Mrs Barrett, 72, was among hundreds of people who crowded into the club, including 57 of the 60 finalists.

The finalists were entitled to use an allocated key to unlock a treasure box which revealed the winner.

“Oh, it was such a lovely surprise,” Mrs Barrett said.

“But because of my age and my partner Richard being 84 I don’t think we can manage all those fancy buttons, so we will probably end up selling it.”

Orange Ex-Services’ Club chief operating officer Guy Chapman said club staff were thrilled the prize had gone to Mrs Barrett.

“She is such a lovely lady and everyone here at the club knows her,” he said.

“There was a real buzz here this morning when staff found out it was Jill who had won.”

On Wednesday night the atmosphere built for over an hour  before the big win.

“We had 57 out of our 60 members claiming their key on the night and Jill was the fourth last person to come forward,” Mr Chapman said.

“After her there were only three keys left in the barrel, so it was a very exciting atmosphere.”

Mrs Barrett said going to the club was something she and Richard had enjoyed for years.

“We often go for a meal - we really enjoy it,” she said.

She thanked the club and Tony Leahey Ford for making her win possible.

Mr Chapman said the promotion for the club’s 15,500 members was held to coincide with the club’s 60th birthday celebrations.

janice.harris@fairfaxmedia.com.au