A man from Woden in Canberra has come forward to claim the $40 million Powerball jackpot, after realising he held the winning ticket following media reports that it was sold at his local newsagency. The winner, who wishes to remain anonymous, purchased the ticket at the Woden Newsagency for the draw on Thursday night.
Winner Came Forward After News Reports
The man said he had not checked his ticket immediately after the draw, but when he saw news coverage that the winning ticket was bought at his local shop, he decided to check. “I couldn’t believe it when I saw the numbers match,” he said in a statement released by The Lott. “I had to check three times to be sure.”
The $40 million prize is the largest Powerball jackpot won in the Australian Capital Territory this year. The winning numbers were 2, 5, 9, 11, 23, 28 and the Powerball number was 16.
Winner Plans to Help Family and Retire
The winner, a man in his 50s, said he plans to use the winnings to help his family and retire early. “I’ve been working hard all my life, and this means I can finally take a break,” he said. “I want to make sure my kids and grandkids are taken care of.”
He also said he intends to seek financial advice before making any major decisions. The Lott spokesperson Matt Hart said the winner was “over the moon” and that it was always exciting to see a local winner come forward.
Newsagency Celebrates Sale
The Woden Newsagency, where the winning ticket was sold, will receive a bonus commission of $400,000 for selling the winning ticket. Owner John Smith said the shop was thrilled to have sold the jackpot-winning ticket. “We’ve had a lot of customers coming in to check their tickets since the news broke,” he said. “It’s been a busy few days, but we’re very happy for the winner.”
The Lott confirmed that the winner claimed the prize on Monday, just days after the draw. Powerball draws take place every Thursday night, with jackpots starting at $3 million.
