Brisbane Airport’s Lost Property Charity Auction Is Back, Bigger and Better

Following the success of Brisbane Airport’s inaugural Online Lost Property Auction in 2017, members of the public will again be given the opportunity to bag a bargain, with thousands of valuables up for auction between 9am Monday, 26 November and 7pm Wednesday, 5 December.

All proceeds from this year’s auction will be donated to The Courier Mail Children’s Fund, supporting its important work helping Queensland children in need.

With more than 24 million passengers travelling through Brisbane Airport’s International and Domestic Terminals every year, many weird, wonderful and valuable items are accidently left behind by travellers.

In the last financial year, more than 10,000 pieces of lost property was handed in. While all efforts are made to return belongings to the rightful owners, unfortunately approximately two-thirds of these items remain unclaimed after 90 days.

Following the standard holding period the lost property is sorted with a portion donated to local charities, while valuables are offered for sale to the public.

This year, unclaimed items going under the hammer include clothing, jewellery, laptops and baby car seats, with many items brand new.

Gert-Jan de Graaff, Brisbane Airport Corporations Chief Executive Officer, said the online Lost Property Auction is an incredibly unique and exciting fundraiser.

“It’s amazing what people travel with and it’s amazing what they accidently leave behind.

“While our first priority is always to return possessions to the rightful owners, in the event we cannot it is good to know these items are going to new homes instead of landfill with all money raised from their sale helping sick kids in the lead-up to Christmas.

“Last year, we raised more than $21,000 which we hope to exceed this year,” Mr de Graaff said.

Belinda MacPherson, Board Director of The Courier Mail Children’s Fund, said the proceeds donated will go towards helping Queensland children in need.

“We are delighted to be working with BAC and Pickles because together, through the fund, we will give charities the funds needed to provide vital care, services, facilities and aid to children in need across Queensland.

“We are currently taking submissions of assistance from charities,” Ms MacPherson said.

Charities are encouraged to apply or find out more at: www.childrens.fund