Sunday 5 February 2023

• More than 3,000 unclaimed items will be auctioned for charity, with bids starting at $5
• Auction will run online from Sunday 5 February to Sunday 12 February
• Sydney Airport’s lost property auctions have raised over $1.4 million for charity since 2013
• Money raised in 2023 auction will be donated to Bayside Women’s Shelter
• Catalogue of items for sale can be found theodorebruceauctions.com.au/sydney-airport-auction

Sydney Airport’s annual Lost Property Auction for charity is returning today with more than 3,000 unclaimed items going under the hammer.

Sydney Airport CEO, Geoff Culbert, said: “We are thrilled to welcome back Sydney Airport’s Lost Property Auction for charity after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic.

“There is a treasure trove of goods to pick from including laptops, cameras, bags, perfume, and it wouldn't be a post-pandemic auction without an air fryer.

“We even got some rather unique sales like a hedge trimmer, circular saw, and sun lounge, although we’re still scratching our heads wondering how that ended up at the airport.

"For music lovers there is a classical violin or for those who just like to listen there are more than a dozen Bluetooth speakers as well a record player and 50th anniversary edition of Abbey Road on vinyl.

“The Lost Property Auction is a terrific initiative that has raised more than $1.4 million and counting for charity over the last decade and this year we’re proud to be partnering with Bayside Women’s Shelter.

“Not only is this auction a great chance for shoppers to grab a bargain but it’s also a wonderful way to support an organisation that’s making a meaningful difference in the community.”

Bayside Women’s Shelter General Manager, Sallianne Faulkner, said: “We are delighted and grateful to be the beneficiary of this year’s auction.

“We will use the proceeds to develop and fund a new social enterprise hub, working together with our community toward breaking the cycle of domestic and family violence.

“Our vision is to create a sustainable hub where survivors can begin to rebuild their lives by learning and growing in the safety of our community. Our Bayside community is full to overflowing with generous and giving volunteers, the hub will present positive partnership opportunities for our volunteers.

“Sydney Airport’s ongoing support will allow us to open a community hub including a café, which will provide women with skills development, training and paid work to help set them up for the future.”

There is a wide selection of items for sale in the charity auction including:

• 120+ laptops
• 60+ headphones
• 20+ phones and tablets
• 16 cameras
• 15 Bluetooth speakers
• 140+ jewellery items
• 40+ bottles of wine/spirits
• 60+ sunglasses and glasses
• 50+ handbags, backpacks and wallets
• A hedge trimmer
• A Makita circular saw
• A violin
• An air fryer
• A record player
• 50th anniversary edition of Abbey Road on vinyl
• An outdoor sun lounge

Theodore Bruce Auctioneers director, James Badgery, said: “We are proud to be hosting Sydney Airport’s Lost Property Auction for charity for the first time.

“With bids starting at just $5, shoppers will be able to find great deals on a host of fabulous items.

“The technology auction is sure to be a hit with over 120 laptops, 60 headphones and more than a dozen cameras available.

“There really is something for almost everyone up for grabs in the Sydney Airport Lost Property Auction.”

With millions of people coming through the terminals each month, unfortunately things do get left behind and Sydney Airport has a dedicated team working hard to reunite lost property with travelers.

In the last year more than 4,000 items have been returned to passengers but what remains unclaimed gets donated to local charities or repurposed in Sydney Airport's Lost Property Auction.