Victorian family wins the biggest Oz Lotto jackpot in five years
A FAMILY in country Victoria is $35 million richer after coming forward to claim its win in last night's Oz Lotto jackpot — and one syndicate member plans to spend their windfall on one unusual item.
Shireen Khalil
news.com.auAugust 8, 201810:40am
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A Victorian family has claimed their share of the $70 million jackpot draw.Source:Supplied
A FAMILY in country Victoria is $35 million richer after coming forward to claim its win in last night's Oz Lotto jackpot — and one member plans to purchase an unusual item with their new windfall.
The six-member private family syndicate from northeastern Victoria held one of the two division one winning entries in the $70 million draw — the biggest in five years.
They came forward this morning during a hunt for the mystery winner, with the winning woman contacting officials after hearing they were trying to contact a Victorian online division one winner.
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"There's six of us in the syndicate and everyone will be excited to know it's all official," she said. "It actually ends up benefiting six families.
"We've had a group chat going all morning about how we are each going to spend our share of the win.
"I know one family member is going to buy a new washing machine and another is going to get a water tank."
Upgraded travel plans are also on the list for the winners.
"We are planning a holiday to Europe to visit family and there is talk of celebrating a milestone birthday next year on a cruise," she said.
"We had already been planning it but our plans have certainly been upgraded now! First class all the way!"
The other winner, a man from Lithgow, NSW, has claimed his share, rightfully saying he was "blown away" when he found out about his win.
Tatts Group spokesman Matt Hart described it as one of the "best calls I've made to a division one winner as he had no idea he had won."
When Mr Hart told the 50-year-old of his massive $35 million win, he responded: "Oh fair dinkum? You're kidding?! That is the best news I've had in a long time. Hallelujah."
"It goes without saying I'll be helping the kids out and I'm sure my retirement plans will be fast-tracked."
"I'll tell you what — my next holiday will be at the pointy end of the plane.
"It still hasn't sunk in yet. It has completely blown us away. I don't think I'll sleep tonight."
The thrilled winner, who wishes to remain anonymous, purchased his 6-game QuickPick entry from Top End Newsagency, 33 Main Street, Lithgow.
"I can't think of anything to say at the moment. I'm blown away," Top End Newsagency owner Anna Nguyen said.
"Congratulations to our winner."
The wins kickstarted the record-breaking week of Australian lottery jackpots with now $80 million up for grabs.
"There is still a chance for Australians to become overnight multi-millionaires this week, with this Thursday's Powerball also offering a massive $80 million division one prize," Mr Hart said.
Last financial year, 18 Oz Lotto division one winning entries across the Lott's jurisdictions won more than $237 million.
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