‘Great blessing’: Aussie dad pockets $20m in first major Powerball win of 2025

An Aussie dad has revealed the heartwarming ways he plans to spend his new $20m fortune as the first major Powerball winner of 2025.

An Aussie dad has revealed what he’ll spend his new $20m fortune on after he became the first major Powerball winner of the year.

The dad from Craigieburn in Melbourne’s north was the only division one winner in Thursday’s Powerball draw 1494 that had a total prize of $20,809,257.29 up for grabs.

The man wasn’t notified of his new fortune, as he didn’t register his ticket to an online account or player card, only finding news of the “great blessing” after checking his ticket days later.

“I only buy a Powerball ticket from time to time,” the man said.

“This has come at a great time for me and my family.

“It’s a great blessing.”

A man has pocketed $20m as the first major Powerball winner of the year. Picture: NewsWire / Nicki Connolly

The man told Lott officials that his heart was racing after checking his ticket.

“Oh my god! My heart is beating so fast – I don’t know how to control it,” he said.

“I’m so happy. I don’t know what to think.”

The prize is set to make a huge difference for the man and his family.

“It’s such a big prize. It means I can pay off the mortgage and help my family,” the man said.

“My wife and children have always said we never go on holidays, and I’d love to take them to Europe.”

The winning ticket was bought at The Lucky Charm Craigieburn in Craigieburn Central. Picture: NewsWire / David Swift

The winning ticket was bought at The Lucky Charm Craigieburn in Craigieburn Central.

Owner Nicole Knothe said the prize was “such an exciting and life-altering win” for the lucky customer.

“We would love to send all our happy thoughts to our lucky winner!” Ms Knothe said.

“We hope the win brings them joy, comfort and the ability to change many lives for the better.”

The winning numbers for Thursday’s Powerball draw were 21, 27, 9, 22, 15, 18 and 8, with the Powerball number 19.