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.