Club holds 30th auction

By Mara Pattison-Sowden
WARBURTON Millgrove Football/Sports Club is celebrating 30 years of tradition with its annual auction being held this Sunday.
The auction, which is held at the Warburton Recreation Reserve, shows the true spirit of when one man’s trash becomes another man’s treasure.
But organisers say although it’s a major fundraiser, it’s also about getting the community together and having fun.
The auction-day profit proceeds go towards the sports complex, which is home to Warburton-Millgrove football, netball and cricket clubs as well as a number of other community groups.
Robert Morter and Jeremy Crunden have been involved in the auction since its beginning, and look forward to the 30th with great excitement.
Mr Morter said the focus was to build the community, not just the footy and cricket clubs.
“We’ve found over the years, the more other groups are involved, the more we can keep improving,” he said. “We want to see it continue for years to come.”
Mr Crunden said he often found the day a real meeting place. “It’s amazing how many people just come along a catch up with each other,” he said.
But the focus is on the auction, where people can take along their gear and it is sold for a commission that goes back into the community.
“People can get carried away bidding and it’s always a bit of fun.”
He said it began as a way to finance a loan to build the social club rooms. “Stuart Ord, Garry Lewis, Roger Dunkley, Rob and I were all players at the time, and dreamed it up to have a better family facility for the club,” he said.
The loan was paid off 10 years ago, but the money raised continues to maintain and enhance the building so more groups can use it.
“We’ve also got the fishing club and the scouts, the senior citizens and soon the U3A will come on board,” he said. “We’ve got a great group of people including those in the office and ex-footballers who come along to unload the gear and sort it out, and those entering all the information into the computers. We also love to have Chris Thomas as our auctioneer on the day.”
Goods available for the auction, which starts at 10am sharp, have in recent years included garden furnishings, agricultural machinery, vehicles, motor mowers, chainsaws, toys, bric-a-brac, motor bikes, antiques, plants, bicycles, household utensils, building materials and tools.
MasterCard, Visa and EFTPOS will be accepted for payment.
There will be stalls run by local community groups and sports clubs to add to the community atmosphere and provide even more opportunities for bargain hunters. To donate goods, or to register goods for auction on a commission basis, phone Jeremy Crunden on 5966 2201.