Victoria’s fishing community jumps behind bushfire appeal
A small idea to help people in the state’s bushfire-ravaged areas has built up into an event with more than $150,000 worth of items for auctionVictoria’s fishing community has banded together to throw its weight behind a charity auction this weekend raising funds for fire-ravaged communities throughout the state.
Sunday’s event already has more than 150 items worth more than $150,000, including personal items donated by a number of recreational fishing identities – and is growing.
Auction co-ordinator Jon Maslin says the mainly online event – as well as the Facebook page for online bidding that will accept bids up until noon on Sunday the auction will have a physical base at the Frankston Pines Soccer Club that people can visit on the day with the physical auction kicking off at 12.15pm – already has attracted 4000 potential bidders in just five days, as well as a number of volunteers weighing in to help make the auction a success.
"Initially the auction was just going to be at a factory of one of the founding creators with maybe 100 people,” Maslin says.
“But the support and interest went through the roof meaning we had to change to a much larger venue.”
The bushfire fundraiser is the brainchild of Lone Star Marine managing director Malki Ary, Busted Fishing Tackle’s Frank Fernkorn, and Martyn Gittens of Berleypro Accessories. All of the money raised will go to the Victorian Bushfire Disaster Appeal via the Bendigo Bank.
Brands such as Mercury, Navico, Furuno, Stacer and Savage Trailers head up a long list of auction items, with some of Victoria’s best marine dealerships also kicking in with support.
As well as the things you can touch and see, the auction includes some amazing “experience” packages such as a three-day guided live-aboard charter out of Cairns, and the chance for six people to fish with Wicked Tuna host Dave Marciano in the US, giving the event a tantalising international flavour.
To date, more than $20,000 worth of fishing charters donated by local charter operators have listed for auction. Also listed are domestic service packages such as roofing, painting, carpentry and electrical services offered by companies with links to the fishing community.
Thanks to its real-world location, the fundraiser will also become a family event with jumping castles, face painting, ball games with emergency services such as the CFA, and a display of emergency service vehicles. Entry is via a gold coin donation.
The physical auction, which starts at 12.15pm on Sunday, will be run by a professional auctioneer who has donated his time to the event. Potential bidders will need to register before joining in on the action.
The items will be auctioned in blocks, with live music and food stalls providing a relaxed atmosphere during the breaks.
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