WATCH: When Johnny McCowen said thanks a million to the people of Portarlington

In February 2023 the organisers of the Fight for Johnny's Girls campaign held a "Thank you" event in the Railway Bar, Portarlington.

On the night they played a video where Johnny's wife, Sherie, read a message that Johnny had typed on his eyegaze machine to thank all involved for helping to raise nearly 1 million Aus dollars to provide a home and secure future for his family. In December 2022, the Portarlington man's dream came true when he, Sherie, Darcy & Riley moved into their new home. You can see the video if you watch above.