A Sunshine Coast man is celebrating a major win on an Instant Scratch-Its ticket, entering the new year $100,000 richer.
The lucky $5 Merry Christmas ticket – purchased at Coolum Beach Newsagency – turned out to be one special festive surprise.
“I’m still soaking it in,” the local told an official from The Lott.
“It was actually a Christmas scratchie I got from my uncle, and I only scratched it on Christmas Day. I couldn’t believe it.
“I sometimes get a bunch of scratchies as a gift, and this is certainly one of the best Christmas presents I’ve ever got. I’ve been celebrating ever since.”
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As for how he’ll spend the prizemoney, an overseas adventure is on the cards.
“I’m not exactly sure what I’ll do but I’ll probably go to Bali for a holiday,” he said.
“It’s a great time of year to win and will make for a happy new year.”
Related story: Mum to pay off mortgage with festive lotto win
Coolum Beach Newsagency owner Melanie Parkinson Rogers said there was a special coincidence to this latest good fortune.
“I was so excited when I heard we’d sold a winning ticket,” she said.
“I had goosebumps as if I had won the top prize myself. Remarkably, the last top prize win we had was exactly the same day eight years ago.
“It’s such a good feeling to know your outlet has provided people with the joy of winning and hopefully improved their lives in some way. Congratulations to our winner. What a way to start the new year.”
