Coles customers line up for cost-of-living relief from Aussie billionaire Adrian Portelli at Western Sydney supermarkets

Jodi Lee and Molly Magennis
7NEWS
Thousands of people have lined up for free groceries in Western Sydney as billionaire Adrian Portelli handed out gift vouchers at two supermarkets.

Thousands of people have lined up in the heat of Western Sydney for free groceries, thanks to Melbourne billionaire Adrian Portelli.

The 35-year-old — otherwise known as “Lambo Guy” — announced the giveaway on Instagram, saying he would be at two Coles supermarkets on Tuesday.

Portelli chartered a private jet to Sydney, giving away free supermarket vouchers in Penrith and Fairfield West.

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“It’s great to see the looks on people faces just receiving the $200 and $100 — what a change it makes to people’s lives,” Portelli said.

Thousands queued in the heat at Penrith, though there were no complaints from them.

“I got $100 — feel very blessed, especially at this time of year when everything’s so expensive,” one woman said.

“I’m a single parent, doing it hard, so it means a lot,” another woman said.

“My kids eat a lot, so this is actually going to help a lot with the groceries, especially this close to Christmas,” another customer said.

Melbourne billionaire Adrian Portelli has given away a reported $150,000 in grocery vouchers.
Melbourne billionaire Adrian Portelli has given away a reported $150,000 in grocery vouchers. Credit: 7NEWS
Thousands queued in the heat at Penrith for free grocery vouchers.
Thousands queued in the heat at Penrith for free grocery vouchers. Credit: 7NEWS

Portelli also revealed he is building a hospital in Penrith for high-needs patients.

A lover of fast cars, Portelli built his fortune with a subscription-based rewards program for car enthusiasts.

He said he is determined to stay humble.

“I grew up in the western suburbs of Melbourne,” he said.

“I do know somewhat what it was like growing up struggling for a dollar, so to be able to get here and get amongst the community brings you down to earth.”

It is not the first time the billionaire businessman has pulled off a similar stunt, having recently handed out tens of thousands of dollars worth of gift vouchers to Coles shoppers in South Australia.

Long queues stretched outside the door of the Munno Para supermarket in South Australia in November, with Portelli claiming he had given away $75,000 to those in need.

He then visited the Port Adelaide store about midday on the same day.

Melbourne billionaire Adrian Portelli said it is important to him that he stay humble.
Melbourne billionaire Adrian Portelli said it is important to him that he stay humble. Credit: 7NEWS

Portelli famously had his $3 million McLaren Senna GTR craned 57 storeys off the ground and into his penthouse apartment for it to be displayed in the living area, earning him the nickname “The Lambo Guy”.

He ibought the penthouse last year, setting a record for Melbourne’s most expensive apartment.

The $150,000 Portelli gave away on Tuesday is just a drop in the ocean for him, as he is worth an estimated $1 billion.

However, he has said that money is not worth anything if he cannot use it to help others.

Originally published on 7NEWS

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