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Cleaner dad who lost job during Covid pandemic scoops ￡43million in Australia’s third biggest ever lottery win

2021-08-13 00:00:00.0 太阳报-世界新闻原网页

A CLEANER dad who lost his job during the Covid pandemic has scooped a massive ￡43million in Australia's third biggest ever lottery win.

The struggling Melbourne cleaner has been working odd jobs to make ends meet.

The lucky Aussie won ￡43million in Thursday's Powerball lottery Credit: Getty - Contributor

"I am so excited. I checked my ticket late last night. I couldn't sleep after that!" the family man, who wants to remain anonymous, told Australian lottery operator The Lott.

"I lost my job during one of the many lockdowns here in Melbourne. We had only just bought a home and didn't see it coming."

The Aussie had a one in 134million change of guessing the correct numbers in Thursday night's division one Powerball draw.

Despite his new fortune, the man remained humble, saying he hopes the money will help make life better for his family.

He plans to pay off his mortgage and "set our kids up for life".

"That will be an incredible thing to be able to do. There's so much we will be able to do with this prize. It will change so many people's lives!"

17 Powerball division one winners pocketed ￡276million ($519million) in prize money across Australia in the 12 months to June 30.

Powerball had tried contact the lucky winner on Thursday.

The ￡43million ($80million) jackpot is the biggest ever in the state of Victoria and Australia's third largest win.

I am so excited. I checked my ticket late last night. I couldn't sleep after that!

Aussie jackpot-winning dad

A spokesperson for the lottery said: “Imagine going to bed tonight not knowing you’ve just won $80million?

"That’s the reality for one Victorian player after scoring division one in tonight’s Powerball draw!” she said.

“While the Victoria entry was purchased online, unfortunately, we don’t have their complete contact details, so we are unable to make a mind-blowing phone call to them this evening.

“That is why we are encouraging everyone in Victoria to check their entries because they may be the multi-millionaire we are searching for!

“While we are unable to confirm the win with tonight’s winner, we can guarantee that when they discover the news, it’s sure to be met with a hefty mix of shock and excitement,” she said.

“In addition to seeing the massive $80 million prize land in their bank account, this player also shares the title of Victoria’s biggest individual lottery winner and Australia’s third-biggest lottery winner.”