In some much needed wholesome news for 2021: a North Melbourne dad has just won an $80 million Powerball prize, after losing his job due to the pandemic and having to work as a cleaner to support his family.
The North Melbourne winner’s number was drawn last night, making him the third -biggest individual Powerball winner in Australia, and the biggest individual winner in Victoria.
“I am so excited. I checked my ticket late last night. I couldn’t sleep after that!” the anonymous man said.
“I lost my job during one of the many lockdowns here in Melbourne.
“We had only just bought a home and didn’t see it coming.
“I’ve been working as a cleaner ever since to make ends meet.
“Like for so many people, these lockdowns have been really tough for our family.
“But I’ve always said, you’ve just gotta keep trying. Now, look what’s happened!
“It is absolutely unbelievable!”
The lucky dad is going to use the prize money to set his children up for life and also hopes to use the money to help as many people as possible, after suffering his own share of hardships.
“I am going to try and help everyone!” he said.
“There’s so much we will be able to do with this prize. It will change so many people’s lives!”
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 870,000 Australians have lost their jobs since the start of the pandemic. Underemployment also hit a record high of 13.8%, meaning many people were forced to work reduced hours.
It’s great to see that members of the community like the Powerball winner are able to get their life back on track. However, it’s important to acknowledge that there are still many people unemployed or underemployed in the community.
Wouldn’t it be great if the government had their own pool of money like the Powerball they could access to help people hit by the pandemic? Oh wait, they do and it’s called our taxes.
