Winner Story | Number 56 Strikes Again

How Fate Led David to a $173,000 Win! 

For one Victorian pensioner, supporting the RSPCA was always about giving back to the animals he loves so much. But when he spotted a familiar set of numbers on his Lottery tickets, something told him this was his moment—and he was right! Listen to the call. 

David became the First Prize Winner of Lottery No. 83 and was overwhelmed with emotions when he received the life-changing call. His incredible win included a brand-new Range Rover Velar and $10,000 in Gold Bullion, a prize package worth $173,000.

It wasn’t just luck—it was fate. David knew he was going to win. The reason? 56.

That number has followed him throughout his life, tied to moments that changed everything. He remembers the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, the arrival of television in Australia, and even a childhood crush he met in 1956... and later reunited with—when she was 56 years old. When he looked at his winning ticket, he couldn’t believe it. The last number was 56.

“A strange coincidence,” he mused. That was until… “when you phoned me, I actually thought, that will be the RSPCA calling to tell me I've won. Spooky huh?”.

Despite the excitement, David carefully considered what would be the best choice for his circumstances. While winning a luxury vehicle was an incredible moment, he ultimately decided that trading it in would better align with his personal goals.

Now, he’s using the winnings to finish long-overdue projects on his cherished old home—something that has brought him great satisfaction but had become difficult due to health issues. He’s also setting up small ‘rainy day’ accounts for his five wonderful children.

“They’ve always done their very best in everything they’ve taken on, which as a Dad, makes me ‘really proud’, and they’ve always stayed so close and supportive of each other, even though they range from 38 to 58. (I just made myself feel really old)”

Through it all, his beloved little dog, Maggie, has been his rock.

“Some days are better than others, but Maggie is such a wonderful little dog. She knows how to take my mind off myself… just by being her.”

David hopes his story inspires others to enter the RSPCA Lottery.

“People go buy lotto tickets, and all they are doing is putting it into nothing really… but by buying a raffle ticket instead, you are putting it into something really special.”

Congratulations to David on this well-deserved win—and thank you to all RSPCA supporters who make a difference with every ticket! Your support changes lives.