A hardworking Chullora man’s busy week ended with a bang last Friday when he discovered he’d won a multi-million-dollar Powerball prize.
 
The happy dad held one of the three division one winning entries nationally in Powerball draw 1491 on Thursday 12 December 2024. Each division one winning entry pocketed $4 million.
 
As the other two division one winners from the draw – a Winmalee single mum and a Liverpool man – had registered their tickets with The Lott Members Club, they were contacted about their good fortune after last week’s draw.
 
However, the entry from Chullora was unregistered, which meant we had to wait for the ticketholder to make contact.
 
“Incredible! What a surprise!” the happy man exclaimed when his prize was confirmed.
 
“I went to work on Friday and didn’t even check my ticket because usually I check it, and I only get one or two numbers.
 
“But I checked my ticket when I came home. I saw I had the first number, then the second number and then one after the other. I couldn’t believe I had all of them!

“Normally, I sleep like a baby, but on Friday night, I was too excited, just tossing and turning.

“Believe it or not, when I first started playing Lotto, I used to play the same numbers, but then I stopped. Then those numbers were drawn!
 
“Now, every time I play, I just get different numbers with a QuickPick – that way, I don’t remember the numbers in case they are drawn in another draw.
 
“To be honest, this prize hasn’t registered yet. It will really help me and my family. What a great time of year to win!
 
“But I will keep working. I enjoy my work, so I’ll keep doing it.”
 
The man’s winning entry was purchased at Chullora Marketplace Newsagency, Shop 15A, Chullora Marketplace, 355 Waterloo Road, Chullora.
 
Chullora Marketplace Newsagency owners Alex and Linda Khadour said they were celebrating selling another division one winning entry.
 
“This outlet has sold quite a few division one winning entries in the past, about a dozen plus that we know from counting the plaques hanging behind us on the walls. This will be our fourth and biggest win since we took ownership eight years ago,” Linda said.
 
“We wish our division one winner the best in all they do with their winnings. We hope it helps them in achieving their wishes, goals and dreams.”
 
The winning numbers in Powerball draw 1491 on Thursday 12 December 2024 were 9, 11, 19, 3, 14, 23 and 16. The all-important Powerball number was 16.