A Mossman dad is trading in his hedge clippers for a hammock, eager to say goodbye to landscaping and hello to a well-earned retirement after landing a $736,000 Gold Lotto win.
 
The Far North Queenslander held one of the seven division one winning entries in Saturday Gold Lotto draw 4525, drawn Saturday 30 November 2024. He scored $736,926.24.
 
So far in 2024, there have been 12 major lottery wins in Far North Queensland, collectively pocketing more than $14.69 million in prize money.  
 
The winning man took his time uncovering his newfound fortune, initially dismissing calls and messages from us as a practical joke.
 
“Thank you very much!” he exclaimed.

“At first, I thought it was a joke. I saw a few missed calls and texts but assumed someone was trying to trick me. 

“It wasn’t until yesterday that I decided to check the winning numbers. When I saw they matched my ticket, I kept thinking, ‘Wait a minute! Those are my numbers!’
 
“I’ll keep the news on the downlow and just tell my children.
 
“I’m a pretty level-headed guy, so I won’t be going crazy. I’m looking to retire from landscaping, and this will be a great boost.
 
“Not to forget, this will make an extra special Christmas!”
 
His winning 25-game QuickPick was purchased on The Lott website – the official home of Australia’s lotteries.
 
The winning numbers in Saturday Gold Lotto draw 4525 on 30 November 2024 were 16, 30, 41, 8, 39 and 13, while the supplementary numbers were 38 and 28.