General News
17 October, 2025
Town-wide garage sale a success
A town-wide garage sale ran on Saturday with Maryborough Outdoor Pool Precinct at its heart — both literally and figuratively.
Across a morning of wheeling and dealing, Maryborough locals opened their garage doors to raise awareness of the heritage pool’s ongoing closure.
The event was organised by community advocacy group Friends of Maryborough Outdoor Pool Precinct (FOMOP).
The group has previously played an important role helping Central Goldfields Shire Council secure $9 million of state and federal funding for the precinct’s eventual reopening.
They hope to continue that momentum thanks to community support and the $1800 raised on the day.
FOMOP chair Duncan Bates said the day was a success, not just as a fundraiser, but as a community event.
“Bluntly I almost had zero expectations on how much we’d raise just because I didn’t think it was really what we needed to focus on,” Mr Bates said.
“It’s definitely got potential to be a really great event on an annual basis.”
The morning saw around 500 attendees, some from as far as Melbourne and Dimboola, visit 46 garage sales across town.
Daisy Hill resident Don Woolfe, who also won the day’s raffle, said the event was great for both locals and garage sale enthusiasts.
“I tell you what there was a lot of cars. It’s the busiest I’ve seen Maryborough on a Saturday morning for a long time,” he said.
It’s a success FOMOP hope to emulate in years to come — even when the pool reopens.
“I think the group’s role becomes almost more important when the pool’s open because then the role of the group is to drive usage and get the most out of the pool for community,” Mr Bates said.
Until then, he thanked the community for their support, local businesses for the generous donations, and all those who were involved.
“It took a fair amount of effort to get it up and running but we had loads of support,” he said.
True to his intention to make the town-wide garage sale an annual event Mr Bates said they’re in the early stages of planning the next one for Saturday, October 10, 2026.