Hampton Park Tavern employees Dianne Dillon, Sherrie Polglase and Kay Barrass celebrate after their 28-member By Alison Noonan
LIFE is now a dream for Hampton Park Tavern staff who won more than $1 million in Saturday night’s Tattslotto draw.
The new year delivered joy and prosperity for 27 lucky employees and one customer after their syndicate won $1,175,900.65 in the $32 million mega draw.
Members will each pocket almost $42,000 in what they described as “the best day of their lives”.
Hotel manager and syndicate organiser Sherrie Polglase said her initial reaction was one of disbelief after fellow employee Kay Barrass checked the winning Quick Pick ticket on Monday.
“No-one believed it when Kay told us we had six numbers on the ticket. We all thought it was a joke,” Mrs Polglase said.
“We didn’t check the ticket straight away because everyone was keen to get away for New Year’s Eve celebrations on Saturday night.
“We double checked the numbers on the Internet on Monday but it wasn’t until we contacted Tattersall’s that we actually believed we won.
“It’s bloody unreal,” she said.
Mrs Polglase said the win was a dream come true for many of the financially struggling syndicate members, who were already busy planning how to spend their hefty post-Christmas reward.
“It is a nice amount of money – just enough to buy little things we couldn’t afford before,” she said.
“The best thing is that everybody is in a position where the money is needed.
“Some will pay off debts, book a holiday, buy a car, visit relatives and start home renovations.”
Syndicate member and hotel employee of 16 years Dianne Dillon said the win was a blessing after she recently purchased her first home.
“I’ve never even won a chook before, so this is amazing,” she said.
“I’m going to use the money to take my mum to England.
“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do but never been able to afford.”
Mrs Barrass said she would use her share to buy new furniture for the house and give her husband spending money for an upcoming trip to France.
“We need a new fridge and bed and I’d like to take my mum shopping,” she said.
“I’ve never won anything before. It’s just unbelievable.”
Staff and customers celebrated the win into the wee hours of Monday night, while two syndicate members away on holiday are yet to be informed of their newfound fortune.
A total of 17 Victorian entries were among 28 first division winners, with four across the state confirmed as syndicates.
