Have you ever wondered what happens to items left behind on airplanes and airports? Well, if attempts to track down the owner and reunite them with their belongings are unsuccessful, the airport will usually wait 90 days to either donate or destroy the items. So, you can imagine our surprise at the news that Sydney Airport is auctioning off more than 3,000 pieces of lost property left unclaimed in the Kingsford Smith archives.
If you're picturing dud items like ratty sweaters and broken headphones, think again: the airport has had two pandemic-spiced years to collect a veritable treasure trove of jewels, technology and a number of obscure objects. Think circular saws, a sun lounge and a legitimate Sydney 2000 Olympics torch. You know, just the weekend trip essentials. Also up for grabs are expensive laptops, cameras, diamond rings, classical violins, a ladies' Rolex watch, Louis Vuitton bags, headphones and solid gold jewellery.
Anyone (aka even Melburnians) can bid, and best of all, the money raised from this auction will go towards supporting the Bayside Women's Shelter, a community hub and café that provides assistance and up-skilling opportunities to women escaping domestic violence.
The auction will run until Sunday, February 12, so make haste, budget seekers. You can view the full auction catalogue right here.