A set of miniature war medals, found at Brisbane Airport, have been reunited with their owner just in time for Remembrance Day. 

Vietnam veteran Malcolm Edmiston lost the medals while travelling from Townsville to Christchurch, on the eve of Remembrance Day in 2023. 

He figured he’d lost them in Christchurch and returned to Townsville empty-handed. 

“I thought they were lost and lost for good. I had no idea where they were. If they were anywhere, I thought they were in Christchurch, certainly not in Brisbane,” says the 83-year-old veteran who is overjoyed to have them in his hands again. 

“Wow! A chance to get them back, I was really missing them.”  

Two months ago, Brisbane Airport launched a nationwide campaign to find the owner of the precious items found in its International Terminal. Using publicity from the annual lost property auction for charity, the campaign focused on finding the owner, though the medals were never listed for sale. 

"From the very beginning, this was about finding the owner of these precious items and it took a community-wide effort to locate Malcolm, and we’re so glad it succeeded. These medals were never listed in the auction and we knew the public would help us find their owner. We had 100 super sleuths ring up and offer to help solve this mystery,” says Brisbane Airport spokesperson Peter Doherty. 

After widespread media coverage in Australia and New Zealand, people shared photos of the medals on veterans' Facebook pages, where Malcolm eventually spotted them this week, just in time for Remembrance Day, one year since he lost them.

“I found them on Facebook. It came up and said that Brisbane Airport has these medals and is looking for the owner and as soon as I saw them, I said, ‘they’re mine!’” 

Malcolm phoned Brisbane Airport, and after he was authenticated as the owner, the medals were returned to his home in Townsville just in time for Remembrance Day. 

“I think the timing is quite magical when you think about it,” he said 

As a teenager growing up in Melbourne, Malcom sold snacks to the MCG crowd at the 1956 Olympic Games. 

A year later, at age 15, he signed up for The Australian Army Apprentice Scheme. 

In 1968, he was dispatched to Vietnam as a Construction Engineer with the 198 Works Section, charged with building operating theatres, barracks, offices, storerooms and workshops on Australian bases in Vietnam.

“I was there for 12 months, one week, one day and one hour. I wasn’t really counting,” he laughs. 

“Most of the time it was pretty easy but every so often there were events which became very hairy and very scary.” 

He returned home in 1969 in time to see Neil Armstrong walk on the moon, and witness many of the National Servicemen (Nashos) he served with struggle back in Australia after receiving a hostile public reception.

“Generally, for us in the regular army, we went back and we were within an army community, and we didn’t take any notice of the opinions of outsiders, so that was basically the way one survived, and then PTSD eventually got us all, and usually that wasn’t until much later. 

“Whereas Nashos came back and immediately got out, that’s when a lot of them were hit with PTSD straight away. Most of the regulars were fine until they got out.  

“For me I got out and was then in the Army Reserve. When that ceased, all of a sudden, the whole world fell in on top of me,” he recalls through tears. 

“Which is why the medals mean so much, so it’s really great to get them back.” 

Malcolm’s medals also include recognition for his service assisting with the clean-up after Cyclone Yasi in 2011, and the Townsville floods in 2019, as well as the Defence Long Service Medal.  

“That was for 18 years good conduct, or as many would say, 18 years of undetected crime,” he chuckles.  

The 83-year-old will take part in Remembrance Day commemorations in the Garrison City on Monday at the Thuringowa Memorial.  

Images can be downloaded here 

Broadcast video can be downloaded here 

For more information contact Brisbane Airport’s 24/7 media hotline: 0466 322 485 

The 2024 Brisbane Airport Lost Property Auction is officially underway, featuring the surprising items left behind by the 22.6 million passengers who travelled through the terminal in the past year. 

Despite efforts to reunite owners with their belongings, many items remain unclaimed well beyond the standard holding period. 

Brisbane Airport holds an auction once a year, with proceeds benefiting young Queenslanders through the Courier-Mail Children’s Fund. Last year’s auction raised $80,000, assisting TrekShed’s youth program in collaboration with PCYC and Little Wings, which flies sick children from regional areas to the city for treatment. 

A totaly of 486 lots are going under the virtual hammer allowing people to grab a bargain in the lead-up to Christmas. 

There are no reserves on any items, so everything must go, with the sale process run by Lloyds Auctioneers and Valuers.  

“This auction is hugely popular because it offers people a chance to snag a bargain while knowing their money is supporting young Queenslanders in need,” said Peter Doherty, Brisbane Airport Media & Corporate Affairs Manager.

“It is simply bizarre some of the items left behind by the 60,000 passengers passing through Brisbane Airport each day.” 

Unclaimed items going under the hammer include: 

• Tech items – a huge range of phones, laptops, iPads, phonebanks, air tags, headphones, AirPods, printer and more 
• Cameras & photography equipment including Canon 5D with 70-200mm lens 
• Portable speakers including large JBL boombox  
• Fishing equipment – rods & reels including a reel for marlin fishing 
• Set of poker chips & playing cards 
• Pioneer DJ Controller 
• Jewellery – bangles, rings, bracelets, ear rings, chains / necklaces, pendants etc 
• Watches 
• Sony Playstation 4 
• Nintendo Switch 
• Go Pro 
• Footwear – sneakers, slides, sandals  
• Safety gear – steel cap boots, clothing etc 
• Handbags 
• Sunglasses 
• Purses & wallets 
• Perfume 
• Baby / toddler gear - bassinet, porta cot, stroller 
• Artworks – paintings / prints / posters 
• Lego 
• Surfboards & boogie boards 
• Sleds 
• Assorted camping gear 
• Climbing gear
• Bicycles, scooters, helmets 
• Ninja Blender 
• Guitars 
• Massage table 
• Selfie stick 
• Electric drum kit 
• Umbrellas 
• Books 
• Hair care products 
• Kitchenware 
• Eskies 
• CPAP machines 
• Box of paint
• Arm (movie prop)  

“There are items to entertain you, surprise you, and even relax you, with a full massage table that’s been left behind in our terminal. There’s even CPAP machines for a better night’s sleep. Whether you want to unwind after your travels, jam out on a guitar, or get your game on with a Sony PlayStation 4 or Nintendo Switch, our lost property auction has something for everyone. You might even find a stylish handbag, a unique piece of jewellery, or a fishing rod to inspire your next adventure. Don’t miss the chance to discover your next favorite find!” 

Airport memorabilia 

To boost the fundraising effort, Brisbane Airport has added special items:  

• 12-month Brisbane Airport Parking  
• Behind the scenes airside tour at Brisbane Airport 
• Core samples from Brisbane's legacy runway cut during the recent renovation of the threshold 
• Runway signs used on the airfield 

 Sport memorabilia

The Brisbane Lions are the hottest team in town right now and there are some cool items as part of the auction. 

• A Lions VIP experience package including: 
• 2024 Team Home Signed Guernsey with a Certificate of Authentication. 
• 4 x tickets to a 2025 Brisbane Lions home game at the Gabba (game selection subject to availability) 
• Money Can’t Buy Experience: exclusive opportunity to watch the inside warm-up and be on the ground for the Guard of Honour as the team run out! 
• Life sized cutouts of Charlie Cameron (signed), Dane Zorko (signed), Lachie Neale and Cam Reyner 

From the Brisbane Heat, a VIP experience package including:  

 1 x BBL|14 signed jersey 

• 1 x WBBL|10 signed jersey 
• 4 x VIP tickets to WBBL10 home game (Gold Tickets – General Admission)  
• 4 x VIP tickets to BBL14 home game (Gold Tickets – General Admission) 
• 1 x money can’t buy experience at BBL|14 home game including pre-game pitch walk. View of bat flip and on-field photo opportunity. 

 Help us solve a mystery 

There is one item not included in the auction due to its irreplaceable sentimental value.  

We’re seeking the public’s help to find the owner of a set of medals which were left behind. These medals belong to a decorated Australian Defence Force member who served in the Vietnam War and also in the 2011 Queensland Floods and 2019 Townsville Floods. 

“These are extremely precious items, and we’re confident that with the media attention the lost property auction receives, someone will be able to connect us with the family of this veteran with a very distinguished service record.” 

Anyone with information can contact feedback@bne.com.au

Auction end 

 The online auction will end on Sunday 27 October with lots progressively closed off from 10am and continuing throughout the day.  

To bid head to bne.com.au/auction

For interview contact Brisbane Airports 24/7 media hotline: 0466 322 485 

It is surprising what 20 million passengers leave behind inside Brisbane Airport’s terminals each year. 

Brisbane Airport’s Lost Property Auction is back with a record number of items, allowing the public to grab a bargain just before Christmas.  

673 lots are on offer, with online bidding closing progressively on Sunday 17 December from 10am.  

Around 60,000 people per day pass through the Domestic and International terminals each day, with passengers leaving behind many weird, wonderful, and valuable items.  

While all efforts are made to reunite owners with their belongings, unfortunately approximately two-thirds of these items remain unclaimed after the standard holding period.  

Rather than these valuables going into landfill, they go to auction with the proceeds benefitting young Queenslanders through the Courier-Mail Children’s Fund. 

Last year’s auction raised $66k with the funds this week distributed to Zephyr Education, Speld and Traction. 

There are no reserves on any items, so everything must go with the auction run by Lloyds Auctioneers and Valuers.  

“Each year this auction gets bigger and bigger as more passengers travel through the terminal. Some of the items left behind in the terminal are simply because passengers have exceeded their baggage limit and choose to leave them,” according to Stephen Beckett, Head of Public Affairs at Brisbane Airport.  

“We’re hoping to raise as much as we can because the proceeds are going to support Queensland Children’s charities to help kids who are vulnerable and suffering disadvantage so we’re hoping people get right behind the Brisbane Airport Lost Property auction.” 

Unclaimed items going under the hammer include: 

• Dozens and dozens of laptops, ipads and phones 
• Power banks  
• Fine jewelry 9-18 carrot and fashion jewelry including rings and bracelets 
• New Dyson vacuum cleaner still in box 
• GoPro Hero 6 
• DJI Drone 
• Nintendo Switch OLED 
• Nintendo Wii 
• PlayStation One 
• Massage Guns 
• Watches and Apple Watches and fitness trackers 
• Kindles 
• Portable speakers (lots of these) 
• White Gucci bag with gold chain and emblem on front 
• Assorted Vinyl/Records, Includes, Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, Bob Dylan, and The Eagles 
• BMX bike 
• Noise counselling headphones 
• Air pods (so many!)  
• Shoes 
• New perfume 
• Star Wars memorabilia 
• Cameras 
• Monitors 
• Keyboards 
• Exercise equipment 
• Ashtrays 
• White fascinator style hats 
• Binoculars 
• Tripods 
• Selfie sticks 
• Ring lights 
• Hair straighteners 
• Hair trimmers 
• Purses 
• 4-piece cooking set 
• Guitars 
• Mandolin 
• Surfboards 
• Boogieboards  
• Tennis rackets 
• Fire Extinguisher 
• Dartboard 
• Adjustable crutches 
• Umbrellas 
• Games 
• Wallets  
• Artworks 
• Spirit Level 
• Fishing rods 
• Cricket bats 
• Hockey sticks 
• Tent 
• Savor Visor Stereo Ski Helmet 
• Runners  
• Homewares 
• Baby Carrier 
• Prams 
• Porta-cots 
• Garment Steamer 
• Skateboards 
• Sunglasses 
• CPAP machines 

“Grab yourself a bargain. Know that we’re not throwing this stuff out, it’s not going to landfill, but the money is making a difference in the lives of Queensland children.” 

To boost the fundraising effort, Brisbane Airport has also added some special items, including a money-can't-buy behind the scenes tour of the airport, as well as a 1 year of parking at the Domestic Terminal. 

Additional items include: 

• 12 month Brisbane Airport Parking at Domestic Terminal
• Brisbane Airport airside 90-minute tour 
• Runway signage 
• WBBL Brisbane Heat tickets and signed jersey 
• Brisbane Roar VIP Experience for 10 
• Museum of Brisbane prize pack   

“We’ve got some aviation signage from our runway which aviation enthusiasts absolutely love. We’ve got a year's worth of airport parking at the Domestic Terminal, so if you’re a regular traveller for work or leisure, your own car space would be very handy.” 

 The online auction will end on Sunday 17 December with lots progressively closed off from 10am and continuing throughout the day. 

To bid head to bne.com.au/auction 

Auction images can be downloaded here 

For interview contact Brisbane Airports 24/7 media contact: 0466 322 485 

Monday 15 February 2021: Brisbane Airport’s Online Lost Property Auction is back, and it is better than ever, with members of the public given the chance to bag a bargain as well as unique aviation items.

Hundreds of valuables go up for auction today, with bidding remaining open until Sunday 21 February.

For the third year running, all proceeds to be donated to The Courier-Mail Children’s Fund.

Despite a reduction in passengers travelling through Brisbane Airport’s International and Domestic Terminals last year due to COVID, many weird, wonderful, and valuable items were still accidently left behind by travellers.

While all efforts are made to return belongings to the rightful owners, unfortunately approximately two-thirds of these items remain unclaimed after the standard holding period.

Items like neck pillows, blankets, and fresh food are not logged as lost property. They are kept at the Visitor Information Centre desk, and if not collected, are disposed of.

More valuable items are held at the airport for 60 days and, if still unclaimed, are either donated to local charities or held and offered to members of the public in Brisbane Airport’s annual online Lost Property Auction.

This year, unclaimed items going under the hammer include suitcases, jewellery, laptops, headphones, surf boards, artwork, and a circular saw.

There is also an opportunity to purchase your very own piece of Brisbane Airport, with Movement Area Guidance Signs (MAGS) from Runway 01/19 (the legacy runway prior to its rename) and pieces of Brisbane’s new runway, Runway 01L/19R, up for grabs.

Gert-Jan de Graaff, Brisbane Airport Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer, said this year’s auction is better than ever as it features priceless items that cannot be bought anywhere else.

“Brisbane Airport’s online Lost Property Auction has always attracted wide attention from interested buyers, and this year we will be offering some pretty special items for those that love aviation as much as we do.

“In addition to the MAG signs and the runway pieces, bidders will have the chance to secure a year of free parking at Brisbane Airport and an exclusive airside tour with one of our Airside Operations Officers.

“Last year we raised $25,000, and while our passenger numbers have been heavily impacted, we hope the addition of unique aviation items will help us come close to matching that amount,” Mr de Graaff said.

Belinda MacPherson, Board Director of The Courier-Mail Children’s Fund, said the ongoing partnership with BAC provides crucial funds to children in need across Queensland.

“We are incredibly proud to be continuing our partnership with BAC this year. To be able to give charities the funds needed to provide vital care, services, facilities and aid to children in need across Queensland is more important than ever in these uncertain times.

“We are currently taking submissions for assistance from Queensland charities,” Ms MacPherson said.

Charities are encouraged to apply or find out more at: www.childrens.fund

The auction will be powered by BNE Marketplace – an eCommerce site developed by Brisbane Airport Corporation at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic to support in-terminal retailers.

All stock can be viewed online at www.bne.com.au/auction.

Bidding will take place online from today, Monday 15 February, and run through midnight on Sunday 21 February.

Tuesday 4 February 2020: One traveller’s lost property is a life-changing treasure for a local children’s charity, with Brisbane Airport’s Online Lost Property Auction raising a staggering $25,529.30.

The funds will be dispersed through The Courier-Mail Children’s Fund to Active Eight (A8), a grassroots charity based in Toowong that is dedicated to assisting young people with disabilities to activate and achieve their full social, emotional and physical potential.

A8 will use the funds to install Australia’s first dance and yoga ceiling hoist system, allowing children with serious mobility issues the opportunity to take part in dance and yoga activities.

This year, 560 bidders took part in the Online Lost Property Auction, vying for items ranging from jewellery and watches to a long-neck oud. Fierce bidding saw the auction blow out five hours past its scheduled finish time.

A bag of jewellery and a Cannon camera were among the items reaching the highest bids, selling for $900 and $800 respectively.

Jacinta Messer, Brisbane Airport Corporations Sponsorship & Events Manager, said the online format continues to go from strength to strength, with this year’s result surpassed the previous two years.

“While we always strive to return possessions to their rightful owners, we are incredibly proud of what we have been able to do with the lost property that cannot be returned.

“To be able to make a difference to the lives of children living with disabilities through this unique and exciting fundraiser is amazing,” Ms Messer said.

“We couldn’t have achieved this result without the help of our wonderful partners, Pickles.”

Belinda MacPherson, Board Director of The Courier-Mail Children’s Fund, said the Brisbane Airport Online Lost Property Auction has become one of the biggest contributors when it comes to raising much-needed funds.

“We are delighted to partner with BAC for a second year on this fantastic event and to see growth on the funds raised. Repurposing what others have left behind allows The Courier-Mail Children’s Fund to provide vital funds to charitable organisations and continue our promise of helping Queensland children in need.” Ms MacPherson said.

Zachary Fook, Active Eight Chief Executive Officer, said the funds will open up opportunities for children who otherwise could not participate in dance and yoga.

"With so many worthy causes and projects around, we are truly humbled to receive this support to install a specialised ceiling hoist for our dance and yoga programs.

"Since 2013, Active Eight have been supporting children and young people of all abilities to participate in our inclusive programs, and this hoist has been on the wishlist since day one.

"By removing the physical barriers that some of our current (and future) students face when pursuing their recreation and sporting passions, we can truly provide an accessible, life-changing and above all, fun experience."

Friday 23 November 2018: Following the success of Brisbane Airport’s inaugural Online Lost Property Auction in 2017, members of the public will again be given the opportunity to bag a bargain, with thousands of valuables up for auction between 9am Monday, 26 November and 7pm Wednesday, 5 December.

All proceeds from this year’s auction will be donated to The Courier Mail Children’s Fund, supporting its important work helping Queensland children in need.

With more than 24 million passengers travelling through Brisbane Airport’s International and Domestic Terminals every year, many weird, wonderful and valuable items are accidently left behind by travellers.

In the last financial year, more than 10,000 pieces of lost property was handed in. While all efforts are made to return belongings to the rightful owners, unfortunately approximately two-thirds of these items remain unclaimed after 90 days.

Following the standard holding period the lost property is sorted with a portion donated to local charities, while valuables are offered for sale to the public.

This year, unclaimed items going under the hammer include clothing, jewellery, laptops and baby car seats, with many items brand new.

Gert-Jan de Graaff, Brisbane Airport Corporations Chief Executive Officer, said the online Lost Property Auction is an incredibly unique and exciting fundraiser.

“It’s amazing what people travel with and it’s amazing what they accidently leave behind.

“While our first priority is always to return possessions to the rightful owners, in the event we cannot it is good to know these items are going to new homes instead of landfill with all money raised from their sale helping sick kids in the lead-up to Christmas.

“Last year, we raised more than $21,000 which we hope to exceed this year,” Mr de Graaff said.

Belinda MacPherson, Board Director of The Courier Mail Children’s Fund, said the proceeds donated will go towards helping Queensland children in need.

“We are delighted to be working with BAC and Pickles because together, through the fund, we will give charities the funds needed to provide vital care, services, facilities and aid to children in need across Queensland.

“We are currently taking submissions of assistance from charities,” Ms MacPherson said.

Charities are encouraged to apply or find out more at: www.childrens.fund

The Public Viewing Day for items being offered in Brisbane Airport’s Online Lost Property Auction will be held between 9am and 12pm on Saturday 1 December at Pickles Auctions, 400 Beatty Road Archerfield.

All auction items are also available for viewing online. Visit: www.pickles.com.au

Bidding will take place online from 9am Monday 26 November to 7pm Wednesday 5 December.