Melbourne cleaner who lost job during Covid wins $80m Powerball
A North Melbourne father who lost his job during Victoria's lockdown has had the surprise of a lifetime, discovering he was the winner of Thursday night's $80 million Powerball.
The man said he had just bought a house before losing his job during one of Victoria's earlier lockdowns and had been working as a cleaner to make ends meet.
The win is the third-biggest win in Australian Lotto history and the biggest in Victoria.
"Like for so many people, these lockdowns have been really tough for our family," he told The Lott.
“But I’ve always said, you’ve just gotta keep trying. Now, look what’s happened.
“It is absolutely unbelievable!"
Winner wants to use the money to help others
The man said plans to use the money to pay off his mortgage and bills, adding he wants to help as many people as he can.
"We're going to set our kids up for life. That will be an incredible thing to be able to do," he said.
“I am going to try and help everyone.
“There’s so much we will be able to do with this prize. It will change so many people’s lives!”
Winning numbers
The winning numbers of draw 1317 on Thursday, August 12, were 17, 10, 4, 26, 19, 23, 21, and the Powerball was 7.
In the 12 months to 30 June 2021, 17 Powerball division one winners across Australia pocketed more than $519.8 million in prize money.
There are more chances to win big with Tuesday’s Oz Lotto offering $10 million, while next Thursday’s Powerball has $3 million up for grabs.
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