fans around the world, Neighbours was a part of daily life for decades,” Dr Stokes said.  

“Now, fans can own an iconic piece of the show’s history while helping to support families impacted by dementia, which is the leading cause of death in Australia. 

“Thank you to Neighbours actor Annie Jones who generously donated the piece to raise funds in honour of her Mum who lived with dementia.” 

Annie Jones, who played Mrs Mangel’s granddaughter Jane Harris, said she was thrilled to share a piece of Neighbours history with fans of the show whilst making a difference to the 446,500 Australians living with dementia.  

“Supporting people living with dementia, their families and carers is something I care deeply about,” Annie said.  

“I also can’t wait to see the reactions from fans and see where this beloved painting ends up going.” 

Dementia Australia Ambassador and former Neighbour’s actor Takaya Honda said he was excited to sign the portrait and to help raise funds for dementia support and services.  

 This is an exciting collaboration and brings together two parts of my life, my role on Neighbours and my work as an ambassador for Dementia Australia which I’ve been doing since 2017,” Takaya said.  

“I look forward to seeing how much we can raise in support of people living with dementia, their families and carers.”  

The online auction is now live on eBay and will run until 9am AEST Monday 4 May 2026, open to domestic and international bidders. The framed portrait includes a letter from Neighbours producer Andrew Thompson which confirms this is one of only two replica copies produced and the only copy signed by cast members, alongside an authenticity letter from Annie Jones, who witnessed the signatories.  

Proceeds from the auction will go towards Dementia Australia’s support services and programs for people living with dementia, their families and carers. Supporters can bid, share and help spread the word at https://ebay.us/m/qsZduR.    

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Dementia Australia is the source of trusted information, education and services for the estimated more than 433,300 Australians living with dementia, and the more than 1.7 million people involved in their care. We advocate for positive change and support vital research. We are here to support people impacted by dementia, and to enable them to live as well as possible. No matter how you are impacted by dementia or who you are, we are here for you. 

For support, please contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500. An interpreter service is available. The National Dementia Helpline is funded by the Australian Government. People looking for information can also visit dementia.org.au  

Media contacts: Kelly Horn, Media and Communications Advisor [email protected] 04 2072 9873 

When talking or writing about dementia please refer to Dementia-Friendly Language Guidelines. 

Note to Editors: 

We request, where possible, details for the National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500 appear alongside news stories about dementia, as these stories often prompt questions or concerns:  

If this story has prompted any questions or concerns, please call the National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500 (24 hours, 7 days a week) or visit dementia.org.au.