A Launceston grandmother turned a tedious hospital wait into a life-changing moment, snapping up a $5 million Powerball prize after buying a ticket to pass the time before her appointment.
The Apple Isle resident held the only division one winning entry nationally in Powerball draw 1562, drawn Thursday 23 April 2026. She looks forward to a total prize of $5,213,405.25.
So far this year, Tasmania has seen four major lottery wins, collectively worth more than $13.27 million in prize money.
The winner’s division one prize was boosted to a $5,213,405.25 due to the number of entries purchased in last night’s Powerball draw.
“I’ve still got to pinch myself!” she laughed when an official from The Lott confirmed the multi-million-dollar news earlier this morning.
“It’s beautiful! I checked the win last night and I haven’t slept a wink. I laid next to my phone with the prize amount right beside me all night - couldn’t take my eyes off it!
“I was at the hospital yesterday, waiting for an appointment and it was boring. I decided to purchase a ticket into the Powerball draw to pass some time. I can’t believe it.
“I told my husband that we’d won last night and he was in so much shock. I think it will take a while before we can both believe the news.
“Thank you very much!”
With $5 million soon in hand, the newly minted multi-millionaire had a couple of ideas in mind.
“I can finally retire which has come at the most perfect time because I’m having some health issues,” she shared.
“I will be spoiling my children and grandchildren – buying them houses!
“And I can’t forget about my beloved dog who will be even more spoiled.”
Her winning 36-game QuickPick was purchased on The Lott website – the official home of Australia’s lotteries.
The winning numbers in Powerball draw 1562 on Thursday 23 April 2026 were 11, 34, 30, 35, 28, 4 and 29. The all-important Powerball number was 3.
Across Australia, there was one division one winning entry in Powerball draw 1562 – the one in Tasmania.