“This is a once in a lifetime thing,” Holly’s Deaf Lottery win

In late March 2026, our team at the Deaf Lottery had the pleasure of contacting one very lucky woman. 

Holly* is a medical practitioner who has spent her career working across regional and remote communities in need. A VIP supporter of the Deaf Lottery since 2023, Holly generously donated $200 per month to support the Deaf Lottery. 

But on the morning of 19 March, Holly received news she never expected to hear. On the other end of the line, we read out her winning ticket.

“I was looking at my email, seeing my ticket number matching what they were calling up and telling me on the phone. So that was… well, it was quite amazing.”

Holly had won a total prize of $830,000, made up of $800,000 in cash and a $30,000 Book Buyers prize.

After receiving the news, Holly said she wanted to be careful about how she spent her winnings.

“This is a once in a lifetime thing, so I told myself I needed to calm down and think very carefully about what to do next. I went through all the possibilities. I know it’s happened, but I’m still getting my head around the fact it’s real.”

She remains committed to her work as a medical practitioner, helping people in regional communities access essential care.

“I’m still going to work. That’s not going to change. But this just gives me more freedom to think about what I want to do after. I’m nearly ready to retire, so it’s definitely going to help me with that.”

“I’ve got a sister who still has a mortgage and I’d like to help her. I can think of very sensible things to do: put some into super, help my sister, pay off the mortgage. It’s more money than I’ve ever had at one time, so I’m taking my time with it.”

Holly also reflected on why she continues to support the Deaf Lottery, linking it to her broader commitment to health and community-related charities.

“Education is such a big part of what Deaf Connect does – helping Deaf people, but also educating the wider community about Auslan and Deaf culture. People often don’t realise what Auslan is or how important it is. Having access to sign language isn’t something that limits people’s lives. In fact, it enhances them.”

Even after her win, Holly says her support of the Deaf Lottery won’t change.

“Now that I’ve won, I’ll definitely keep supporting the Deaf Lottery. You never expect it to be you, but it’s just been so life changing.”

From all of us at the Deaf Lottery, we wish Holly all the very best as she plans her next steps and enjoys this exciting new chapter.

Next time the phone rings, it just might change your life forever!

Watch the winners call here!