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Annandale Local Shops and Wins

When Townsville mother of two Wendy Payne saw the latest winner being drawn from the Queenslanders Credit Union Shop & Win Competition barrel at Annandale Central last Friday, she walked on by.

She didn’t know at the time, but moments later it was her name that was called out as the weekly winner of the $250 Visa debit card awarded to lucky shoppers.

“I saw the centre manager at the barrel and smiled, then continued my shopping,” the 58 year-old Annandale local said.

“When I got home I got a big surprise – a phone call that I’d won – I was quite shocked to say the least.

“I guess I would have stuck around and found out personally if I’d known what was going to happen.”

Ms Payne said she has already decided to keep the cash in a Queenslanders savings account to prepare for next Christmas.

“I was very happy because I don’t often enter competitions, so it was wonderful to win,” she said.

“I called my two daughters up straight away and they were just as stoked as I was. I’ve already started depositing more money in the account so I’m ready for next year.”

“I’d really like to thank Queenslanders Credit Union and Annandale Central for making my day," Ms Payne said.

Queenslanders Credit Union Townsville Branch Manager, Margaret Murray, congratulated Ms Payne on her win.

“We’re delighted to make this festive season a treat for lucky Townsville shoppers,” Ms Murray said.

“Things have been a bit tough this year with the financial crisis overseas starting to affect Australia and with people  still coming to terms with the impacts of Cyclone Yasi here as well.

“We figured we’d give people looking for great bargains here at Annandale Central an easy chance to win some cash to help make things easier.”

Shoppers had to spend at least $20 at any of 18 participating Annandale Central retailers to give themselves a chance of taking home the surprise Christmas bonus.

Ms Payne won her Queenslanders Credit Union Visa Debit card after purchasing a decorative Christmas table runner at the gifts and homewares store Infatuation.

“The ladies at Infatuation were really the ones responsible for me entering,” Ms Payne said.

“They handed me the competition form and stapled my receipt to the entry. Their lovely little gesture has made a big difference for me this Christmas.”

Ms Murray said the Shop and Win competition was also helping local retailers during what many economists have predicted to be another sluggish Christmas for businesses.

“All the news is that shoppers are being more cautious again this year and less likely to spend,” Ms Murray said.

“So we’ve really got behind the retailers here at Annandale Central and spread a bit of Christmas cheer.”

Annandale Central Centre Manager Susan Eurell said she was overjoyed with the response to the competition.

“We put the barrel out first thing Monday morning and it was amazing to see how many entries there were after only half-an-hour – it’s been very popular this year,” Ms Eurell said.

“Our retailers are delighted with the response and our customers are also enjoying some great bargains in a relaxed shopping environment during the festive season.”

For more information please contact:

Queenslanders Credit Union Media Contact:

Brett Maunder
Marketing and Communications Manager
Queenslanders Credit Union
Level 1/144 Edward Street
Brisbane 4000
P: 07 3812 8247
E: [email protected]

Annandale Central Shopping Centre Media Contact:

Susan Eurell
Centre Manager
Annandale Central
75 – 91 MacArthur Drive
Annandale QLD 4814
P: (07) 4728 5528 – Direct Line
M: 0417 076 871
E: [email protected]