On the night of Thursday, February 6, 2025, one very fortunate man from Bribie Island, Queensland, was lost in thought about how his life would change with lottery winnings when his phone rang with life-changing news. He had just won the staggering $60 million jackpot from Powerball draw #1499, marking him as the sole division one winner nationally. The news came just two days after another Aussie woman took home $100 million from the Oz Lotto, spotlighting the rollercoaster of luck circling Australia.
The ecstatic father, who held the only winning ticket for this massive prize, recounted the moment he received the earth-shattering news. “I’ve just gone to bed! Oh wow! You’re kidding. No way. It’s after 9pm but this calls for a bottle of champagne!” he exclaimed after answering the call. His incredulity was palpable: “I can’t stop laughing. Holy s***! I’ve won $60 million?!”
Revealing how serendipitous the moment was, he explained, “I was drifting off to sleep dreaming about what it would be like to win the lotto—all the things I could do.” He had almost missed his chance entirely, distracted by conversations with his wife. “I had my phone on the bedside table beside me, then I started to hear this vibration and noise. I thought, ‘What the bloody hell is this?’” He noted his habit of buying lottery tickets; he would backtrack his numbers during high-value draws, having played them for over 15 years.
For those eager to check their tickets, the winning numbers were 20, 23, 34, 19, 24, 31, and 10, with the Powerball number being 14. This miraculous win generated excitement not just for the winner but for all participating players, as 27 division two winners snagged more than $33,000 each, and over 100 division three winners received $10,940.25. The Lott app continues to be the official home for Australia’s lotteries, where the Bribie Island dad purchased his life-changing ticket.
Reflecting on how he plans to use his winnings, the new multi-millionaire expressed his generosity. “I’ll be able to help a lot of people with this,” he stated, highlighting his eagerness to support his family and friends who are currently facing hardships. His emotional connection to family was evident when he shared memories of his mother’s vintage car, stating, “My mum used to have this vintage car she loved dearly. I think I’m going to keep the tradition going by buying the same model again.” This thoughtful plan embodies the spirit of sharing wealth with family.
The recent wave of lottery luck has stirred excitement across the nation, particularly since the power of past wins continues to resurface. Just days prior, another woman, this time from Sydney, had become the largest single winner of the Oz Lotto's history, pocketing $100 million, igniting conversations about financial dreams and possibilities for many Australians. The phenomenon of simultaneous high-stake wins echoes tales of fortune appearing out of thin air amid ordinary lives.
“What an exciting night! How are we going to sleep now?” the winner mused, projecting the hope and happiness the windfall brings. The Lott reported one division one winning entry for the Powerball draw #1499, adding to its impressive tally already reaching 307 for this financial year. With excitement still riding high, Australians will no doubt anticipate the upcoming Powerball draw, which resets with a $10 million jackpot next week.
This win reflects the broader backdrop of significant lotteries where players often feel compelled to buy tickets as jackpots grow. “From Burnie in Tasmania to Bassendean in Western Australia, and Salisbury in South Australia to Sydney, hundreds of Aussies across the country experienced the indescribable thrill of division one wins last year,” commented Matt Hart, spokesperson for The Lott.
Whether one plays by strategy or chance, the exhilarating anticipation surrounding the next draw promises more tales of triumph and newfound dreams as another chance at fortune hits the shores of Australia. The newfound millionaire stands as a beacon of hope, embodying how luck can swiftly change lives, marking another chapter of dreams realized through the lottery.