The man from Cannonvale was among the five jackpot winners in Saturday’s Gold Lotto draw, securing $2 million.

This year, the Mackay-Whitsundays area has been exceptionally lucky for lottery prizes, producing eight major winners who together have won over $21.15 million so far in 2025.

“I could use the money to build an emu racing track on my property between Prosperine and Airlie Beach,” he said.

“I’ve loved emus since childhood and have always wondered if I could do such a thing. Now with $2 million – who knows?”

But first, he said, he was heading to the local RSL with some mates to celebrate.

The man purchased his winning ticket at News Whitsunday in Whitsunday Plaza Centro, Cannonvale.

“This marks our third division one winning ticket sold in the past three years! Locals refer to us as the lucky store,” stated store owner Rich Bates.

“The last time we sold a division one winning entry before this win was in May 2024, which was also a Saturday Gold Lotto winner.”