Antiques and collectables on show at two-day fair

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John Barker and Derek McGrath setting up for the fair at the Civic Centre.
John Barker and Derek McGrath setting up for the fair at the Civic Centre.

Vintage lovers and collectors are in for a treat this weekend with hundreds of antiques and collectables set to fill the Bundaberg Civic Centre.

Bundaberg West Rotary Club’s annual Antique, Collectables and Militaria Fair is being held over two full days.

Vice president Derek McGrath said this particular fair had been running for almost 25 years in the region, with lots of treasures to be found among the many stalls.

“There will be collectables, militaria, cutlery, pottery, coins and more,” he said.

“There is also some very some lovely jewellery, it’s a ‘must have’ for my wife who buys a nice piece every year.”

Mr McGrath said antique fairs had been around for well over five decades and used to be filled with glorious pieces of furniture in the earlier years.

“There were lots of grand tables and chairs and all sorts of bits of of furniture on display but as houses become smaller, those sorts of items were seen less and less,” he said.

“Nowadays it’s more about collectables and fine pieces of jewellery.”

Mr McGrath said antique fairs played an important role in keeping art alive in the community.

“I find that nowadays a lot of modern jewellery is melted down when it is no longer wanted,” he said.

“But that’s when you lose the art.

“The type of jewellery you will find here is beautifully crafted, it retains its character and you can really see the art that goes into making such wonderful pieces.”

Antiques and Collectables event details

Bundaberg West Rotary Club’s annual Antique, Collectables and Militaria Fair runs on Saturday from 9am to 5pm and Sunday 9am to 4pm.

Adult entry is $6 and children under 8 years old are free.

Raffles will also be drawn at the event with all proceeds to go to Marcus Mission, a local organisation dedicated to a whole-of-community approach to suicide prevention for young men.