Lottery 216: A Life-Changing Call for Annie and Her Family

Annie, the winner of Draw 216, received some news that most of us only dream of, winning an incredible $800,000 plus an additional $30,000 for her $30 ticket book purchase! However, her journey to this moment was anything but typical. 

Living 400 kilometres apart due to work commitments, Annie learned about her win while away from her family, and had to share the news with her husband, Harvey, over the phone.

“I messaged our family Snapchat group—we’ve got four kids—and when they finally replied, they didn’t believe me! It’s hard to fathom. As a VIP, the tickets are automatic, so I’d actually forgotten about the draw. To find out I’d won $800,000 on a Thursday morning was incredibly surreal,” she said.

For Annie and Harvey, this win represents new opportunities. Harvey has been self-employed for 26 years. Now, with the financial freedom from this prize, he can shift gears and look for a less demanding job, giving him more time to spend with their family.

“It’s created more of a lifestyle for us now. If we want to go on holiday, we can just go. Harvey won’t have to work seven days a week anymore. It gives us both the ability to balance work and life better, while still doing what we love,” she said.

Now they can finally turn their long-held dreams into reality.

Annie and her family have already started planning their attendance at the 2025 Finke Desert Race in Alice Springs, a family tradition they've celebrated for 40 years. The prize money even allowed them to order a brand-new motorbike ahead of time.

“Last year was special—our whole family went, and Harvey and our son, Ben, raced together. This year, we’ll be doing the same, but without the pressure of having to leave so soon. I can’t wait to make a holiday out of it – we couldn’t be more excited,” Annie said.

Beyond this trip, Annie and Harvey’s main priority has been with their family. The $30,000 VIP bonus is being happily divided among their four kids. They’ve also decided to refresh their home with some much-needed painting.

But even amidst this incredible life change, Annie has remained grounded in her desire to give back. As a supporter of the Deaf Lottery for 20 years, Annie’s connection to the Deaf community was inspired by her aunt, who taught Deaf children and learned Auslan to better serve them.

“Supporting Deaf Connect and the Deaf community has always been important to me, and this win has only strengthened my commitment.”

As for the future? Annie plans to continue her routine of supporting the Deaf Lottery, knowing that every ticket purchased helps make a difference in the lives of Deaf and hard of hearing people across Australia.

“My kids reminded me that good things come to good people—and this win has been proof of that,” she said.

With dreams fulfilled, family supported, and futures brighter than ever, Annie’s Deaf Lottery win shows us how life can change in an instant—and how giving back is always the ultimate reward.

Secure your tickets today to show your support!

*Winner's name changed as per their wish to remain anonymous