They live in one of Australia's coldest, wettest towns. And when winter arrives on Saturday they'll be enjoying a free weekend on the Gold Coast.
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But not just one person, or even a couple or a family. The entire population of Waratah, south of Burnie in Tasmania, was surprised with a free trip to the sunshine on the first day of winter.
The catch was they had to be ready as the surprise was announced. Bags packed and ready to go.
It's thought about 50 residents in the 70-strong town took up the remarkable offer from hospitality company Accor.
A plane was on standby to take as many Waratah residents possible the 2200km north within hours.
"Exploring Australia is the best way to get out of a winter slump - from sport to shopping, bars to beaches, we have it all," Accor's Bridie Commerford explained.
"We're delighted to be surprising Waratah residents with such a unique opportunity.
"They'll soak up the warmth and enjoy some fantastic activities on the Gold Coast, staying at Novotel Surfers Paradise."
The "wintervention" was announced live on Channel 7 program Sunrise.
Luke Sayer
Luke Sayer became the editor of The Advocate Newspaper in mid-2017, after beginning his media career in the late 1980s. He is passionate about sharing the best regional news from North-West Tasmania and what matters from around the nation and world. He's been known to throw himself around a hockey field and jump in a surf boat, and loves to spend time with his kids and grandkids.
Luke Sayer became the editor of The Advocate Newspaper in mid-2017, after beginning his media career in the late 1980s. He is passionate about sharing the best regional news from North-West Tasmania and what matters from around the nation and world. He's been known to throw himself around a hockey field and jump in a surf boat, and loves to spend time with his kids and grandkids.
