NSW: Yamba residents on Ferrari watch

AAP General News (Australia)
12-12-2003
NSW: Yamba residents on Ferrari watch

By Katherine Danks and Adam Joyce

SYDNEY, Dec 12 AAP - Santa has come early to one lucky resident in Yamba and the NSW
coastal town is scanning the streets for a local in a Ferrari with $30 million to burn.

NSW Lotteries today announced a resident from Yamba, on the far north coast, had won
the entire first division in last night's Powerball - the equal-biggest lottery win in
Australia.

However the winner, who collected the major prize with a $12.70 computer-generated
ticket, had wanted to remain anonymous, NSW Lotteries said.

Today, Yamba residents gathered in bars and on street corners to discuss the big win.

A staff member at the Yamba Shores Tavern said locals were waiting for a Ferrari to
cruise into the carpark.

"There hasn't been any celebrations yet, we still don't know who it is but everybody
is very excited," she said.

"Everybody is just waiting for a nice car to turn up or somebody to buy heaps of beers
from the bar."

Across town at Yamba's other pub, the Pacific Hotel, drinkers were also on luxury car watch.

"Everybody is talking about it, but nobody knows who it is," a staff member said.

The identity of the winner may be unclear today but in a town with a population of
just 6,000 it may prove difficult to remain anonymous forever.

Last night's win follows the first - controversial - $30 million Powerball win by a
Perth couple in January 2001.

That win caused debate about the anonymity of lotteries' winners after the couple was
named in a newspaper, virtually forcing them to speak publicly about their new-found wealth.

Last night's winning entry, from a 24-game Mega Powerpick ticket, was sold at Yamba
Fair Newsagency.

Owner Karen Thompson said staff were ecstatic about their small part in the win as
one of them had "pressed the button" on the newsagency's machine which had generated the
ticket for the $30 million windfall.

"Some (staff) have been there a long time - they more than likely know the person (who
won)," Mrs Thompson said.

"It will be a process of elimination by who starts driving into the shopping centre
with a Ferrari.

"I hope they enjoy it (the $30 million) and share it around as much as possible with
friends and family."

The winning punter was told last night about his or her scoop and will receive a cheque
in two weeks.

AAP kjd/kbw/cjh/de

KEYWORD: POWERBALL NIGHTLEAD

2003 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.