BRANCH Manager of Landmark Bombala, Matthew Green was entrusted in conducting the auction of the well-known properties of the late Herbert and Laura Kennedy on Friday, May 22.
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This was not your normal everyday property auction, but one that will be remembered in the local area for years to come.
The nature of the sale was unique in that the beneficiary of the proceeds is the community of Bombala.
Brother and sister, Herb and Laura Kennedy sadly passed away days apart earlier in the year. The siblings were well known in the area, having been raised here as children and then remaining in the district their whole lives.
The pair had accumulated holdings around the district on which they largely ran heavy wool cutting merino sheep. Herb had a passion for farming and Laura supported her brother over the years keeping food on the table and keeping their home at ‘Yandilla’.
Whilst the properties kept them both busy they still found time which they invested in community groups.
They were both in the Rural Bushfire Brigade and Herb was actively involved and passionate about the Bombala Gun Club, of which he was made a life member.
Laura also contributed to many local groups and worked tirelessly for the Bombala Exhibition Society to which she was also given life membership.
Whilst dedicated to the farms and the community, Herb and Laura enjoyed a simple and happy life without ever indulging themselves. They enjoyed certain modern conveniences but never lost sight of surviving with just the necessities in their minimalistic way.
It’s this way of life that has now led to an accumulation of funds through the sale of their assets for the future betterment of the Bombala community.
The auction of four individual holdings on Friday saw record prices for rural farming land in the district. The total of the holdings made $1,745,000, with an individual parcel of land making $2500/acre.
The spirited competition of all bidders - the successful bidders all being local identities - resulted in the sale of the properties, a major part of Herb and Laura’s contribution, but not the entirety of it.
The trustees have advised that the vast majority of the estate funds including the sale of properties, stock, household items, investments and farm machinery will contribute to the establishment of the ‘Herbert & Laura Kennedy Home’.
This is to be a hostel accommodation for the aged in Bombala, to provide for better lifestyles and health outcomes.
This contribution is of profound generosity and the community of Bombala will be forever grateful to Laura and Herb for having such vision. We now know their sacrifice and unselfishness in their day to day life was for the advancement of our small rural community of Bombala.
Landmark Bombala wish to express their thanks to the trustees of the estate for the privilege of being a part of such wonderful founding venture giving back to the community.
