Adam Vary
Updated on: October 17, 2024 6:21 am GMT
A recent Lotto win has brought excitement to a small grocery store in Coolgarlie, Western Australia, as a lucky customer walked away with over $60,000. The Boothey Morans IGA Local Grocer, a family-owned business, sold the winning second-division ticket during Thursday’s Powerball draw, marking the store’s first major win since the family took ownership five and a half years ago.
Boothey Morans IGA Scores Big
“We are thrilled to have sold a winning Lotto ticket,” said co-owner James Boothey. He expressed hope that the store might sell a division one ticket soon, as the family has been looking forward to this moment since taking over the shop.
- Location: Boothey Morans IGA is located on the Great Eastern Highway.
- Winning Ticket: Sold in Thursday’s second-division Powerball draw.
- Prize Amount: Each division two winner receives $60,249.
James Boothey shared that the store welcomes a diverse group of customers, including locals, tourists, and truck drivers. The exact identity of the winner remains a mystery, adding a layer of intrigue to the success story.
Lotterywest confirmed that this ticket was one of three sold in Western Australia for the same division two prize. The spokesperson for Lotterywest noted that 27 players in WA have won division two Powerball prizes this year, amounting to over $3.6 million.
Community Impact of Lotto Sales
Profits from Lotterywest tickets are reinvested into community projects throughout WA. For instance, the agency recently provided a $586,483 grant to support the Millennium Kids’ Kids on Country Project, which aims to connect young people in Coolgardie with their cultural heritage.
The Goldfields region boasts other notable lottery retailers as well. Boulder Newsagency and Lotto has gained a reputation as “the luckiest shop in Western Australia” after selling six division-one winning tickets in just 18 months.
Missing Margaret River Couple Found Safe
In another notable event, a couple from Margaret River, aged in their 60s, was located by Western Australia Police following a week-long search. The couple had been on a trip through the Warburton area and were due to return home on October 6. They had not communicated with family members since September 30.
- Search Operations: The Police Air Wing spotted the couple during an aerial search approximately 130 kilometers south of Warburton on Tuesday.
- Welfare Check: Police confirmed they had reached the couple on Wednesday, stating that they were “safe and well.”
A police representative indicated that there were no longer concerns for the couple’s welfare and that they were expected to arrive in Warburton around noon. Officers were dispatched to the area to complete a welfare check shortly after the couple was found.
Community Response
The news of the couple’s safe return offers a sigh of relief to friends and family who had been worried for their well-being. Police had conducted searches in challenging conditions, highlighting the rugged nature of the WA outback.
The two events—a notable lottery win and the fortunate finding of the couple—underscore the vibrant community spirit and resilience that characterize life in Western Australia.
Conclusion
As the story of the winning Lotto ticket unfolds alongside the positive news of the married couple’s safe return, the Coolgarlie community experiences a mix of joy and relief. Both incidents serve as reminders of the unexpected blessings in life and the strong ties that hold communities together.
With ongoing Lotto excitement and life-saving rescue efforts, WA continues to capture the hearts of many. For those looking to try their luck, Boothey Morans IGA now stands as a testament to where fortune may shine next.
Stay updated on local news by reading the Kalgoorlie Miner. You can also learn more by visiting the Lotterywest website.
