THE humble timber pallet has a lot of unrealised power – the power to save lives, the power to get unemployed people working, the power to reduce waste going into landfill and the power to create stunning furniture and artworks.
SeaFM's The Power of Pallets Auction and Cocktail Party is in its third year, with the aim of raising $30, 000 for the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation.
Event instigator Kate Fern said this year there were more pallet creations, more ticket sales and a lot of interest around celebrity guest judge Jamie Durie's attendance.
“We managed to grab Jamie's attention through his brother Chris who lives here – they are both awesome guys and very supportive of what we're trying to achieve,” Ms Fern said.
“And through our revamped website we've been able to set up an online silent bidding system, so it's really exciting to see people bidding secretly online,” she said.
Furniture and artworks have been created by businesses, schools, individuals, mens sheds and jobseekers.
Foundation fundraising co-ordinator Nicole Gibson said this year the event was aiming to raise funds for a wishlist for the day oncology unit at Cairns Hospital including treatment chairs, wheelchairs and cancer services – particularly telecam for radiation oncologists which enables patients to view images on a screen during consultations with their doctor.
“We're really excited to partner with SeaFM's The Power of Pallets Auction and Cocktail Party because it's an unusual event that gathers a lot of attention and does make a difference to patients lives,” Ms Gibson said.
Members of the public will be available to view the pieces on Saturday from 10am-3pm for a gold coin donation and Jamie Durie will be available to meet fans and sign his new book at the event from 7.15-8pm.
The event will be held on Saturday, October 29 from 6.30pm at the Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal.
For further information visit The Power of Pallets.
Photo: Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation fundraising co-ordinator Nicole Gibson and The Power of Pallets founder Kate Fern are excited to see the incredible standard of work at this year's SeaFM The Power of Pallets Auction and Cocktail Party.
