The 2024 Brisbane Airport Lost Property Auction is in full swing, offering bargain hunters and curiosity seekers a chance to bid on an eclectic array of items left behind by forgetful travellers. With over 500 unclaimed possessions up for grabs, this year’s event promises to be as intriguing as it is charitable.
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In the past year alone, a staggering 22.6 million passengers passed through Brisbane Airport’s bustling terminals. Despite diligent efforts to reunite owners with their misplaced belongings, many items have remained unclaimed beyond the standard holding period, setting the stage for this unique annual event.
The auction’s catalogue reads like a treasure trove of modern conveniences and luxury goods. Bidders can vie for everything from cutting-edge electronics – including computers, tablets, and gaming consoles – to designer handbags, jewellery, and even CPAP machines. For the more practically minded, bicycles, scooters, and a refrigerator are also on offer.
Peter Doherty, Brisbane Airport’s Media & Corporate Affairs Manager, expressed amazement at the variety of items left behind. “It is simply bizarre some of the items left behind by the 60,000 passengers passing through Brisbane Airport each day,” he remarked.
However, this isn’t just about clearing out the lost and found. The auction serves a greater purpose, with all proceeds benefiting young Queenslanders in need. Last year’s event raised an impressive $80,000, supporting TrekShed’s youth program in partnership with PCYC and Little Wings, an organisation that flies sick children from regional areas to the city for medical treatment.
To sweeten the deal, Brisbane Airport has added some unique items to the lineup. Aviation enthusiasts can bid on a behind-the-scenes airside tour, runway signs, and even core samples from Brisbane’s legacy runway. For sports fans, a VIP Brisbane Lions experience package is up for grabs, complete with signed memorabilia and exclusive game-day perks.
While the auction aims to find new homes for lost items, two particularly sentimental pieces are not included in the bidding. The airport is seeking the public’s help in locating the owner of a set of medals belonging to a decorated Australian Defence Force member who served in the Vietnam War and during recent natural disasters.
“These are extremely precious items, and we’re confident that with the media attention the lost property auction receives, someone will be able to connect us with the family of this veteran with a very distinguished service record,” Mr Doherty explained.
Another mystery item is a race plate from a horse named Isotope, which won at Doomben in 2020. How this memento of a million-dollar racehorse ended up lost in the airport terminal in 2024 remains an enigma.
The online auction, managed by Lloyds Auctioneers and Valuers, will conclude on Sunday, October 27, with lots closing progressively throughout the day. With no reserves set, every item must go, offering participants the chance to snag incredible deals while supporting a worthy cause.
As Mr Doherty puts it, “This auction is hugely popular because it offers people a chance to snag a bargain while knowing their money is supporting young Queenslanders in need.”
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For those interested in participating or simply curious about the peculiar items people forget at airports, the Brisbane Airport Lost Property Auction provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of travel mishaps and unclaimed treasures.
Published 10-October-2024