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Sought-after item attracts $9,000 bid in Sydney Airport Lost Property Auction
Sought-after item attracts $9,000 bid in Sydney Airport Lost Property Auction

Yahoo

time2 hours ago

  • Business
  • Yahoo

Sought-after item attracts $9,000 bid in Sydney Airport Lost Property Auction

Every year, millions of travellers pass through Sydney Airport — and thousands leave something behind. But one man's forgotten duty-free item could be another man's treasure, as a new round of items go up for sale in Sydney Airport's annual Lost Property Auction. Last year, 7,000 lost items were returned to their owners but more than 2,000 others remain unclaimed. Those items will be auctioned off to the highest bidder, with prices starting at just $10. Among the lost property are the usual suspects — hundreds of laptops, headphones and power banks — as well as items that may have been removed and left behind at security screening points, like sunglasses, belts and watches. There are also some more unique items: a vacuum cleaner, an air fryer, a violin and The Lord of the Rings book collection. While the auction only went live on Monday, one item in particular has already sparked a flurry of bids and is already sitting at $9,000. Few details are provided about the Hublot men's watch, but prices on the brand's website start at $30,000. Officials are hoping the auction will raise at least $200,000, with all proceeds going towards swimming lessons within the Inner West Aquatics group to help children who might otherwise miss out. Sydney Airport is also donating an additional $100,000 to kick-start the auction, which is equivalent to 4,000 free swimming lessons. Sydney Airport General Manager of Corporate Affairs, Josh Clements, said he's hoping proceeds will provide around 12,000 free lessons for Sydney kids. 'This auction is more than just a chance to score a great find, it's about giving back to our local community," he said. '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.' Some of the items in this year's auction: 250 laptops 200 earbuds/headphones 60 Kindles 100 pairs of sunglasses 250 pieces of jewellery & watches 250 pieces of clothing 80 handbags & wallets 50 cameras 50 bottles of perfume 40 gaming consoles 40 hair dryers & straighteners 30 plush toys, including a giant 90cm teddy bear 10 boxed Lego sets 4 bikes 3 surfboards 2 sets of golf clubs Some of the more unique options: vacuum cleaner frying pan and air fryer coffee machine 2 pairs of binoculars The Lord of the Rings book collection a violin and electric keyboard Since 2013, more than $1.9m has been raised for charity and local communities. The auction is run online by Theodore Bruce Auctioneers, with items divided into five categories: tech and gaming, jewellery and watches, clothes and shoes, sunglasses, bags and accessories, and beauty, alcohol and home. Each category has its own closing date, so be sure to check on the website for details. To register and make a bid before the hammer falls, click here. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.

Sydney Airport auctions off thousands of lost property items - from laptops to designer goods. Here's how to snap up bargains
Sydney Airport auctions off thousands of lost property items - from laptops to designer goods. Here's how to snap up bargains

Daily Mail​

time4 hours ago

  • Business
  • Daily Mail​

Sydney Airport auctions off thousands of lost property items - from laptops to designer goods. Here's how to snap up bargains

Thousands of items left behind at Sydney Airport - from high-end tech gadgets to forgotten surfboards and designer items - are set to go under the hammer, with bidding starting at just $10. The annual Sydney Airport Lost Property Auction has returned - and it's not just savvy shoppers logging on to the online sale, which features over 2,000 unclaimed items. The auction gives shoppers the chance to browse through the treasure trove of items, including cameras, gaming consoles, jewellery, watches, perfumes, as well as plenty of one-offs like a giant teddy bear, a vacuum cleaner and even a frying pan. There are dozens of handbags and wallets, sporting equipment such as bikes, surfboards, and golf clubs, hair styling tools, sunglasses, alcohol Kindles, and toys. Shoppers looking to snap up big ticket items can expect to find laptops, headphones, coffee machine, and even the Lord of the Rings book collection. The auction, run by Theodore Bruce Auctioneers, is now live and will roll out across five days, with five categories closing between June 9 and June 12. The real draw is the cause: all proceeds will go toward free swimming lessons and water safety programs for families doing it tough amid ongoing cost-of-living pressures. Tech and gaming closes at 11am on June 9; jewellery and watches at 11am on June 10; clothes and shoes at 11am on June 11; sunglasses, bags and accessories at 2pm on June 11; and beauty, alcohol and home at 11am on June 12. As one bidder joked online, only at Sydney Airport could you pick up a designer handbag and a kitchen appliance in the same lot. Casi Prischl, Director at Theodore Bruce Auctioneers, said the auction has become one of the most loved events on their calendar. Australians log in from all corners of the country, not just for the deals but because they know they're supporting something meaningful. This year's collection includes high-quality electronics, luxury accessories, and standout surprises for both kids and collectors. Items are only sold after extensive efforts to reunite them with their original owners. Funds raised will be used to support the Inner West Aquatics team, who, in partnership with the Royal Life Saving Society, deliver essential swimming lessons to children who might otherwise miss out. Sydney Airport has already contributed $100,000 to kick-start the initiative - enough to fund 4,000 swimming lessons - and hopes the auction will triple that amount. Josh Clements, the airport's General Manager of Corporate Affairs, said the event is about more than grabbing a bargain. The auction gives shoppers the chance to browse through the treasure trove of items. All proceeds will go toward free swimming lessons and water safety programs for families doing it tough amid ongoing cost-of-living pressures For every $25 raised, another child receives a free swimming lesson - a vital skill that could one day save a life. In 2024 alone, Sydney Airport welcomed over 41 million passengers and successfully returned more than 7,000 lost items. Anything unclaimed has now been donated to charity or repurposed for the auction. Checked baggage isn't part of the auction, as that remains the responsibility of individual airlines. Inner West Aquatics will begin delivering the program to local children in the coming months, with hopes to eventually expand to include adult classes and broader community-based water safety programs. So whether you're after an iPad, a bottle of designer perfume, or a one-of-a-kind kitchen gadget, the Sydney Airport Lost Property Auction is offering more than just bargains - it's giving local kids a chance to stay safe in the water.

'Trusted insiders' behind drugs and tobacco haul
'Trusted insiders' behind drugs and tobacco haul

The Advertiser

time8 hours ago

  • The Advertiser

'Trusted insiders' behind drugs and tobacco haul

A man who allegedly boasted he could circumvent Australian borders has sparked the arrest of seven men over large-scale drug imports and more than 20 million untaxed cigarettes. The seizure comes as attention focuses on the black market tobacco trade as questions are asked about the high federal excise, which has been blamed for increasing the flow of money away from government coffers to organised crime. The 42-year-old man was allegedly using a freight forwarding service at Punchbowl in Sydney's southwest to bring packages across the border. Authorities began looking into the man after learning in September 2023 that he allegedly claimed he could circumvent border checks. Investigators from several law enforcement agencies and the tax office continued to monitor the freight forwarding service, especially after the August 2024 arrest of two men over a 280kg haul of liquid methamphetamine imported inside a freezer shipped from Canada. More illicit goods continued to arrive, including shipments totalling 20 million cigarettes from the United Arab Emirates. After learning in May the man allegedly planned to import 50kg of cocaine from Panama, hidden inside bags of cement, police moved in. Four men, including the 42-year-old, were arrested as properties were raided around Sydney's west and southwest on Friday. Another was arrested at Sydney Airport on Saturday. Among the men are two Canadians who allegedly flew in to oversee the import and extraction of the cocaine, destined for organised crime groups. The 42-year-old man behind the freight forwarding service has been charged with multiple counts of importing large quantities of tobacco and commercial quantities of border-controlled drugs, as well as proceeds of crime and criminal group charges. He was refused bail on Sunday and is due to return to court at the end of July. NSW Police seized 243 boxes of tobacco at storage facilities in Moorebank during the raids. The seizure comes as Premier Chris Minns this week questioned the "massive" federal excise on tobacco and the rise in the number of high-street shops selling illicit tobacco and nicotine vapes. In Victoria, illegal tobacco sales have prompted regular violence, with more than 100 firebombings in two years. Queensland police found a fake wall full of cash and a secret tobacco store on Thursday during a major crackdown on more than 20 illegal traders. The federal tobacco excise topped $1.40 per cigarette in March, excluding shop markups, with the average pack of 20 now costing up to $55 or more, depending on the brand. The 2025/26 federal budget wiped $6.9 billion off the government's tobacco excise projections out to 2029, with about one in five smokers shifting to illicit cigarettes or vapes. A man who allegedly boasted he could circumvent Australian borders has sparked the arrest of seven men over large-scale drug imports and more than 20 million untaxed cigarettes. The seizure comes as attention focuses on the black market tobacco trade as questions are asked about the high federal excise, which has been blamed for increasing the flow of money away from government coffers to organised crime. The 42-year-old man was allegedly using a freight forwarding service at Punchbowl in Sydney's southwest to bring packages across the border. Authorities began looking into the man after learning in September 2023 that he allegedly claimed he could circumvent border checks. Investigators from several law enforcement agencies and the tax office continued to monitor the freight forwarding service, especially after the August 2024 arrest of two men over a 280kg haul of liquid methamphetamine imported inside a freezer shipped from Canada. More illicit goods continued to arrive, including shipments totalling 20 million cigarettes from the United Arab Emirates. After learning in May the man allegedly planned to import 50kg of cocaine from Panama, hidden inside bags of cement, police moved in. Four men, including the 42-year-old, were arrested as properties were raided around Sydney's west and southwest on Friday. Another was arrested at Sydney Airport on Saturday. Among the men are two Canadians who allegedly flew in to oversee the import and extraction of the cocaine, destined for organised crime groups. The 42-year-old man behind the freight forwarding service has been charged with multiple counts of importing large quantities of tobacco and commercial quantities of border-controlled drugs, as well as proceeds of crime and criminal group charges. He was refused bail on Sunday and is due to return to court at the end of July. NSW Police seized 243 boxes of tobacco at storage facilities in Moorebank during the raids. The seizure comes as Premier Chris Minns this week questioned the "massive" federal excise on tobacco and the rise in the number of high-street shops selling illicit tobacco and nicotine vapes. In Victoria, illegal tobacco sales have prompted regular violence, with more than 100 firebombings in two years. Queensland police found a fake wall full of cash and a secret tobacco store on Thursday during a major crackdown on more than 20 illegal traders. The federal tobacco excise topped $1.40 per cigarette in March, excluding shop markups, with the average pack of 20 now costing up to $55 or more, depending on the brand. The 2025/26 federal budget wiped $6.9 billion off the government's tobacco excise projections out to 2029, with about one in five smokers shifting to illicit cigarettes or vapes. A man who allegedly boasted he could circumvent Australian borders has sparked the arrest of seven men over large-scale drug imports and more than 20 million untaxed cigarettes. The seizure comes as attention focuses on the black market tobacco trade as questions are asked about the high federal excise, which has been blamed for increasing the flow of money away from government coffers to organised crime. The 42-year-old man was allegedly using a freight forwarding service at Punchbowl in Sydney's southwest to bring packages across the border. Authorities began looking into the man after learning in September 2023 that he allegedly claimed he could circumvent border checks. Investigators from several law enforcement agencies and the tax office continued to monitor the freight forwarding service, especially after the August 2024 arrest of two men over a 280kg haul of liquid methamphetamine imported inside a freezer shipped from Canada. More illicit goods continued to arrive, including shipments totalling 20 million cigarettes from the United Arab Emirates. After learning in May the man allegedly planned to import 50kg of cocaine from Panama, hidden inside bags of cement, police moved in. Four men, including the 42-year-old, were arrested as properties were raided around Sydney's west and southwest on Friday. Another was arrested at Sydney Airport on Saturday. Among the men are two Canadians who allegedly flew in to oversee the import and extraction of the cocaine, destined for organised crime groups. The 42-year-old man behind the freight forwarding service has been charged with multiple counts of importing large quantities of tobacco and commercial quantities of border-controlled drugs, as well as proceeds of crime and criminal group charges. He was refused bail on Sunday and is due to return to court at the end of July. NSW Police seized 243 boxes of tobacco at storage facilities in Moorebank during the raids. The seizure comes as Premier Chris Minns this week questioned the "massive" federal excise on tobacco and the rise in the number of high-street shops selling illicit tobacco and nicotine vapes. In Victoria, illegal tobacco sales have prompted regular violence, with more than 100 firebombings in two years. Queensland police found a fake wall full of cash and a secret tobacco store on Thursday during a major crackdown on more than 20 illegal traders. The federal tobacco excise topped $1.40 per cigarette in March, excluding shop markups, with the average pack of 20 now costing up to $55 or more, depending on the brand. The 2025/26 federal budget wiped $6.9 billion off the government's tobacco excise projections out to 2029, with about one in five smokers shifting to illicit cigarettes or vapes. A man who allegedly boasted he could circumvent Australian borders has sparked the arrest of seven men over large-scale drug imports and more than 20 million untaxed cigarettes. The seizure comes as attention focuses on the black market tobacco trade as questions are asked about the high federal excise, which has been blamed for increasing the flow of money away from government coffers to organised crime. The 42-year-old man was allegedly using a freight forwarding service at Punchbowl in Sydney's southwest to bring packages across the border. Authorities began looking into the man after learning in September 2023 that he allegedly claimed he could circumvent border checks. Investigators from several law enforcement agencies and the tax office continued to monitor the freight forwarding service, especially after the August 2024 arrest of two men over a 280kg haul of liquid methamphetamine imported inside a freezer shipped from Canada. More illicit goods continued to arrive, including shipments totalling 20 million cigarettes from the United Arab Emirates. After learning in May the man allegedly planned to import 50kg of cocaine from Panama, hidden inside bags of cement, police moved in. Four men, including the 42-year-old, were arrested as properties were raided around Sydney's west and southwest on Friday. Another was arrested at Sydney Airport on Saturday. Among the men are two Canadians who allegedly flew in to oversee the import and extraction of the cocaine, destined for organised crime groups. The 42-year-old man behind the freight forwarding service has been charged with multiple counts of importing large quantities of tobacco and commercial quantities of border-controlled drugs, as well as proceeds of crime and criminal group charges. He was refused bail on Sunday and is due to return to court at the end of July. NSW Police seized 243 boxes of tobacco at storage facilities in Moorebank during the raids. The seizure comes as Premier Chris Minns this week questioned the "massive" federal excise on tobacco and the rise in the number of high-street shops selling illicit tobacco and nicotine vapes. In Victoria, illegal tobacco sales have prompted regular violence, with more than 100 firebombings in two years. Queensland police found a fake wall full of cash and a secret tobacco store on Thursday during a major crackdown on more than 20 illegal traders. The federal tobacco excise topped $1.40 per cigarette in March, excluding shop markups, with the average pack of 20 now costing up to $55 or more, depending on the brand. The 2025/26 federal budget wiped $6.9 billion off the government's tobacco excise projections out to 2029, with about one in five smokers shifting to illicit cigarettes or vapes.

Watches, laptops and an air fryer: airport auctions lost and found treasures
Watches, laptops and an air fryer: airport auctions lost and found treasures

The Advertiser

time8 hours ago

  • Business
  • The Advertiser

Watches, laptops and an air fryer: airport auctions lost and found treasures

An airport's lost property collection is going under the hammer as hundreds of headphones, watches, handbags and laptops are auctioned for a good cause. Thousands of personal items were lost at Sydney Airport as more than 41 million travellers passed through the NSW transport hub in 2024. Sydney Airport has a dedicated lost property team, but anything that cannot be reunited with its owner is sold at auction to benefit young swimmers in the city's inner west. This year's auction includes 250 laptops, 200 earbuds and headphones, 60 Kindles, 100 pairs of sunglasses, 250 pieces of jewellery and watches, 250 pieces of clothing and 80 handbags and wallets. But there were also some more unexpected items in the haul. A vacuum cleaner, a frying pan, an air fryer, a coffee machine, two pairs of binoculars, the Lord of the Rings book collection, a violin and an electric keyboard will also be auctioned. The auction will be run online by Theodore Bruce Auctioneers, with bids coming from around the country. The proceeds go towards free swimming lessons for Sydney families at risk of not participating in learn-to-swim or other dedicated water safety programs. "This auction is more than just a chance to score a great find, it's about giving back to our local community," Sydney Airport corporate affairs general manager Josh Clements said. "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," he said. "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." More than $1.9 million has been raised for charities and community initiatives through Sydney Airport's Lost Property Auctions since 2013, the airport said. The auction closes between June 9 and 12. An airport's lost property collection is going under the hammer as hundreds of headphones, watches, handbags and laptops are auctioned for a good cause. Thousands of personal items were lost at Sydney Airport as more than 41 million travellers passed through the NSW transport hub in 2024. Sydney Airport has a dedicated lost property team, but anything that cannot be reunited with its owner is sold at auction to benefit young swimmers in the city's inner west. This year's auction includes 250 laptops, 200 earbuds and headphones, 60 Kindles, 100 pairs of sunglasses, 250 pieces of jewellery and watches, 250 pieces of clothing and 80 handbags and wallets. But there were also some more unexpected items in the haul. A vacuum cleaner, a frying pan, an air fryer, a coffee machine, two pairs of binoculars, the Lord of the Rings book collection, a violin and an electric keyboard will also be auctioned. The auction will be run online by Theodore Bruce Auctioneers, with bids coming from around the country. The proceeds go towards free swimming lessons for Sydney families at risk of not participating in learn-to-swim or other dedicated water safety programs. "This auction is more than just a chance to score a great find, it's about giving back to our local community," Sydney Airport corporate affairs general manager Josh Clements said. "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," he said. "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." More than $1.9 million has been raised for charities and community initiatives through Sydney Airport's Lost Property Auctions since 2013, the airport said. The auction closes between June 9 and 12. An airport's lost property collection is going under the hammer as hundreds of headphones, watches, handbags and laptops are auctioned for a good cause. Thousands of personal items were lost at Sydney Airport as more than 41 million travellers passed through the NSW transport hub in 2024. Sydney Airport has a dedicated lost property team, but anything that cannot be reunited with its owner is sold at auction to benefit young swimmers in the city's inner west. This year's auction includes 250 laptops, 200 earbuds and headphones, 60 Kindles, 100 pairs of sunglasses, 250 pieces of jewellery and watches, 250 pieces of clothing and 80 handbags and wallets. But there were also some more unexpected items in the haul. A vacuum cleaner, a frying pan, an air fryer, a coffee machine, two pairs of binoculars, the Lord of the Rings book collection, a violin and an electric keyboard will also be auctioned. The auction will be run online by Theodore Bruce Auctioneers, with bids coming from around the country. The proceeds go towards free swimming lessons for Sydney families at risk of not participating in learn-to-swim or other dedicated water safety programs. "This auction is more than just a chance to score a great find, it's about giving back to our local community," Sydney Airport corporate affairs general manager Josh Clements said. "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," he said. "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." More than $1.9 million has been raised for charities and community initiatives through Sydney Airport's Lost Property Auctions since 2013, the airport said. The auction closes between June 9 and 12. An airport's lost property collection is going under the hammer as hundreds of headphones, watches, handbags and laptops are auctioned for a good cause. Thousands of personal items were lost at Sydney Airport as more than 41 million travellers passed through the NSW transport hub in 2024. Sydney Airport has a dedicated lost property team, but anything that cannot be reunited with its owner is sold at auction to benefit young swimmers in the city's inner west. This year's auction includes 250 laptops, 200 earbuds and headphones, 60 Kindles, 100 pairs of sunglasses, 250 pieces of jewellery and watches, 250 pieces of clothing and 80 handbags and wallets. But there were also some more unexpected items in the haul. A vacuum cleaner, a frying pan, an air fryer, a coffee machine, two pairs of binoculars, the Lord of the Rings book collection, a violin and an electric keyboard will also be auctioned. The auction will be run online by Theodore Bruce Auctioneers, with bids coming from around the country. The proceeds go towards free swimming lessons for Sydney families at risk of not participating in learn-to-swim or other dedicated water safety programs. "This auction is more than just a chance to score a great find, it's about giving back to our local community," Sydney Airport corporate affairs general manager Josh Clements said. "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," he said. "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." More than $1.9 million has been raised for charities and community initiatives through Sydney Airport's Lost Property Auctions since 2013, the airport said. The auction closes between June 9 and 12.

'Trusted insiders' behind drugs and tobacco haul
'Trusted insiders' behind drugs and tobacco haul

West Australian

time9 hours ago

  • West Australian

'Trusted insiders' behind drugs and tobacco haul

A man who allegedly boasted he could circumvent Australian borders has sparked the arrest of seven men over large-scale drug imports and more than 20 million untaxed cigarettes. The seizure comes as attention focuses on the black market tobacco trade as questions are asked about the high federal excise, which has been blamed for increasing the flow of money away from government coffers to organised crime. The 42-year-old man was allegedly using a freight forwarding service at Punchbowl in Sydney's southwest to bring packages across the border. Authorities began looking into the man after learning in September 2023 that he allegedly claimed he could circumvent border checks. Investigators from several law enforcement agencies and the tax office continued to monitor the freight forwarding service, especially after the August 2024 arrest of two men over a 280kg haul of liquid methamphetamine imported inside a freezer shipped from Canada. More illicit goods continued to arrive, including shipments totalling 20 million cigarettes from the United Arab Emirates. After learning in May the man allegedly planned to import 50kg of cocaine from Panama, hidden inside bags of cement, police moved in. Four men, including the 42-year-old, were arrested as properties were raided around Sydney's west and southwest on Friday. Another was arrested at Sydney Airport on Saturday. Among the men are two Canadians who allegedly flew in to oversee the import and extraction of the cocaine, destined for organised crime groups. The 42-year-old man behind the freight forwarding service has been charged with multiple counts of importing large quantities of tobacco and commercial quantities of border-controlled drugs, as well as proceeds of crime and criminal group charges. He was refused bail on Sunday and is due to return to court at the end of July. NSW Police seized 243 boxes of tobacco at storage facilities in Moorebank during the raids. The seizure comes as Premier Chris Minns this week questioned the "massive" federal excise on tobacco and the rise in the number of high-street shops selling illicit tobacco and nicotine vapes. In Victoria, illegal tobacco sales have prompted regular violence, with more than 100 firebombings in two years. Queensland police found a fake wall full of cash and a secret tobacco store on Thursday during a major crackdown on more than 20 illegal traders. The federal tobacco excise topped $1.40 per cigarette in March, excluding shop markups, with the average pack of 20 now costing up to $55 or more, depending on the brand. The 2025/26 federal budget wiped $6.9 billion off the government's tobacco excise projections out to 2029, with about one in five smokers shifting to illicit cigarettes or vapes.

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