A Melbourne dad from Craigieburn has become the first major Powerball winner of 2025, pocketing a staggering $20,809,257.29. The draw, which took place on Thursday, January 2, saw him hold the only winning division one entry nationally, marking the beginning of the year on a high note for this lucky family.
Upon realizing his win, the Craigieburn man expressed his disbelief, exclaiming, "Oh my god! My heart is beating so fast; I don’t know how to control it." He admitted, emotionally, "This has come at a great time for me and my family. It’s a great blessing." His joy was palpable, as he reflected on the financial freedom his newfound wealth would provide.
For the dad, the prize holds the promise of significant change. "It means I can pay off the mortgage and help my family. My wife and children have always said we never go on holidays, and I’d love to take them to Europe!" His plans are not just about financial relief; they represent dreams of family togetherness and memorable experiences.
The winning ticket was purchased at The Lucky Charm Craigieburn, located inside Craigieburn Central. The shop's owner, Nicole Knothe, shared her excitement about the win, stating, "This is such an exciting and life-altering win for one of our lucky customers. We would love to send all our happy thoughts to our lucky winner! We hope the win brings them joy, comfort, and the ability to change many lives for thebetter." It’s worth noting this win is the largest division one prize ever sold at her outlet.
An unexpected aspect of the story was the slight delay in the winner identifying himself due to not registering the ticket with The Lott's Members Club. Typically, members receive immediate alerts of any significant wins, but the winning dad only checked his ticket days later. His hesitation came with more surprises than he could have anticipated.
The winning numbers for Powerball draw 1494 were 21, 27, 9, 22, 15, 18, and 8, with the Powerball number being 19. The community buzzes with excitement, reveling in the news of this local family’s windfall.
This monumental win not only transforms the winner's life but also positions Craigieburn as Melbourne's lottery luck hotspot. Local residents and shop owners alike share the joy, hopeful for similar fortunes as the year progresses.
Winning $20 million is no small feat; it signals new beginnings, opportunities, and cherished memories. For this Craigieburn dad and his family, 2025 will undoubtedly be marked as the year their dreams began to take flight.