Bull’s Auction Tops $100,000

The Birchip-Watchem Football Club cracked the $100,000 mark at its annual goods and services auction on Saturday night, from an impressive list of almost two hundred donations. 

The Centre for Sport and Social Impact (CSSI) at La Trobe University has recently completed a study on the social return on investment for an average community football club, and the studies showed that for every $1 spent to run a club, there is at least $4.40 return in social value in terms of increased social connectedness, wellbeing, and mental health status; employment outcomes; personal development; physical health; civic pride and support of other community groups.

The Birchip-Watchem football club goods and services auction would even defy this figure. It is the ultimate showcase of the contributions committee members, players, players’ families, supporters, community members, farmers and local businesses are prepared to make to keep their club vibrant and sustainable.

Matt Ryan and Alex Noonan have taken over the auction co-ordinator role from Leon Hogan, who held the role for many years and together with their fellow committee members they accumulated an impressive list of farming items, dining items, accommodation packages, mystery parcels, tradesmen, local business vouchers, beverage packages, hampers and holidays.

Auctioneer Shan Coffey had the arduous task of auctioning off the 196 items, and as usual did an amazing job to keep the bidding on track, given the noise and excitement of the crowd that grew as the night proceeded. Shan did get a short and much appreciated reprieve from his successor in waiting, Bailey Baxter who was also assisting as the spotter throughout the auction. 

There is also a lot of time involved with the administration of the event, but it is well worth it given the rewards it generates for the clubs. The success of the event though is directly attributed to the generosity and goodwill of the donors, bidders and purchasers.

And generous they were, with the highest priced lot of the night, was the Husqvarna TS248TXD Lawn Tractor mower donated by YBS Ag Supplies reaching $7480.  

Another high-priced item was a hotel and dining experience donated by Marshall & Nick Rippon and Meyrick Buchannan at Mitchelton Winery in Nagambie, which Marshall Rippon humorously auctioned off himself, to himself.

Other big ticket items included a B-Double load of Bluestone Road finisher, supplied and delivered, donated by Hinkleys and a 2.5kw MHI split system air-conditioner supplied and fitted by Brad Ryan and Sam Simmons. An Engel MT-V45F fridge / freezer donated by Nutrien Ag Supplies and a back load of fertiliser (freight only) 44 tonnes, donated by Matt Ryan also raised over the $1500 mark.

There were a further 16 items that raised between $1000 and $1500, but the highlight was that there was something for everyone with smaller lots of gifts, vouchers, hampers, water bottles, coffee cards and exercise class passes all under $100. 

At the conclusion of the auction the total was just shy of $100,000 and despite a bogus auction from Marshall Rippon to get the total up, a generous local player did make a donation at the end of the night to see the total reach a phenomenal $100,021.50.

There is also power to add, as newest recruit Patrick Veszpremi donated a $3500 wedding dress voucher from Champery Couiture on Chapel Street South Yarra Bridal Shop, which was taken off line to be sold privately. 

A surprised Sam Simmons did receive a wedding dress from Champery Couiture on Chapel Street South Yarra Bridal Shop in his mystery parcel, and his teammates are looking forward to seeing when this exquisite dress will make an appearance.

President Brad Sharp was blown away by the amount raised and generous in his praise for the community that supports the Birchip Watchem football club. 

Brad said, “We are incredibly thankful and indebted to everyone who supports our annual goods and services auction, from the organisers, to the auctioneers, spotters and assistants and of course, to the people and businesses who so generously donate the amazing array of goods and services, and those who bid up items and purchase lots, we couldn’t be the club we are without your support.”