Tamworth charity auction raises cash for drought-affected farmers

Drought-hit farming families are in for some welcome relief after a successful Tamworth charity auction on Saturday.

A five-bedroom house built largely by donated local goods and labour sold for $560,000 with all profits after costs going to the Salvation Army Rural Relief program.

The house at 43 Eagle Avenue drew a crowd of 55, including two police officers to ensure social distancing.

Three parties registered to bid on the 713-square-metre property, with an opening offer of $480,000 being made.

SOLD - $560,000

43 Eagle Avenue, Tamworth NSW 2340

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Bidding rose in $20,000 and $5000 increments thanks to all three bidders throwing their hats in the ring.

The hammer fell at $560,000, selling to a local couple who contributed to the build.

PRDnationwide Tamworth selling agent Dean Cummins said everyone was pleased with the community effort to raise funds for drought-affected farmers.

“We had a lot of suppliers and tradies who contributed their time and product to the project,” Mr Cummins said. “The really pleasing thing is one of the tradies was the purchaser. They’re very excited to have seen it from beginning right to the end.

“They were very keen to help out the Salvation Army and give back to the community.

“This was a love job for all of us. I worked for nothing … it was one of the highlights of my 20-year career in real estate,” he added. “Lots of other people donated their time, product and effort for no coin to contribute to the Salvation Army’s benefit.”

Dozens of local tradespeople, businesses and suppliers donated their time, money and materials to build the home known as The Tamworth 300.

The donated home, which was built in five months and not without its struggles due to COVID-19, was the brainchild of local builders Natalie and Dan Urquhart of G.J. Gardner Homes Tamworth.

Mr Urquhart said he was pleased with the end result after coming up with the concept last year.

“We’re super excited, to be honest. It’s been an amazing day,” Mr Urquhart said. “It’s really an idea in the first step and many generous people in between.”