A HAMILTON retiree plans to set sail on a series of luxurious cruises around the world after landing a million-dollar win in the weekend’s TattsLotto draw.
The local, not publicly identified, held one of the five division one winning entries nationally in TattsLotto draw 4485, drawn Saturday, July 13 and looks forward to a total prize of $1,009,099.02.
Remarkably, the winning woman is the first division one winner for the Western District this year.
The seasoned player was on her way to get her nails done at the salon when she received a phone call from lottery officials revealing her exhilarating newly minted millionaire status.
“Oh, my goodness. One million dollars!” she cheered.
“Really? I’ve won one million dollars?
“My brain stopped working about two minutes ago.
“I can’t believe it. That’s wonderful!
“I’ve played the same numbers for 30 years. They consist of some birthdates and odd numbers.
“I was getting ready to get my nails done but I think I need to make a cup of tea to calm my nerves. I’ll have to call my daughter and tell her the good news; she will be thrilled.
“I was actually thinking to myself a few weeks ago, wondering if my current address on my player card was up to date in case I received a winning phone call, and now look what’s happened!
“This is so exciting. I can’t believe it, after all those years.
“Oh, how wonderful.”
The victorious Victorian admitted she was too overwhelmed with emotions to make any immediate plans with her newfound fortune but did express her love for holiday cruises.
“Oh my, I have no idea! I’ll have to use today to think about what I’ll do with the win,” she exclaimed.
“I’ve got a cruise booked for the end of the year and I had to save up for that one but now I’ll be able to book some more!
“I just love being on a ship. It’s a good holiday and they really look after you on the boat.
“I’ll go anywhere! I’ve got plenty of destinations in mind.
“For now, I’ll call my daughter and tell her the exciting news. I hope she’s available tonight for a celebration.”
Her winning marked 15-game entry was purchased at Slade’s Hamilton Newsagency & Lotto, Hamilton, who last sold a division one winning entry three years ago.
Slade’s Hamilton Newsagency and Lotto owner, Christine Slade said she couldn’t wait for the moment her customer discovered their million-dollar windfall.
“My immediate thoughts went straight to the lucky winner,” she said.
“All I could think about was the moment the winner discovered their newfound fortune and realised they’d won one million dollars. It would be the most amazing feeling for them.
“It’s every outlet owner’s desire to sell a division one winning entry and we’ve been lucky enough to do it five times. It’s so exciting.
“We were really hoping the division one winner would be a local member of our community as it would give our town a real buzz in these difficult times.”
Ms Slade said the newsagency would be celebrating by decorating the store with balloons and streamers.
“Congratulations to the winner and we’re so pleased for them,” she said.
“All the very best!”