When Paulina Zurawski received the phone call saying she had won vouchers worth $1000, she “couldn’t believe it (and) was in total disbelief”.
Ms Zurawski was the third winner of the News’ Fun, Festive Giveaway.
Her prize consisted of vouchers valued at $200 from each of the Shepparton Brewery, the Shepparton Club, the Aussie Hotel, Noble Monks and the SAM café.
Ms Zurawski is “a fully fledged local” and has been a subscriber to the News for many years.
While she’s won “the odd prize”, such as tickets to events and shows, from the News before, she has never won anything to the value of $1000.
Ms Zurawski was looking forward to sharing her prize with friends, hoping that she would be able to bring a bit of Christmas cheer to them.
“It’s just lovely. There’s been so much sadness surrounding Shepparton (due to) the recent floods (and) by me having this, hopefully, I’ll be able to put a smile on people's faces,” she said.
Ms Zurawski has encouraged the community to participate in competitions.
“They’re free. Win or lose, just enter,” she said.
Ms Zurawski also expressed her gratitude to the News and the sponsors.
“I’d just like to thank the Shepp News for putting the competition on and especially for the sponsors.”