Gopher gold: Australind local becomes a millionaire

An Australind local’s routine gopher ride ended with extraordinary celebrations after his $2 Millionaire Medley ticket turned into a $1 million prize.

The man, in his 70s, rides weekly on his gopher to his favourite retailer, newsXpress Treendale in Australind, to buy a Lotto ticket and run errands.

When the man returned to the store to check his ticket, staff quickly realised his $2 Slikpik 3 held a Division One win and quietly took him into the store’s private office to deliver the life changing news.

“I wasn’t sure what to think when they first asked me to come around the back, but I definitely didn’t think it was to tell me I was a millionaire,” the winner said.

“I was in complete shock, the girls in the store are so lovely, and there were lots of cuddles and kisses to celebrate.”

Alongside celebrating the prize over lunch with his children and grandchildren, the man plans to purchase a new car and take a train-based holiday around Australia.

Owner Sandee Mazza of newsXpress Treendale said it was heart-warming to see one of the store’s regular customers take home a Division One prize.

“It’s so exciting for the local community . . . people have been very positive about the win and sending us lots of congratulations,” she said.

“I know this customer loves spending time with his children and grandchildren, so it’s lovely to think of him celebrating the prize with his family and making his life more comfortable.”

Lotterywest spokesperson Zoe Wender said for many winners, finding out they’ve won at their local retailer makes the moment even more meaningful.

“Lotterywest retailers are at the heart of their communities, and when a win happens at a local store, the excitement is often shared not just by the winner, but by everyone around them,” she said.

Lotterywest supports communities across the State through its grants program each year, made possible by WA players and retailers. A Lotterywest grant of $232,000 is supporting refurbishment of the Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre, connecting people through art and cultural activities.

Tonight’s $30 million Powerball jackpot gives WA players the chance to win a life-changing prize. Tickets are available in-store, online or through the Lotterywest App until 6pm today.

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