In an incredible stroke of luck, 15 workmates from Western Australia are now celebrating a massive $30 million Australian Powerball win after purchasing their ticket from Malaga Newsagency. This is the first Powerball jackpot won in WA in 2024.
The winning numbers in the Oct. 24, 2024 Powerball drawing were 1, 5, 8, 9, 14, 22, and 33, with Powerball number 2.
The winning group is a mix of men and women aged between 30 and 60. Each of them had an equal share, meaning they’ll each walk away with a life-changing $2 million.
A Ticket Bought by Accident
The story behind the win is as remarkable as the win itself. The leader of the group, who’s been organizing their weekly lottery pool for over seven years, actually bought the ticket by accident. Typically, he buys their usual Saturday Lotto ticket, but last week, he completely forgot. So, on a whim, he decided to grab a Powerball ticket instead.
“We all pitch in weekly to buy a Saturday Lotto ticket, plus an extra one whenever there’s a jackpot of $50 million or more,” he shared. “When I realized I’d forgotten the Saturday ticket, I braced myself for some ribbing from the team on Monday! Then I saw Powerball was at $30 million, so I figured, why not?”
That spur-of-the-moment choice turned into a once-in-a-lifetime win. Not only is this WA’s largest Division One prize since April 2023, but it’s also a ticket that will bring the group a level of freedom many only dream of.
Dreams of Retirement and Travel
Retirement dreams are suddenly a reality for some of these winners. The group leader is planning to retire early, hitting the road in a caravan with his wife. One winner said the first thing she bought after hearing the news was a pineapple—a symbolic “treat-yourself” purchase!
Others are making plans to retire, support their kids, take long-awaited overseas trips, and enjoy other dream experiences they’ve been putting off. “We weren’t even supposed to have a ticket in this draw,” the group leader laughed. “I never expect to win, but I like knowing the money goes back to the community, regardless.”
This Australian Powerball jackpot also had a significant impact beyond the winners. This jackpot run alone helped raise $5.9 million for local community groups throughout Western Australia.
“It was amazing welcoming this group of winners into the Winners Room and witnessing their excitement,” shared lottery spokesperson Zoe Wender. “This win is truly life-changing, and how wonderful that this group gets to share this incredible journey together.”
From unexpected tickets to unforgettable wins, this story is a heartwarming reminder that sometimes, life’s biggest blessings come when we least expect them!
