What’s happening?
A Toowoomba man has shared his first purchase after landing a $1.6 million windfall.
The Darling Downs resident won a major prize in draw 144, held on Sunday, 18 January 2026.
His winning entry was purchased at Toowoomba Sports Club, located at 360 Ruthven Street.
The win is the region’s first major result of the year.
Why it matters
The prize marks a significant moment for a long time local player.
It also delivered a feel good moment for a popular Toowoomba venue.
Local impact
Excitement spread quickly through the club as news of the win emerged.
Venue staff confirmed it was their first major prize win.
By the numbers
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The total prize came to $1,665,420.30, placing it among the largest local wins in recent years.
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The winning result came from draw 144, held on 18 January 2026.
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In 2025, Queenslanders recorded more than 28 million wins worth over $466.5 million.
Zoom in
“I’m delighted!” he laughed.
“I’m very excited! I’ve been getting my life all organised. “I’ve been playing for a long time, and I’ve always visited the Toowoomba Sports Club. It’s been my local for many years. “I didn’t know how to react when it happened, and I still don’t know what I’ll do with the prize! “I did have to go buy a phone to contact them though. I guess that’s the first thing I’ve done with the prize. “Thank you very much.” Toowoomba Sports Club general manager Karen Evans said the moment was emotional for staff.
“There’s been overwhelming happiness in the venue. Our staff are absolutely thrilled for the jackpot winner, and some team members were even moved to tears by witnessing the life changing moment!” she said.
“We will celebrate the milestone at the club by sharing this amazing feel good story with everyone. This is also our first major prize for our venue, so as you can imagine, we’re stoked. “We would like to congratulate our customer and hope that this enables the beginning of many wonderful experiences to be enjoyed from this win.
“We’re very proud to be the venue supporting a major winning entry. Such a feel good event!”
Zoom out
Across eastern mainland Australia in 2025, players celebrated more than 78 million wins.
Those wins totalled more than $1.2 billion.
Seventeen millionaires and multi-millionaires shared more than $40.8 million.
Three of those major winners were from Queensland, including a Biggera Waters man who won $4.4 million.
What to look for next?
Local venues across the Darling Downs will be watching closely for the next major local win.