A Thornlie resident has become the latest lucky winner to strike it rich in The Sunday Times' weekly Timespool competition, taking home a life-changing $38,000 jackpot.
Family celebration after major win
Chloe Peterson, a 38-year-old advanced sterilisation technician, received the surprise of her life when she discovered she'd won the substantial prize in the newspaper's regular draw. Despite being born locally, Peterson joked that her Scottish heritage might have brought her some Celtic luck to rival the famously fortunate Irish.
The thrilled winner revealed her immediate plans for the money would focus on family support. "I've already planned to get a few things that my father needs, that he's been stressing about for a while," Ms Peterson told The Sunday Times. "Just to help him out as we've always helped each other at times."
Father's suggestion leads to family victory
The winning entry came about through a family tradition. Peterson began entering the weekly Timespool draw at the beginning of 2025 after her father, a regular Sunday Times reader, suggested she participate alongside him.
"My father buys The Sunday Times every Sunday," she explained. "He decided to fill it out, and then said that I should do it. So then I started doing it."
Her father was reportedly "over the moon" that the prize had ultimately stayed within the family, creating a double celebration for the Peterson household.
From disbelief to dreaming big
Like many lottery winners, Peterson initially struggled to believe her good fortune was genuine. She admitted thinking the initial notification might have been an elaborate prank.
"I had a missed phone call and a voice message left, and I sort of thought it might have been a prank," she recalled. "But then I had an email pretty much confirming that it was real, and I sort of sat there just kind of oblivious. I still can't really believe it."
Beyond helping her father, the Thornlie resident said she hopes to make some improvements around her home and save the remainder for future needs. Should any funds remain after her domestic plans, she's considering a trip to Scotland to visit family and connect with her ancestral roots.
Despite the life-changing win, Peterson isn't resting on her laurels. When asked if she would take time to bask in her victory, she revealed she'd already entered the next Timespool draw, proving that sometimes luck really does come to those who persist.
Reflecting on her unexpected windfall, the first-time winner could only express her amazement: "I haven't won anything in my life. Just, wow."
