17-06-2025
Aussie tip worker's rare find after spotting mysterious box in piles of rubbish - and it's very valuable
An 'eagle-eyed' dump worker who found a hidden treasure buried among the piles of garbage he was moving has been praised for returning the find to its rightful owner.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli shared a photo of heavy machinery operator Tim and the collection of four war medals he found at Gatton landfill, in the state's southeast, last week.
'This story was too good not to share,' the premier wrote online.
'We're pleased to report council has already returned the medals to their rightful owner, Crisafulli continued.
'You're a legend, Tim!'
Tim, who was only referred to by his first name, found the medals when he noticed an odd-looking box as he was working on shifting rubbish.
His curiosity peaked and he opened it, discovering the medals, which have since been identified as the Australian Service Medal, Defence Force Service Medal, Gulf War Medal and Australian Defence Medal.
Collectors will often pay upwards of $100 for each war medal.
Dozens of commenters were glad to hear the medals were returned to the owner's family.
'Thank goodness someone saw them and now going to get back to the family,' one wrote.
'How lucky that Tim spotted those! Fantastic to hear they are back to their owner,' another said.
Others shared unconfirmed theories on how the medals ended up at the dump.
'I suspect the dear man put them away safely and has passed away. The family then went in to clean up and had no idea they were in the box,' one person wrote.
Several other commenters had a helpful tip for others, should they find medals.
They suggested they contact their local RSL or the Australian War Memorial, with both organisations able to take care of abandoned medals and track their owners.
