Unique Canberra experiences up for grabs for a good cause

Fancy a hot air balloon ride over Canberra with six close friends, followed by breakfast, lunch and dinner at some of the Southside’s hottest cafes and restaurants?

If this sounds just a little bit tempting, then Lifeline’s 2021 Silent Auction is what you’ve been waiting for.

But getting involved in the bidding is definitely not for the faint-hearted. At the time of publication, the highest bid for the Inner South experience is sitting at $3150.

Box tickets to Keith Urban, pieces from renowned artists like Ben Quilty, a brand new Volkswagen, as well as many more Canberra experiences and family packages are also waiting for you.

And no matter what you’re into, there’s more than enough to tempt you. You can also feel good about where your money is going as every dollar raised directly funds the Lifeline crisis support line, helping change lives for the better.

Lifeline Canberra telephone crisis supporters provide information and support services to people in need and deliver training and mental health awareness programs to the community.

Sports fans might be keen to bid on their chance to have dinner with Canberra Raiders’ player Jack Wighton or a Raiders jersey.

Local businesses like Waves, Wiffens and the Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets have donated packages and vouchers, as have restaurants such as Blackfire, Mr Papa and others.

Pieces from artists Jorna Newberry, Debbie Brown, Tatali Napurrula, Tjawina Porter and others are also up for grabs.

More interested in a staycation for two at the Realm? Well, you might be able to experience this for a little over $300.

There’s also the possibility of bidding on an Audi remote-controlled car, a novelty Jim Beam Esky can, a tractor scale model or a Gorenje retro VW fridge.

The annual Gala will be held on Friday, 30 April, and Lifeline ACT CEO Carrie-Ann Leeson says all the team are excited in the lead-up to the sold-out event.

“It’s always a great event and a fantastic chance for us to connect with the Canberra community.

“Now, we are just riding out those last few nights as everything is in place to make the night a success,” she says.

According to Carrie-Ann, Lifeline has never seen this much generosity from the Canberra community, and she says some of the experiences available are just incredible.

When asked what she’ll be bidding for on the night, Carrie-Ann says her pick is a reflection on the last year or so and the content Lifeline has been dealing with, so she’ll be hoping she wins a relaxing package or experience.

Auctioneers on the evening will be husband-and-wife duo Tim and Justine Burke of Luton Properties.

Items and experiences have been split into two categories. Four once-in-a-lifetime experiences will have their early bidding shut at 1:00 pm on Friday, but the highest bidder will be invited to continue bidding throughout the evening online if they can’t attend the Gala in person.

The rest of the items will be online until the close of the Gala on Friday night, ensuring nobody who didn’t get tickets is left out.

Check out the array of items available online now.

Lifeline provides short-term support for people who are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping or staying safe. For confidential one-to-one support with a trained Lifeline telephone crisis supporter, call 13 11 14.