Lotterywest has marked its 80th anniversary by breaking records to achieve $820.9million in sales, raising $274.5million to support the Western Australian community in the 2012-13 financial year.
Premier Colin Barnett said Lotterywest had also delivered players $460million in prize money in 2012-13. This included 71 players who made the State's exclusive Division One winners list.
Mr Barnett said Lotterywest direct grants totalling $123.3million were given to 1,299 community and charitable organisations, while a further $151.2million went to hospitals, sports and recreation and the arts.
The grants ranged from $1,000 for equipment for small local groups to $5million delivered to counselling support services organisation, Centrecare, for new premises in Midland.
"Western Australia is extremely fortunate to have the only lottery in Australia - and one of the few in the world - that is government-owned and the proceeds raised go directly to making a difference in the community," the Premier said.
"For every dollar West Australians spend on their favourite Lotterywest games, 33 cents is returned to benefit the community.
"In total, Lotterywest has given $8billion to winners and $4billion to the community over its 80-year history."
Mr Barnett said he had seen first-hand some of the impressive work by local community groups supported by Lotterywest grants.
"Some of these groups such as Parkerville Children and Youth Care, RSPCA, St John Ambulance Service and Ngala were on the very first grants recipients list in 1933 and still receive Lotterywest support today," he said.
"Parkerville Children Youth Care has received more than $3million in Lotterywest grants, which includes support for their George Jones Advocacy Centre. This centre strives to protect, care and advocate for the most vulnerable and abused children and youth in our community."
The Premier paid tribute to the Lotterywest board and staff for their work over the past year and acknowledged the efforts of the Lotterywest retail network.
Fact File
Premier's office - 6552 5000
