Brisbane Airport Raises Record $160,000 — Now Queensland Children’s Charities Are Being Urged to Apply
Brisbane Airport’s annual Lost Property Auction has delivered a record-breaking fundraising result, turning unclaimed items into $160,000 in support for Queensland children. With the total smashing last year’s $90,000, eligible charities are now being encouraged to put their hand up for grant funding through The Courier-Mail Children’s Fund.
The auction — which gives a “second life” to items left behind by travellers — has grown into one of the airport’s biggest community events since it began in 2017. This year’s milestone edition also aligned with Brisbane Airport’s 100-year celebrations, helping push the fundraising total to a new high. (Brisbane Airport’s official update is available via its newsroom coverage.) Read the Brisbane Airport newsroom release.
From “forgotten” to fiercely bid-on
The strongest interest typically lands on high-value jewellery and premium accessories — and this year was no different. Organisers said bidders competed for a wide mix: leather handbags, necklaces, aviation signage, and rare memorabilia tied to Brisbane Airport’s history.
Brisbane Airport CEO Gert-Jan de Graaff credited the generosity (and competitive spirit) of bidders for the outcome, noting the catalog included everything from luxury items to heritage pieces that aviation fans rarely get a chance to own.
The scale was significant: the 2025 catalogue listed around 800 items, with a low barrier to entry thanks to lots starting from a $1 reserve. That “anyone can bid” feeling is part of what keeps the auction so popular — and what helps the fundraising climb.
What sold — and what it cost
The auction delivered genuine bargains alongside premium lots. Among the standout sales reported:
- 12-month airport parking: $5,800
- Three leather handbags (top lot): $6,100
- Departures sign: $1,800
- Airside sign: $2,050
- Brisbane Lions VIP package: $3,450
- Brisbane Heat VIP package: $1,550
- Airside tour: $1,050
- Flight data recorder: $850
- Voice recorder from aircraft: $970
- Aircraft seats: $520
Note: Prices listed reflect reported outcomes from the 2025 Lost Property Auction coverage.
Where the money goes
Proceeds are directed to community causes, including support for young people via The Courier-Mail Children’s Fund , a long-running Queensland charity that backs organisations improving the lives of children facing disadvantage.
Brisbane Airport’s community engagement team said the fundraising total exceeded expectations — a $100,000 goal was set for the 100-year milestone year, but the final result jumped well beyond that benchmark.
Grant-focused CTA: Apply for funding
Queensland charities and not-for-profits working directly with children in need can now apply for funding. If your organisation supports vulnerable or disadvantaged kids — through health, disability support, education access, safety, or essential wellbeing programs — this is the moment to put forward your project. Applications are generally open on an ongoing basis and assessed periodically, but eligibility matters: ensure your organisation is appropriately registered and has clear evidence of impact, a defined budget, and a practical plan for delivery. Start your application here: Courier-Mail Children’s Fund grant application information .
Why the Lost Property Auction keeps growing
Beyond fundraising, the auction has a simple logic: airports handle huge passenger volumes, and even with attempts to reunite owners with their belongings, many items remain unclaimed past standard holding periods. Rather than send usable goods to waste, the auction converts them into community support.
The model has also sparked wider public curiosity about what ends up in airport lost property — from everyday essentials to surprising “collector” pieces. Coverage of airport lost-property auctions has surged nationally, helping events like Brisbane’s draw even more bidders. For broader context on how these auctions operate across Australia, see: ABC News: airport lost-luggage auctions explained .
Transparency note: The Courier-Mail Children’s Fund also appears on Australia’s charity regulator register: ACNC charity listing .
