The man, who plans to share the windfall with his brother, described the win as a “good luck sign sent from heaven” after the recent passing of a family member.
The top-prize-winning $10 Jumbo Crosswords Instant Scratch-Its ticket was purchased at Centrefair Lotto in Maude St, Shepparton.
“It’s a wonderful surprise. It’s great to start 2022 with a major win,” the winner told an official from The Lott.
“I like to purchase $20 worth of Instant Scratch-Its every week as a little treat.
“When I scratched the ticket at home, I was in shock. You never expect to win a top prize.”
Next came a phone call to his brother and partner, who were ecstatic.
“We’ve endured some bad luck recently and lost a family member close to us,’’ he said.
“But, we believe this win is good luck and a possible sign from heaven — a sign that shows everything is going to be okay.
“I’m planning to give some of the prize to my brother and lend him a helping hand. It’s been a tough few months.”
The Centrefair Lotto team was just as thrilled to have sold a winning ticket to a regular customer.