By Jessica Anstice
A self-confessed ‘country girl’ from Drouin is now $20 million richer after discovering her Oz Lotto win on Tuesday 15 September.
The happy winner held the only division one winning entry in the country in Oz Lotto draw 1387, taking home a division one prize of $20 million.
On top of winning the coveted division one prize, the lucky winner’s entry also scored division three seven times, bolstering her total prize to $20,027,765.85.
She plans to share the windfall with her family, buy a new car and visit the local pub to celebrate once restrictions lift.
The Gippsland winner, who wishes to remain anonymous, purchased her winning marked System 8 entry at Drouin Lotto and Cards in Drouin.
Upon hearing the life-changing news on Wednesday morning, the overjoyed winner couldn’t contain her shock.
“My heart is pounding! Wow! I’m in shock. I can’t believe it,” she said.
“We’ve been playing for a long time. I always play the same numbers. I’ve been playing them for about 20 years I’d say.
“I marked the numbers with my birthday and things like that. I chose them so long ago now I don’t know why I chose them.”
The woman said she plays every week but hadn’t had much luck lately.
“I’m always joking with the guy in the store that I never win anything,” she said.
“I guess I never won any smaller prizes because a big one was on its way.
“This is a lot to digest. Heck! Wow! I don’t know what to say!”
When asked how it felt to become a multi-millionaire overnight, the thrilled winner revealed it was just one of several life-changing moments she’d experienced.
“A few years ago a family member had a serious accident so I am very much aware of how your life can change in the blink of an eye,” she said.
“This is another one of those life-changing moments but definitely a more exciting one. You really don’t know what each day will bring.
“I will remember this moment for the rest of my life.”
Despite winning a multi-million dollar prize, the winner revealed she wasn’t planning on retiring early and was already hard at work.
“I don’t know what I’d do with myself if I retired. I’m a country girl through and through,” she laughed.
“I’ve been working for the past 30 years, and I don’t think I could give it up that easily. I’m at work at the moment. I’ve got things to do.
“I’ll share it with my family. They are about to become a very lucky bunch.cI definitely need a new car, so I’ll start with that.”
The humble winner also revealed she was eager to celebrate once restrictions lifted later that night.
“Restrictions lift at midnight tonight, so it’s good timing for a celebration tomorrow,” she said.
“I’m looking forward to a meal at the pub to celebrate.”
Drouin Lotto and Cards owner Raj Joshi said he was thrilled to discover his outlet had sold its first division one winning entry.
“I can’t believe it. It’s just come right out of the blue. It’s the first time we’ve sold division one, so we are very excited,” he said.
“We’ll be celebrating in store with our customers. There will be lots and lots of balloons, streamers, posters and of course sweet treats.
“Our customers will be very happy that our outlet has reached this milestone. It feels great and we hope to sell division one again and again.”
Mr Joshi congratulated the winner, wished them a great future and thanked them for supporting the local store.
