Winner in waiting

By Melissa Meehan and
And Heritage Springs lotto agent Janine Mortaruolo has five million reasons to smile.
She found out at 7am on Wednesday morning that she had sold the first division winning ticket for Tuesday night’s Oz Lotto draw.
“My area manager called me at 7am,” Ms Mortaruolo said.
“He said he was up since 5am and wanted to call me then, it’s just so very exciting.”
When the News spoke to Ms Mortaruolo she was busy decorating her store to celebrate the win and couldn’t wipe the smile off her face.
“We’ve been here four years and this is the first time we’ve sold a first division winning ticket,” she said.
“It’s just so good. It’s a lot of money and could change someone’s life forever.
“I hope it’s someone local.”
She said the winner had not registered their ticket with a Tatts Card, so no-one knew who they were.
“I have to wait until they notify Tattslotto or come in unknowingly to check their ticket,” she said.
“It’s so exciting.”
Ms Mortarulo said as the outlet who sold the winning ticket she got no extra money, but hoped it would prove to locals that things like this could happen in Pakenham.
“We often have people who come in and say it never happens to people like them,” she said.
“But this proves it does happen, in Pakenham.
“I hope it’s a young family starting out. Everyone has a mortgage and $5 million would go a long way.”
Now it’s a waiting game, and to keep herself busy while waiting for that someone to bring their winning ticket to her store, Ms Mortaruolo is busily decorating her store and making signs.