1 June 2007

David Caple, Senior Ranger at Centennial Parklands, is constantly amazed at what gets lost in the Parklands. ‘Last year we had a car left unclaimed in the Park - and this year a motorbike,’ David said.

The sheer size of the Parklands means that it must manage a large amount of lost property. All items are handled under provisions set out in the Impounding Act 1993. The Act specifies that if a lost item is valued at less than $500 it can be disposed of immediately by the Parklands after reasonable attempts have been made to contact the owner. However items valued at greater than $500 must be kept in a secure place for 28 days and then can be either disposed of or donated.

‘Centennial Parklands Lost Property Policy adopts a more generous time frame,’ says David. ‘Some lost property items have specific disposal requirements. For example, motor vehicles must go to public vehicle auctions and jewellery or cash are handed to local police at Maroubra within 24 hours of being found. We hold all other items for a month regardless of how much they are worth,’ he says.

In June this year Centennial Parklands donated 15 unclaimed children’s push bikes to the Royal Far West Children’s Health Scheme, a non-government organisation that seeks to enhance the health and well being of remote area children. Centennial Parklands will continue to look for opportunities such as these to enable unclaimed property to help those less fortunate.

‘Centennial Parklands takes the management of lost property very seriously,’ says David. Lost property should be handed in to a Ranger or to the Parklands office or Visitor Centre. If you have lost something please leave your details at the Parklands office in the first instance, where staff can access the register and easily locate your item if it has been handed in.

Contact: Julie Hunter Ward

Phone: (02) 9339 6652