A dedicated fisherman's unwavering rule to never abandon a trip was spectacularly broken this week, all thanks to a life-changing phone call from his wife announcing they had become millionaires.
A Phone Call That Changed Everything
In a dream beginning to 2026, a Perth family is celebrating a massive windfall after securing a division one prize worth more than $1.6 million. The winning ticket was purchased for the $30 million Megadraw at Grand Boulevard Lotteries in Joondalup by a mother in her 50s.
The woman recounted the incredible moment she discovered their fortune. "My husband was away on a fishing trip when I checked the ticket at our local retailer," she said. Knowing her husband's dedication to his angling, she knew only monumental news would bring him home early. "There aren't many reasons why he would cut a fishing trip short," she admitted, "but after telling him we had won more than $1.6 million, he joked that he would make an exception this time."
Shock and Tears at the Lotterywest Office
The family, including the couple and their two adult children, visited the Lotterywest headquarters this week to officially claim their prize. The winner described still being in a state of shock as they sat in the Winners Room.
She recalled the tell-tale signs at the retailer that hinted at their incredible luck. "I knew something was up when the retailer asked me to come around to the back," she said. "When he explained we had won a division one prize, I couldn't believe it and burst into tears. I was frozen in shock because this kind of thing doesn't happen to people like us."
Dream Plans for a Sudden Fortune
Despite the sudden injection of wealth, the pragmatic winning couple plans to continue working. Their immediate goals for the prize money are firmly rooted in family security and a long-held dream.
The funds will be used to pay off their family home mortgage completely. Furthermore, they have booked a spectacular family holiday to the Maldives, a destination they have always yearned to visit but previously thought was out of reach.
Lotterywest spokeswoman Zoe Wender said this win contributes to a brilliant start to the year for Western Australian players. "Thanks to Saturday Lotto’s $30 million Megadraw and Millionaire Medley, WA players are already enjoying life-changing prizes this year," she stated, noting that five WA tickets have already won division one prizes in 2026.
