The $40-million winner plans to ensure the windfall will be there for future generations to enjoy. Photo: The Lott.
Canberra’s mystery $40 million Powerball winner has been found, but he won’t quit his day job any time soon.
The Woden man held the only division one winning entry that was drawn on 25 June, but had no idea until he saw a news report.
“I completely forgot about my ticket until I saw on the news that they were looking for a winner with an unregistered ticket,” he said.
“I thought, ‘Maybe it’s me!’
“The ticket had just been sitting in my wallet this whole time. I really still can’t believe it.”
The winning ticket was bought at Thistle Kiosk in Westfield Woden.
Owner Rudy Lu said the newsagency was no stranger to winners.
“I took over the business two years ago and have sold two division one winning entries here; however, the business is long established and has sold over 20 division one winning entries in the past 50 years,” he said.
“When I saw the news that there was an unregistered winner in Canberra, I had a feeling it was us who sold it.
“Congratulations to the winner. We wish you all the best and hope you spend it wisely.”
The Woden winner isn’t planning to quit his day job, despite the multi-million-dollar windfall.
“I still plan to work. It’ll more be there for future children and grandchildren,” he said.
“I’m so happy. Thank you so much!”
This ticket wasn’t registered to a player card or online account, meaning that The Lott officials had no way to contact the winner directly.
The Thistle Kiosk sold a division one winning entry for the Set for Life draw on 8 April 2021 that scored $4.8 million, to be paid in instalments of $20,000 a month for 20 years.
That prize still hasn’t been claimed.