Like much of the world, Australia continues to feel the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.  

But there is hope. Across the globe, six research facilities have been tasked with developing a safe and effective vaccine for the disease by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations. Among them, is a team of dedicated researchers at the University of Queensland.  

Thanks to Aussies across the country who have dreamed of what’s possible, we’re able to donate $1 million to help accelerate this Australian research into a COVID-19 vaccine.   

The donation from Golden Casket, part of the Lott, Australia’s official lotteries, has been funded from unclaimed prize money and will be made to The University of Queensland’s School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences.

Under Queensland regulations, Golden Casket unclaimed prize money must be returned to players, such as through bonus draws, promotions and contributions to the community. 

It is because people play Australia’s official lotteries that we can support important health initiatives in an unprecedented time such as this.  

However, with additional funding, The University of Queensland project director Dr Trent Munro said the vaccine could be ready earlier.   

 “This gift will help to significantly accelerate vaccine development efforts – allowing us to move more activities to happen in parallel – and we are incredibly grateful for the support,” Dr Munro said.   

“Additional funding means we can act now – to work towards developing a safe and effective vaccine as quickly as we can to protect vulnerable people including the elderly and healthcare workers."  

We’re proud to do what we can to assist the team at The University of Queensland, who are working tirelessly on finding a potentially life-saving vaccine.  

Delivering important health infrastructure services is why lotteries were first established in Australia more than a century ago and this $1 million donation continues our proud heritage of giving back to our community.