Mackay Airport
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Airport donates lost items to Lifeline

A forgetful passenger left airport staff gobsmacked after a set of false teeth turned up in the lost property box at Mackay’s busy airport.

Over the years a variety of items have been left behind or lost – some are reunited with their owners – while others find a new home through Lifeline.

Mackay Port Authority communications manager Colin Wilson said the missing molars were eventually returned.

"This happened a little while ago. It’s still amazing the number of things that turn up in the airport terminal," Mr Wilson said.

"How the fellow came to lose the teeth remains unclear. I guess the important thing is -- he now has them back."
 
Items found at the airport are held for three months and if not claimed are donated to Lifeline.

"The latest donation included hand bags, clothing, sunglasses, trays, books and there was even a horse lead and bridle," Mr Wilson said.

"Fortunately, we have managed to track down the owner of the racehorse bridle."

About 60 per cent of items eventually are returned.

Business manager Mrs Lyn Lewis said Lifeline was happy to receive the goods.

"The goods are sorted and most are resold through our store, but the prescription glasses can find a new home thousands of kilometres way," Mrs Lewis said.

"Some are donated to other charities who venture into the Papua New Guinea Highlands – they don’t see too many optometrists up there."

Meantime, Mr Wilson has urged people to contact the airport office if things go missing while passing through the airport terminal – chances they are sitting in the lost property box.