Pilbara grandfather plans Aussie adventure with $10 million Powerball prize

A Pilbara grandfather is swapping work for wanderlust and planning a lap around Australia in a new caravan thanks to winning a life-changing $10 million Powerball prize.

Last week, the man in his 50s became Western Australia’s first Division One Powerball winner of the year when his Powerpik 7 ticket matched the numbers to a $10 million Division One prize.

When checking his ticket on the night of the draw while making dinner, the winner first thought he had won $5 million, and said celebrations started immediately.

“Dinner went cold and never got eaten – we were too busy celebrating,” he said.

“At first, I thought I’d won $5 million, which was incredible.

“The next day Lotterywest called and told me it was $10 million. I was dumbfounded. The cold dinner was still sitting there on the stove.”

When visiting Lotterywest HQ earlier this week with his long-term partner to claim the prize, the winner said early retirement, a new car and a caravan adventure around Australia were all on the cards.

“I’m very happy to retire. We’d love to do a lap of Australia,” the winner said.

“The thing I’m most excited for is no rushing around, going at our own pace. I can’t wait to see some of the really tropical parts of the country.”

Lotterywest spokesperson Zoe Wender said the winning Powerpik 7 also landed the Pilbara man 19 Division Two prizes, adding an extra $220,484 to his total prize.

“The great thing about a Powerpik is that you are guaranteed the winning Powerball number, so you only need the seven other winning numbers," she said.

"A Powerpik 7 ticket gives you 20 games using seven numbers and every Powerball. So when those seven numbers come up, alongside winning Division One, you also win 19 Division Two prizes.

“What an incredible result for this player, who shared he’ll be splurging on an off-grid caravan that can visit even the most remote parts of Australia, which is kitted out with a coffee machine for a little luxury while in the wilderness.”

The two-week Powerball jackpot roll that resulted in this $10 million win also raised more than $3.5 million for Lotterywest’s grants program, which supports communities across the State.

A Lotterywest grant of $900,000 is supporting the Volunteer Marine Rescue Service in Port Hedland with a new facility which will support volunteers, enhance marine safety, and strengthen community connection.

Tonight’s $10 million Powerball jackpot gives West Aussies the chance to join WA’s millionaires list.

Tickets are available until 6pm Thursday in-store, online or through the Lotterywest App.

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