ONCE a month, locals gather for an important event at the Dungog saleyards.
On the second Thursday from 10am they can be seen buying and selling a range of items.
Some in the group have regularly attended the auction for many years, although everyone who turns up is included and made welcome.
On offer are freshly picked, locally-grown fruit and vegetables, cut flowers, delicious home-made baked goods and preserves, poultry, and small livestock raised in the area.
But Dillon and Sons’ Produce Auction matters for many other reasons.
It provides a chance for people to meet, socialise and discuss local topics, from the weather to relatives to roadworks.
A Dungog ‘institution’, the auction was started over 100 years ago by Paddy Dillon’s great-uncle, Thomas Carlton.
Thomas founded Carlton and Dillon, which later became Dillon and Sons Real Estate and Livestock.
Auctioneer Paddy Dillon said that the produce auction is important as a “social event which, like the cattle sales, brings producers together”.
Until mid-2024, the auction was held fortnightly at the original saleyards across the road from the Memorial RSL Club in Lord Street
That was until the shed roof was involved in a “tractor-related” incident that made a venue change necessary.
The new venue at the top of Short Street has expansive views over the Common, across the town, and to the hills beyond.
There is usually an amusing highlight of the auction, like some hotly-contested bidding, or novelty vegetables or unusual potted plants.
And there are always bargains to bid on.
Sometimes Eddie Rumbel can be tempted to sample some of the cookery, too.
The memorable and diverse lots sold over the years have included goats, budgies, donkeys, guinea fowl and peacocks.
The next auction will be held on Thursday 8 May at 10am.
For more information phone Dillon and Sons on 02 49921704.
By Lisa WISEMAN
