Aldermen from the City of Launceston will auction beloved personal items to promote environmental sustainability and community solidarity.
From a giant teacup to a can crusher and a handcrafted wooden bicycle – these forgotten treasures will soon be auctioned off for charity to encourage the community to take part in the nation’s biggest simultaneous garage sale event on 22 October.
Now in its sixth year, the Garage Sale Trail is a national initiative supported by 160-plus councils that sees hundreds of thousands of people participating in one massive day of garage sales. Last year’s event had almost three million pre-loved items on sale at more than 13,000 garage sales across the country.
As well as being financially beneficial to both buyers and sellers, garage sales are a highly effective way to bring communities together and benefit the environment by reducing the amount of waste going into landfill.
Alderman Danny Gibson is offering the afore-mentioned one-of-a-kind giant teacup for auction, from one of his earliest directorial youth theatre productions, Alice in Wonderland.
“The Garage Sale Trail is a great way for community groups, schools and charities to fundraise with previous years’ statistics revealing groups made an average of between $735 and $2000 on the day,” said Ald. Gibson.
“I’m hoping my teacup attracts some healthy bids – it certainly has a history, and any money raised will benefit those less fortunate in our community.”
Alderman Emma Williams has donated an item very much in the spirit of good environmental practices – a can crusher, while Alderman Hugh Mackenzie is putting up a well-loved shoulder satchel, and Alderman Simon Wood has unearthed a handmade wooden bicycle outgrown by his own children. Deputy Mayor Rob Soward’s cane basket is also up for grabs.
“The City of Launceston is proud to be making Garage Sale Trail happen locally to provide residents with a great way to declutter, meet people from the local area and uncover some unique bargains,” said the deputy mayor.
“Garage Sale Trail is a simple idea that encourages people to consider how things can be reused, while also providing an opportunity to raise money.
“The idea of passing on what you don’t want to a new home is truly a great form of sustainability.”
