Sydney Airport’s annual Lost Property Auction has returned for 2025 and the proceeds will fund thousands of free swimming lessons for local children who might otherwise miss out.

More than $1.9 million has been raised for charities and community initiatives through Sydney Airport’s Lost Property Auctions since 2013.

Bidding in the online auction this year starts at just $10, with everything from laptops and cameras to perfumes, surfboards and even a 90cm teddy bear up for auction. While the catalogue is varied, the real value lies in where the money is going.

Sydney Airport has kick-started the initiative with a $100,000 donation, that’s the equivalent to 4,000 free swimming lessons. The goal is to raise an additional $250,000 through the auction, potentially funding another 10,000 free lessons.

Free swimming lessons coming soon: The Inner West Council and Sydney Airport Community Water Safety Program is targeted at supporting children who are at risk of missing out on learn to swim and other dedicated programs.

In the coming months, the Inner West Aquatics team will roll out the program to the local community at the following pools:

• Ashfield Aquatic Centre
• Annette Kellerman Aquatic Centre
• Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre

There will also be water safety programs delivered in partnership with the Royal Life Saving Society.

Sydney Airport General Manager of Corporate Affairs, Josh Clements, said, “This auction is more than just a chance to score a great find, it’s about giving back to our local community."

“Together, the Inner West Aquatics team and Sydney Airport are committed to improving water safety, promoting health and wellbeing, giving more of our local children the chance to learn to swim."

“We’ve kicked this fund off with a $100,000 donation and hope the Lost Property Auction will help triple that amount."

“For every $25 raised, another child gets a free swimming lesson, equipping them with life-saving skills and confidence in the water, right here in the communities around the airport.”

In addition to swimming lessons for children, future programs aim to also include adult learn to swim and water safety programs as well as broader community-based water safety and recreation programs. 

These initiatives will be delivered by Inner West Aquatics in partnership with the Royal Life Saving Society. The program aims to remove financial barriers to swimming education and improve safety in the water, especially for children who may not otherwise have the opportunity.

Louise Smalley, Health Promotions Manager at the Royal Life Saving Society, said, “It’s brilliant to see Sydney Airport turning lost property into little swimmers.

“This initiative is a creative and impactful way to support local families who are struggling with the rising cost-of-living, and it will help save lives.

“Swimming is a vital life skill, but our research shows nearly half of Year 6 students in Australia can’t swim 50 metres and one in ten children aged five to fourteen have never had a swimming lesson.

“This program aims to help close the gap by giving children who need it free swimming lessons and access to water safety programs, and that's a powerful way to support local families and build safer communities around the airport.”

Auction Details 

The online auction runs until 13 June https://www.theodorebruceauctions.com.au/sydney-airport-lost-property-auction-2025/

Items can be shipped (delivery fees apply) or picked up by appointment from 118 Parramatta Road, NSW 2048.