Zoe Moffatt
With the sun shining down and auction anticipation spreading, about 250 people gathered over the weekend for the sale of 3 Delia Ave, Sunbury.
Set with no reserve, the new Sunbury property from Rosenthal development was sold for $1,055,000, with 100 per cent to be distributed between 60 local not-for-profit organisations.
General manager Paul Millett said there was amazing energy on the day, and it was wonderful to see many of the groups in attendance.
“We were expecting a big crowd given the home is beautiful first and foremost and the fact that the auction was ‘no reserve’, which is unheard of,” Mr Millett said.
“We knew there would be great support from the local Rosenthal and wider Sunbury communities in particular, [as there were] many groups who were to benefit from the sale.”
Mr Millett said providing support to the community at times like these are important given the current cost of living challenges.
“It is incumbent on organisations and families like ours to continually give back to the community because without their support, we don’t exist.
“It’s also nice just to say ‘thanks’ without any need to get anything in return.
“The smiles on the faces in attendance on Saturday made it all worthwhile and we were proud as a family to be able to do that for the amazing community Sunbury is.”
Voluntary Seniors’ Group, Sunbury U3A provides educational, recreational and social programs for seniors in the area and received funding from the sale.
President Leigh Martin said it will make a big difference to the group and what they can provide the community.
“We were thrilled to bits with the generosity and the forethought from The Millett Family,” Ms Martin said.
“We run courses, events and activities for seniors but we don’t have a home base and so we have to rent out places.
“The money means we will have more to spend, which means we will have more flexibility.”
Sunbury U3A provides courses like French and philosophy, which Ms Martin said is important to keep intellectual engagement, along with social connections.
“We’re always trying to reduce isolation in seniors and provide them with stimulating activities… life doesn’t end at 70 years old.
“[This funding] means we can provide a lot more now with the money we have.”
