Going, going, gone: Baxter chattels on the block

Forget the latest Sotheby's auction, the real acquisitions to be made were at a little auction last Friday. Auctioneers Evans & Clarke notified everyone via The Adelaide Advertiser of the bargains up for grabs from South Australia's Baxter Detention Centre, which is set to close down in the coming weeks, writes Sophie Black.

Sophie Black

May 08, 2007

Preparing to detain someone but short of a chain-mesh fence? Looking for a cheap-as-chips CCTV monitor? Interested in an ice-maker?

Forget the latest Sotheby’s auction, the real acquisitions were at a little auction last Friday. Auctioneers Evans & Clarke notified everyone via The Adelaide Advertiser of the bargains up for grabs from South Australia’s Baxter Detention Centre, which is set to close down in the coming weeks. We’re particularly keen on the 100 watering cans, two wheelchairs and an x-ray machine. What on earth went on in there?

Hot items included: 100 plastic chairs, chain-mesh fence (and posts), 100 double bunk beds, stainless steel food trays, defribillator, electric distribution boards, food transport hot boxes, three ice machines, lawnmowers, CCTV monitors, rotary toasters, stainless steel bench and trolleys, trauma kits, 100 watering cans, two wheelchairs, and an X-Ray viewer.

About the Author

Sophie Black

Editor-in-chief @sophblack

Sophie Black is Crikey's editor-in-chief. She has worked in senior management across cultural and media organisations, and has written for outlets such as The Guardian and The Monthly. As the Wheeler Centre’s head of publishing she oversaw projects such as the Walkley award-winning The Messenger podcast. She sits on the board of Melbourne University’s Centre for Advancing Journalism, and is co-chair of human rights media outlet Right Now.