Lack of hot roast chickens in Collie leads Rockingham couple to purchase winning $1.24m lotto ticket on visit

A Rockingham couple who purchased a winning $1.24 million lotto ticket in Collie have revealed they only bought it because their hot roast chook hunt in the town had been unsuccessful. The couple in their late 70s, who were not identified, have said they made their lucky purchase for the August 10 Saturday Lotto draw at Reuben’s News on Forrest Street while passing through the town. “We stopped on our drive looking for a hot chook,” they said. “We couldn’t find any, so we headed to Reuben’s News to buy a Lotto ticket instead.” Despite the couple having to come up with a Plan B for dinner, they are sure to be able to purchase as many hot roast chickens as they like in the future with their significant windfall. The couple have told their children and family about the news, sharing their excitement over the win. “It will change our lives,” they said. “We’re going to have lunch to celebrate.” Travel both within Australia and internationally is on the cards for the couple, who are planning to use part of the winnings to buy a caravan. The August 10 draw was the State’s eighth Division One win within a fortnight, and the second in regional WA in the same period after a Set for Life ticket purchased in Northam took out the main prize earlier this month. Those wanting to try their lotto luck could take home up to $100 million in the Powerball draw to be held on Thursday.