An auction of surplus historical items and memorabilia raised an unprecedented amount of funds for the Shepparton Heritage Centre earlier this month.
The exact amount remains undisclosed by the centre’s board; however, executive officer Kristy Rudd said it far surpassed the rough $5000 she had estimated.
“We had no expectations, anything made was a bonus, but it was a huge day and a very successful auction,” she said.
Mrs Rudd said the October 19 event ran smoothly, with 25 members and volunteers helping throughout the day.
More than 300 lots went under the hammer — including a couple of Furphy tank ends, which sold for $1400 and $900, a vintage gig and a four-wheeled buggy — over three hours of brisk bidding.
A second-hand book and map stall also raised more than organisers had anticipated.
"The funds have given us a buffer to carry us into next year," Mrs Rudd said.
The money will be put towards essential operating costs while the board begins the process of grant applications and philanthropic processes for 2026, when it hopes to renew the façade of the centre’s museum and cottage.
Mrs Rudd said the result marked a year of consolidation that looked at the centre’s policies, procedures and governance, making connections with philanthropists and benefactors, and building council rapport, among other things.