In April 2022, Ryman Healthcare offered the Mornington Community Support Centre all the furniture at the Moondah property in Kunyung Road Mount Eliza.

Article by PP Ross Kilborn, Rotary Club of Mornington

Ryman Healthcare, an industry leader in retirement living, were seeking a permit to build a retirement precinct, which was subsequently granted in December 2022.

The property was previously the Melbourne Business School of Melbourne University. As the Melbourne Business School the property included bedrooms for 80 executives, conference and meeting facilities and all the required support infrastructure such as dining and lounge rooms, a commercial kitchen and a gymnasium.

The Mornington Community Support Centre quickly assessed that the volume of furniture was huge, and invited Mornington Rotary to assist with its disposal. Mornington Rotary quickly came to the same conclusion, and invited Mount (Mt.) Eliza and Mt. Martha Rotary Clubs to assist.

The team that assembled to plan the project then recognised that commercial expertise was required to both manage the scale, and undertake the extensive advertising to the many potential buyers and interest groups around Australia. After evaluation Grays Auction (Online Retail and Auction) were appointed in late 2022 and an online auction planned for autumn 2023.

Ultimately over 800 lots were catalogued and sold over 3 weekly online auctions in May. Most lots contained multiple items suggesting over 3,000 pieces were involved. Some of the more special lots received more than 2,000 on line views.

Around 20 Rotarians were involved in the cataloguing, inspection and collection days, contributing around 100 person days. This ensured the cost of Grays professional services were kept to a minimum.

The three auctions raised $55,680, a much needed supplement to the Support Centre’s annual income to assist people in crisis or facing homelessness. Generously, Ryman covered the cost of Grays Auctions.

There were other beneficiaries of the project too. Rotary was able to assist in the donation of some historical photos of Mornington to the Historical Society and some kitchen related equipment to Homeground in Mornington, a social enterprise training young people in hospitality.

There were lots of very happy buyers and very happy Rotarians who took great satisfaction from the amount of money raised by their team work, and the recycling of most of Moondah’s furniture, consistent with Rotary’s focus on environmental sustainability.