Powerball $4m winner revealed as Melbourne dad

Read Time:2 Minute, 25 Second

A Melbourne dad has been revealed as the mystery winner of more than $4 million, explaining why he didn’t come forward at first.

The Craigieburn man had used loose change to buy his first Powerball entry — which became one of two division one winning entries in last Thursday night’s draw 1434.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Powerball winner shares biggest mistake lotto winners can make with their jackpot.

Watch the latest news and stream for free on 7plus >>

But while he knew he’d won just over $4 million before going to bed on Thursday night, he didn’t come forward until days later.

“I feel really good now, but when I first discovered the win it was a whole different story,” he told The Lott.

“I was ready to go to bed on Thursday night, but then I thought I would check my Powerball ticket beforehand.

“I couldn’t sleep, couldn’t walk, couldn’t talk. It felt as if I was in a dream.

“I had to give myself a few days to calm down and catch up on sleep before I could come forward.”

The man explained he and his children had played a joke on his wife years ago, telling her they had won the lottery and she “nearly had a heart attack”.

“I remember feeling her heart and it was beating so fast, and now I know exactly what she was going through,” he said.

“I almost went blind and I couldn’t see, and my heart was beating so fast. I was in la-la land.

“My wife has thankfully believed this win and we’ve already gone and celebrated over some fancy dinners. We usually just treat ourselves to a Domino’s pizza.

“I’ve always lived by the motto do good and good will come to you. I used to buy $5 pies and hand them out to the less fortunate. It’s truly a blessing.”

The father said he had placed a four-leaf clover he’d found in his garden on top of the ticket before the draw and believes that helped the win.

He said the $4 million will help his children pay their mortgages and allow himself and his wife to buy a home.

“I’ll also purchase a brand-new car and enjoy the rest of our lives,” he said.

The division one winning entry was purchased at Lilydale Village Lotto & News on Main St in Lilydale and the winning numbers were 35, 15, 3, 23, 34, 29 and 30. The Powerball number was 2.