Charity Bell

The tradition of the BeefEx bell auction began in September 1992 in Coffs Harbour, at the very first BeefEx conference. Colin Monroe, an ABC presenter and chairman of events, requested a bell to gather attendees for each session. Newly appointed ALFA President, Kevin Roberts, tasked his wife Jan and her friend Meridth Foster with finding a suitable bell. Their resourcefulness led to the acquisition of a replica school bell.

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At that first Gala Dinner, the bell was auctioned for $500, a significant sum compared to its $50 cost. The proceeds were donated to the Royal Brisbane Children’s Hospital, where their daughter Jilly was head of the Occupational Health department, marking the beginning of the bell’s charitable legacy.

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In 1996, Jan purchased a Condamine Bell from her friend Judy Tresillian’s brother, an antique dealer, for $200. This bell was bought at auction by Hollis Klett, a longtime friend and feedlot industry stalwart, for $5,000. Since then, the bell has been a regular feature at BeefEx, symbolising generosity and community spirit.

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Over the years, the bell has been auctioned at every BeefEx conference, with all proceeds going to LifeFlight, a charity vital to the feedlot industry.

 

In 2019, the Roberts family sold Sandalwood Feedlot after nearly 35 years, but the tradition continued. Jan once predicted that Kevin would eventually end up with the bell, a prophecy fulfilled when he purchased it for $13,500.

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In 2022, a new record was set when the family who owns Condabri Feedlot bid $25,000 for the bell. 

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This October, a bell generously donated by Judy Tresillian, valued at $1,000, will be auctioned once again to benefit LifeFlight. The tradition lives on, celebrating the spirit of generosity and the strong community bonds within the feedlot industry.

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"The Bell History"

Thanks to ALFA Life Members, Kevin and Jan Roberts and families for preparing The History of The Bell.

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