Winners announced for Gunnedah Times’ $7000 prize giveaway

Kyle Cretert loves a counter lunch and a cold beverage as much as the next bloke but he never thought that meal would make him $3000 richer.

Mr Cretert won first prize in the Gunnedah Times’ I’m Dreaming of a Local Christmas shop locally Promotion last week after shopping locally for his midday meal at the Railway Hotel.

“A few beers and shouting myself lunch at the Railway turned out to be a bloody good investment,” he said.

The lucky winner had six tickets entered in the promotion drawn during last week’s Gunnedah Christmas Festival in Conadilly Street. But wasn’t until he received a call from the Gunnedah Times that he realised he’d won.

“I completely forgot all about the promo, and when I had all these missed calls I thought, wow, someone is seriously trying to get a hold of me,” he said.

“Bloody good promo.

“Thanks to everyone involved and to all the businesses that participated.

“I am sure the missus will find somewhere to spend it.”

Josh Launders from the Railway Hotel said the Christmas promotion was a great way to celebrate Gunnedah businesses and help reinvest back into the local economy.

“It was a great initiative to be part of,” Mr Launders said.

“Fantastic to see the community and the Gunnedah Times supporting small businesses.

“Great to see a good local win the prize just in time for Christmas.”

Zac Moss scooped up the second place prize of $1500, after making a purchase and entering his ticket at Auto Pro Gunnedah.

Meanwhile, Tom Paddison won third prize of $750 after shopping locally at Goodness & Gracious in Gunnedah where he entered his winning ticket.

All top-three prize winners are eligible to spend their winnings at any of the 20 participating businesses in the Gunnedah Times’ Christmas Promotion.

More than $1700 in additional prizes were also awarded for another seven lucky winners in the promotion.

Among them was ninth-place winner Jodie Brodbeck who won a $250 voucher at Plants For You in Gunnedah.

She couldn’t believe her luck after making a purchase at the local business and entering just one ticket in the draw.

But that one ticket among thousands tumbling in the competition barrel was drawn as a winner.

Jodie had already completed much of her Christmas shopping but was looking forward to returning to Plants For You with her winnings in the New Year.