Home to be auctioned for charity
Man wills lot to Barnados
A CHILDLESS man has left his entire estate to a national children’s charity.
Graham Aston’s home at 32 Hope St, Clifton Beach will be auctioned on Tuesday night by RE/MAX Cairns agent Ray Murphy.
The stand-alone, half duplex has no body corporate fees, a private undercover entertaining area and a spacious backyard which leads to a nature strip.
It is understood Mr Aston left his estate to Barnardos Australia after he passed away.
Mr Murphy said it was the first time in his career he would sell a property where all the proceeds would go to a charity.
“It’s very rare the whole estate is being donated to a charity. I know our office has done it only once before,” he said.
“I‘d like to encourage buyers to be in a position where they can put their best foot forward at auction.
“I hope buyers will pay a bit more knowing it’s going to a good cause.
“I get to do my job knowing at the end of my day, we are doing the best that we can for a good organisation.”
A Barnardos Australia spokeswoman said gifts in wills made up almost one third of all donations that the organisation received.
“We are extremely grateful for this generous gift which will ensure we can assist vulnerable children needing Barnardos’ help through the years to come,” she said.
“A bequest to Barnardos is an investment in the lives of the children and young people and even a small bequest helps transform the lives of those suffering the effects of abuse and neglect.”
It is believed Mr Aston never had children and was, by all accounts, a wealthy man who lived a simple life.
Mr Murphy said the twobedroom, one-bathroom, onegarage property was being sold by the Public Trustee of Queensland.
“You can move into it straight away. It is a very private, detached, duplex,” he said. “There are no rear neighbours and it has good bones if someone does want to make it a bit more modern.
“Duplexes are in demand because there is no active body corporate, you organise your own insurance and look after your own gardens.
“This particular duplex has a large backyard that you share with the other owner.”
Pet friendly and with a separate internal laundry, the home is also within walking distance of Clifton Village Shopping Centre and Clifton Beach.