July 30th 2024.
While riding his bike through the bustling streets of Sydney, Leonardo Urbano couldn't help but notice the heaps of discarded furniture and clothing lining the sidewalks. As a 30-year-old who had recently immigrated from Italy, Urbano had become all too familiar with the process of constantly having to refurnish his apartment every time he returned from a trip back home.
"It's always a struggle," he shared with 9news.com.au. "I have to start from scratch, buying used beds and couches. And when I leave again, I have to sell everything once more." But one day, as Urbano was out on his bike, he stumbled upon a pile of items that caught his eye. He decided to take a closer look and found some interesting things among the discarded goods.
"I started going through it and I was surprised by what I found," he recalled. "From that day on, I made it a habit to search through the items left on the streets."
What started as a means to save money quickly turned into a hobby, and eventually a full-time job for Urbano. Last year, he even made $66,000 from his treasure hunting adventures. He began to frequent affluent neighborhoods like Bondi, Double Bay, and Paddington, where he discovered a wealth of luxury and high-quality items that had been thrown out on the curb.
Among his most notable finds was a nude painting by Archibald finalist Dapeng Liu, worth $3800, which he discovered on a rainy afternoon. He has also come across designer clothing from brands like Burberry and Armani, as well as electronics from Apple and Dyson. One particularly valuable find was an antique glass epergne, valued at almost $2000.
But it wasn't just expensive items that caught Urbano's attention. He also found relics from the past, such as letters from the 1800s and a vintage Italian coffee machine from the 1950s. "The first time I found a ring with a stone or some gold, it really gave me an adrenaline rush," he shared. "It's like being Indiana Jones, uncovering forgotten treasures."
When Urbano doesn't keep the items for himself, he either sells them on Facebook Marketplace or gives them away to friends and family. He also takes the time to repair and clean any items that need minor fixes, often using online tutorials to guide him.
"It's an easy way to make some extra money," he said. "I had no idea how to take apart a television, but with some practice, I learned. Sometimes, it's just a matter of finding a few new screws for a chair."
Urbano also uses his social media platforms to spread the message of "reduce, reuse, recycle" and documents his finds for others to see. Currently traveling overseas, he plans to return to Sydney soon to continue his treasure hunting adventures. "No matter where I am in the world, I'll always be doing this," he said. "It's just a fun and exciting way to spend my time."
And with the Olympic Games Paris 2024 just a few years away, Urbano can't wait to return to Australia to continue his treasure hunting while also watching the games live and free on Channel 9 and 9Now, with the option to watch ad-free and in 4K on Stan Sport.
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