Aussie retiree left 'shaking like a leaf' after winning entire $20million jackpot as previous winners reveal how it improved - and destroyed - their lives
A retiree who was the sole winner of a $20million jackpot has shared how she plans to use it - as previous winners share how the cash improved - and destroyed - their lives.
A retiree was left 'shaking like a leaf' after learning she was the sole winner of the entire $20million Powerball jackpot on Christmas Day.
The unnamed woman, from Hackham in Adelaide's outer south, purchased her ticket at Colonnades Lotto Kiosk on Beach Road.
She was the only Division One winning entry nationally in draw 1545.
The winning numbers were 7, 23, 29, 20, 11, 16 and 17 - and the Powerball number 17.
The woman only discovered she had won this week after checking her ticket this week, as she wasn't registered with The Lott Members Club.
She shared how she planned to spend the money.
'There's a few things that come to mind. Helping my family, but also giving money to some of my favourite charities,' she told The Lott.
'A lot of people could do a lot of good with this money. I always like to give where I can, no matter what amount. Now I can give a little more.
Some Australians said loved ones were in a worse position after winning the Powerball draw as money brings out the worst and best in people (stock image)
An unnamed woman from Adelaide's outer suburb of Hackham won the $20million jackpot in the Powerball draw on Christmas Day (stock image)
'You dream of it happening, but you just don't think it will happen to you. It hasn't sunk in... But I'm starting to get really excited! It's a good start to 2026!'
The woman said she was left 'shaking like a leaf' at the discovery.
'Honestly, you often wonder what people feel like when they win this much money,' she said.
'I had no idea until I checked the ticket just now. It's been in my purse the whole time, but I had a lot going on this week so hadn't got around to checking it.'
The life-changing win comes as previous recipients of the jackpot shared the impact the money has had on lives - both good and bad.
The discussion was sparked by a curious person on Reddit who posed the question: 'Do you know anyone who won the lottery in Australia?'
One man revealed how his own family won the jackpot many years ago and, while it brought financial freedom, it was a 'double-edged sword'.
'We never had money, and my family and friends would have been no different to anybody else's,' he explained.
She said she would help family and giving some to her favourite charities (stock image)
'The harsh truth is that money brings out the best and worst in people. It's good to have, not easy to keep and people come out of the woodwork for a piece of it.