delaide Retiree Discovers Life-Changing $20M Powerball Win

ADELAIDE:  A retiree from Hackham has come forward to claim a staggering $20 million Powerball jackpot after unknowingly carrying the winning ticket in her purse for an entire week.

The South Australian woman held the only division one winning entry across the nation for the Christmas night draw (Powerball draw 1545), but she only realized her multi-millionaire status today.

Despite a week of rumors regarding an unclaimed ticket sold in the Noarlunga area, the winner admitted she was too busy with holiday festivities to check her entry.

“I had no idea until I checked the ticket just now,” she told officials at The Lott. “It’s been in my purse the whole time, but I had a lot going on this week so hadn’t got around to checking it. I had a bit of a smile on my face just in case it was me, but never in a million years would I have thought I’d won $20 million.”

The winner, who has chosen to remain anonymous, has already outlined a selfless plan for her new-found wealth. While her family is the top priority, she is eager to increase her contributions to local causes.

“A lot of people could do a lot of good with this money,” she said. “I always like to give where I can, no matter what amount. Now I can give a little more.”

The life-changing ticket was purchased at the Colonnades Lotto Kiosk in Noarlunga Centre. The winning numbers that secured the $20 million windfall were 7, 23, 29, 20, 11, 16, and 17, with the crucial Powerball number being 17.

Lottery officials are celebrating the win as a perfect start to the New Year for the Hackham local, whose holiday season has just become unforgettable.