If you needed proof that times are tough, then you need look no further than a suburban shopping centre in the Northern Territory today. Thousands of people lined up for hours in the sweltering Top End heat for a free grocery voucher, proof that every little bit counts at Christmas.
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00:00Losing their minds, or a sign of the times, lines stretched for several blocks as thousands
00:08of Territorians wait at hours for their share in $100,000 worth of grocery vouchers.
00:14We're so shocked, it's the longest wait, but it doesn't matter.
00:18We've been here for a few hours, it's nice and hot and sweaty.
00:22A ticket on arrival guarantees one of 650 vouchers up for grabs.
00:27With sweltering heat in the outer Darwin city of Palmerston, no deterrent for this
00:31crowd.
00:32Yeah, I feel like I'm about to pass out the heat right now, but I'm committed, so we'll
00:37stick it out.
00:38First to arrive at 9pm, Giambra waited more than 12 hours to secure top spot.
00:44I could cry, I know it's only $200 for some, $100 for others, but every little bit goes
00:52a long ways.
00:53At the cost of living crunch, the vouchers welcome relief for those struggling ahead
00:57of Christmas.
00:58You know, it's near Christmas, there's no money, this is going to be a bonus, blessing
01:03in disguise.
01:04We're all battling, all of us, so it puts a Christmas lunch on the table.
01:10You're probably thinking this is too good to be true, but on this occasion it seems
01:13it really is money for nothing.
01:15The only catch, you have to brave the crowds and the shops a week out from Christmas.
01:20Social media influencer Adrian Portelli donated the $100,000 bounty.
01:25You can see behind me, people are doing it tough, so I advise if anyone can help, get
01:30out here and help.
01:31The billionaire is set to face the South Australian court next month, charged with running an
01:35unlawful lottery.
01:37But if this is an exercise in public relations, it seems to be working.
01:41He's bloody amazing, he really is.
01:44We've entered a few of his giveaways, but this has been amazing.
01:48He's a legend, call him what you want, I'll hashtag him the goat, so that's the greatest
01:52of all time.
01:53You know, he's a legend.
01:55Whatever the motivation, it's brought Christmas cheer to Palmerston.