Local man Greg Dean claimed top prize in the Gunnedah Times 2024 Shop Local Christmas Promotion.
The former abattoir and railway worker was suitably stunned when the Gunnedah Times informed him on Tuesday about his $3000 prize win.
“I’m shocked, I can’t believe it,” Mr Dean said.
His winning ticket, which was entered after a purchase at Club Gunnedah, was drawn first among thousands of entries in this year’s prize draw.
“I only had a half dozen entries in the competition,” Mr Dean added.
The lucky winner is a regular at Club Gunnedah’s Friday night raffles where he often also stays for a meal.
Drawing the Gunnedah Times Shop Local Christmas Promotion tickets are Gunnedah shire mayor Colleen Fuller and sponsor Whitehaven Coal manager community relations Jabin de Keizer, with Gunnedah Times staff Kylie Devine.
As one of the top three winners, Mr Dean is eligible to spend his ‘Shop Local’ winnings at any of Gunnedah’s 10 participating businesses in the Christmas promotion.
His last win of any description was a vacuum cleaner, so this prize came a welcome surprise.
Mr Dean plans to spend Christmas with his children and grandchildren.
A further nine prizewinners were also delighted to hear they had won in the promotion – one winner was particularly excited by his rare win, telling the Gunnedah Times “I haven’t even won a chook in a chook raffle”.
The $1500 second place prize was won by Rod Riley – this ticket was also entered at Club Gunnedah.
Wife Cathy collected the winnings on Rod’s behalf and said the club’s new bistro is a fantastic addition to the local dining options.
Cathy Riley collected the $1500 second place prize on behalf of husband Rod.
“We had a great meal up there, highly recommend it,” she said.
Third place went to Jenny Cox who won $750 after a purchase and ticket entry at Fogarty Fotos in Gunnedah.
A further seven prize winners won $250 each including Cody Auld, Coral Lorimer, Amy Young, Fiona Taber, Kate Gunn, and Robyn Jobson.
Anthony Marshall was also among the minor prize winners. His winning ticket was entered after purchase Auto Pro in Gunnedah but he never imagined those car parts would turn into a handy $250 windfall.
“I couldn’t believe it [that I’d won],” Mr Marshall said.
Participating businesses included Aquawest, Auto Pro, Carter’s Pharmacy, Club Gunnedah, Fogarty Fotos, Goodness & Gracious, Gunnedah Discount Drug Store, Gunnedah Newsagency, Marathon Tyres and Regency Jewellers.
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