It was all thanks to the Cobden Rotary Club, who joined forces with Cobden businesses to lift community spirits and support local trade.

Club secretary Gary Kimber said like most communities in Victoria, Cobden had been doing it tough.

"My wife actually came up with the idea, we are both ex-teachers and have read the story 'Charlie and Chocolate Factory' hundreds of times and thought, why don't we do this Golden Ticket idea.

"We took it to Rotary and they said it was a great idea to support our businesses who have done it tough and to give people something to look forward to.

"People awoke Friday to 20 lucky households having a golden ticket, it's a wonderful thing to come from a seed of an idea.

"Every town, every city everywhere has suffered, this is a small way to help provide goodwill and cheer. It really sent a vibe around the town, it's just terrific."

Rotary Club president Marcus Hooker dressed up as Willy Wonka and made the ticket drops to the tune of 'I've Got a Golden Ticket' playing though the town centre.

"It got people excited and lifted spirits," he said.

We chose them at random by drawing out a street name, and then a house or unit number.

"We're hoping the tickets will be spread around to different businesses, but no matter what it will be giving good business to Cobden."

Mr Kimber said Cobden had been really affected by the pandemic.

"They've all done it hard, a lot of businesses have closed early each day because people just haven't been out and about," he said.

"Cobden is a fairly older community and people tended not to go out, COVID was scary enough in Melbourne so people didn't go out.

"But it's amazing how clever people have become in these times of adversity.

"If anything people's creativity has come to the fore."

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