Millions have been raised for charities through extraordinary auctions

The sale of a Coogee flat saw nearly $2m raised for the Aussie war charity.
A unit at 4 Major St, Coogee sold for $1.93m, achieving a price of $330,000 over reserve.
This home belonged to Charles Robinson, a Catholic man who was educated by the Church of the Christian Brothers – now known as the Edmund Rice Foundation.
The proceeds from the auction were donated to the Edmund Rice Foundation, The Little Sisters of the Poor and The Little Kings Movement For The Handicapped.
4 Major St, Coogee. Photo: Sam Ruttyn
Andrew Moore, Mr Robinson’s great nephew and commercial executor, said “everything he has he will give to the poor”, including both the home and a share portfolio of about $1.5m.
Mr. Moore said that the whole family supports the decision of Mr.
Mr Moore said his uncle was a churchgoer who “really valued education” and wanted to give back to the institutions that mattered to him.
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Ten people registered for this auction. Photo: Sam Ruttyn
Mr Robinson spent most of his life as a secretary for Aussie tea brand Bushells, until his retirement.
Mr Moore said his uncle was “very fond of that company” and always enjoyed a cup of tea.
“He used to have a TEA number plate,” said Mr Moore.
Mr Robinson’s former home has been sold to an investor, according to listing agent Angus Gorrie of Ray White Eastern Beaches.
The new owner plans to renovate the home – it is still in its original form from the 1960s
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The home was in original condition from the 1960s. Photo: Sam Ruttyn
The property’s location, directly opposite Dunningham Park and moments from Gordons Bay and Coogee Beach, was a prime lifestyle choice for buyers.
Mr Gorrie said more than 80 buyer groups had inspected the property in the past three weeks.
“It was very well received, especially considering the condition of the unit,” he said.
“It just shows that people are willing to do the work and put in the price.”
Ten sellers are registered for this auction, and five are present.
According to Mr Gorrie, the February interest rate hike “didn’t discourage consumers”.
Ray White auctioneer James Hayashi said that although there was “fear of rising prices”, people were now “finding their feet in the market”.
“Now, there is a lot of stock in the market,” he said.
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Auctioneer James Hiyashi said the sale of the house “had a good result”. Photo: Sam Ruttyn
At the auction in Major St, Mr Hayashi said the unit was positioned in “one of the best locations in the area”.
“I walked in and I went, ‘this place is very nice’,” he said.
“I think it was a very good result.”
Despite its condition, the apartment sold for more than Coogee’s current unit price of $1.51m.
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219 Bourke St, Darlinghurst
Across Sydney, this week there were 1,084 organized auctions, up 11 per cent year-on-year.
The most viewed property listing on realestate.com.au for auction this week was 219 Bourke St, Darlinghurst, which sold for $2.73m.
Five of the seven registered bidders are vying for the renovated 1980s terrace, which has a private roof that offers views of the city.
The house sold above reserve, exemplifying Darlinghurst’s strong house price growth over the past 12 months which has seen house prices rise by 16.3 per cent.
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Further north a battle between developers was unfolding over a small family home in Ryde, which was eyed for its double capacity.
A three-bedroom house at 22 Stuart St sold for $3.525m, asking $250,000 deposit.
Nine registered for this auction, four are still active.
All interest in this area comes from developers and builders.
Robert Bagala of McGrath Ryde said the sale was based solely on the price of the land, as the area was “burning duplex plots”.
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