Telethon kindness follows South West syndicate's big win

Five South West workmates are celebrating a Saturday Lotto win, with one syndicate member pledging part of her share to Telethon.

The five colleagues have been pooling their money for years, taking turns buying a Slikpik 25 ticket on behalf of the group for $23.80 each week.

On this occasion, they left it until the last minute, purchasing their Saturday Lotto ticket on draw day from their local South West Lotterywest retailer.

When one syndicate member checked the ticket, she could hardly believe what she was seeing. The group had won $2.22 million, taking home almost $450,000 each.

"Our friend thought about keeping it a secret, coming up to Perth to claim the prize, and then surprising everyone afterwards," she said.

"That plan didn’t last long though because she couldn't keep the news to herself. It was too exciting."

The group quickly discovered the win would be about much more than money.

One syndicate member, a hardworking single mum known by her colleagues for always putting others first, immediately started thinking about how she could help people in need.

"I've always said I'd love to walk into a bank and randomly put money into people's accounts," she said.

"Can you imagine checking your bank account and finding $10,000 there overnight? It would be amazing to be able to help people in need like that, that's why I want to donate some of my winnings to Telethon."

Her generosity came as no surprise to the rest of the syndicate.

"This is exactly why we've given her the job of distributing everyone's share of the winnings, she's the most generous person we know," one of the winners said.

The colleagues say the experience has strengthened a bond that was already built on years of friendship.

"We've always looked out for each other but now we're really in it together, we'll be bonded for life after this,” one syndicate member said.

Lotterywest spokesperson Nikki Wilson-Smith said the story was a reminder that some of the most heartwarming wins are those shared among friends and used to support others.

"At a time when Western Australians are coming together for Telethon, it's wonderful to see a group of workmates celebrating their own win while already thinking about how they can help other people," Ms Wilson-Smith said.

"What stands out in this story is the generosity of the syndicate members and the way they have supported one another long before this prize arrived.

“When it comes to syndicates, players can register at a Lotterywest retailer which means each player gets their own ticket and can claim their share of the win separately.”

In 2026 Lotterywest is once again supporting Telethon with a grant of $250,000 to help deliver the Telethon Family Festival, a free, inclusive event for Telethon families and the general public.

Lotterywest has supported the event since 2021, funding free carnival rides and entertainment for all ages.

This Telethon weekend, Western Australians are encouraged to get behind the annual fundraising event and help support sick, vulnerable and disadvantaged children across the State.

This week’s Powerball draw saw Lotterywest players deliver more than $20 million in returns to the WA community and more than 384,000 players shared in more than $9.6 million across Divisions 2-9.

Ends//
Media Enquiries:
Lotterywest Media
0438 996 884