PGA prize winners announced

When Linda Campbell's son answered the phone one July day, he was given some very big news by Pastoralists and Graziers Association (PGA) president Rob Gillam.

His mother had won second prize in the lobby group's annual raffle - a new car, but she wasn't at home to receive the news, the message was simply to call the PGA.

"My son kept saying you need to call the PGA, but didn't tell me why," Mrs Campbell said.

Oblivious to her win, she went along her way, attending a dinner party where most of the guests knew she'd won a car.

The well-kept secret was revealed the next day when Mrs Campbell finally returned the PGA's call.

She'd won second prize in the annual raffle - a 2012 Toyota Yaris YR three door hatch, valued at more than $16,800.

Although her son was hoping to win the Toyota Hilux up for grabs in the raffle, Mrs Campbell was ecstatic with the win.

The PGA's 2012 fundraising raffle was drawn at the July PGA executive committee meeting and prizes were awarded at the September executive meeting at the Royal Agricultural Society's main building at the Claremont Showgrounds, where PGA vice-president Tony Seabrook awarded the prizes.

A total of 1689 tickets were sold, the amount surpassing all past raffles, even that of 2010, which drew much interest.

Albany Toyota managing director Max Loveridge was also present, overlooking the handover of keys to the winners.

Overall winners Rob and Annie Klaassen, of Badgingarra, were getting ready to make a trip to Perth when they received the news that the had won a 2012 Hilux 4x4 Dual Cab Workmate 3.0L Turbo Charge Diesel, valued at more than $45,050.

The couple, who have been members of the PGA since 1999, at first were going to use the car as a family farm vehicle, but on second thoughts said they might preserve the shiny white Hilux as their "good" car.

Third prize, a beautiful piece of jewellery set with a natural Australian opal, pearls and diamonds, was won by Alan Harris, a former pastoralist from Nalbarra station, who is now based in Stirling.

He plans to give the magnificent piece, from Koro Jewellery, to his wife, Isabelle.