Friday 24 July 2026

Sydney Airport has raised $221,789 through its 2026 Lost Property Auction, with the proceeds supporting community swimming and water safety initiatives across the Bayside area.

The announcement comes ahead of World Drowning Prevention Day on 25 July, which raises awareness of drowning as a preventable public health issue and the importance of water safety education.

New South Wales recorded the highest number of unintentional drowning deaths in Australia last year, with unintentional fatal drownings 30 percent above the 10-year average*. Hundreds of Australians lose their lives to drowning each year, while almost half of Year 6 students cannot swim 50 metres or tread water for two minutes*, highlighting the importance of programs that help children and families build swimming and water safety skills.

The annual auction, hosted online by Theodore Bruce Auctioneers and running from 28 June to 8 July, attracted thousands of bids on unclaimed lost property. The result exceeded Sydney Airport's fundraising target and could fund the equivalent of 9,241 swimming lessons through Bayside Council's Community Learn to Swim and Water Safety Program.

Since 2013, Sydney Airport's Lost Property Auctions have raised $2.4 million for charities and community initiatives.

Sydney Airport Group Executive - Government Relations, Sustainability and Legal, Karen Tompkins said: “Thank you to everyone across Australia who took part in our Lost Property Auction. It was fantastic to see so many people bid generously, helping raise funds for swimming lessons and water safety programs.”

"What's special about the auction is that it gives unclaimed items a second chance. From jewellery and tech to toys and travel gear, items that still have plenty of life left in them find new homes, while also helping raise funds that make a difference in our local community."

Bayside Mayor, Cr Edward McDougall said: "Water safety is an essential life skill, and this partnership helps ensure more people in our community can access programs that improve safety, confidence and participation."

"We're grateful to everyone who supported the auction and helped make this year's result possible."

The auction is one part of Sydney Airport's broader commitment to supporting the Bayside community. In addition to funding local swimming and water safety initiatives, Sydney Airport has committed $5 million to the development of the new Botany Aquatic Centre, helping expand access to swimming, recreation and aquatic programs for the local community for generations to come.

Photos for media use here.

Notes to Editor

• Statistics marked with an asterisk are sourced from Royal Life Saving Australia's National Drowning Report 2025.
• Last year's Lost Property Auction raised $253,142 for Sydney Airport's Community Water Safety Program in partnership with Inner West Council.
• Over the past year, the program has delivered more than 2,600 swimming lessons to local children. More than 14,000 free swimming lessons and water safety sessions are planned overall.