Missing Woman Claims Multi-Million Dollar Prize

A Reporoa woman who has won a NZD$2.1 million waterfront mansion on Australia’s Gold Coast has finally claimed her prize.

The lucky winner phoned the Returned & Services (RSL) Art Union after the charity went public in its bid to find her.

The charitable organisation was established by the Queensland RSL to raise funds for returned service men, women and their families.

General Manager Luke Traini says we received a call from the woman this morning claiming her prize.

Traini says the woman said: “I think I have the matching ticket of the winner. You have me in tears, I’m so sorry”.

She also told Traini: “My brother is a returned serviceman. He sent some tickets across some years ago and I wanted to support the cause so I just kept buying. I always wondered what it would feel like to win but all I can do is cry.”

The woman purchased a NZD$25 book of tickets and will also take home more than NZD $50,000 in gold bullion.

Traini says the woman had noticed the missed calls on her phone but had been busy with working long hours  and hadn’t been home to answer the phone.

Traini says that he’s thrilled to have finally got in touch with the winner.

“She sounds like a very humble and caring person and a deserved winner. Our challenge now is handing the prize over and trying to get passports organized as she has not travelled before and she still wants to continue her busy work schedule”.     

Traini says it’s great to see a Kiwi win and support the returned service people and their families.

“The ANZAC spirit is truly alive and well. We think it’s fantastic that our RSL Art Union is so well supported in New Zealanders and by many people living around the world,” he says.

More details and photographs of the prizes won can be found at www.rslartunion.com.au