The retail world is dominated by sales periods: Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Christmas, Boxing Day Sales and the End of Financial Year. But Pickles Auctions sits outside of that traditional schedule. It cannot continually sell popular products because every single item it auctions is unique. Plus once the gavel drops, that sale is over forever. Navigating that dilemma is not straightforward but there are lessons that every marketer can learn from Pickles.

“I would love to have big moments where it’s Black Friday or Christmas, but we go very quiet in Christmas period because we don’t have a set forecast the calendar. But because our processes and our marketing team work in such a nice sequence, we have a set protocol of communication types and zones that we work in that no matter what is thrown at us, we can manage,” said Oliver Garas, Pickles Auctions’ head of digital marketing at the Online Retailer Conference and Expo.

Brands go all-out on advertising during key events in the retail calendar. But 78 per cent of moments that shape purchasing behaviour are not led by promotions or retail events. They’re driven real by life.

Pickles instead focuses its marcomms efforts on tapping into culture, culture, identity, joy and community to get consumers bidding. This is where the uniqueness of its items plays into the hands of the team at Pickles.

“We have a process with every campaign, and no product is the same. However, some people run their businesses through pickles. They either have a mechanic workshop and they get salvage items, and they can pick apart some of those stuff, or they’re in the industrial space and they need a digger or or a bobcat, whatever,” said Garas.

These customers need these items now. And the immediacy of their need is a powerful motivator for customers to get involved in the auctions.

Garas also touched on how the under-bidder is as valuable as the transactor, because the under bidder is pushing the transactor up. Again, the fear of missing out is another powerful behavioural device that Pickles taps into. User acquisition, then, can become a virtuous circle—boosting the fear of missing out and driving up prices for sellers.

To this end, email has become a vital channel for Pickles.

“We used to send four to five million emails a year. We now send 40 to 55 million emails. It’s not over-communicating, but it’s keeping people at that touch point,” said Garas.

Importantly for Pickles with this massive email reach the team have emphasised the need to continually interact to its subscribers. Continually reminding them of the items they can win at Pickles auctions, without being scared that consumers might unsubscribe as a result of sending too many emails or not sending enough.

“You’ve got them at you’re reach. You want to speak to people more often…. Use it or lose it,” exclaimed Garas.

This is where Pickles flexes its muscles, by relying on its unique and exhilarating product range to keep consumers engaged, even if they are constantly being reached with emails that could drive them away. Pickles takes this as far as not over-personalising emails, which could lead to its customers unsubscribing, which Garas prefaces as something the company is not scared of.

One specific example Garas gave during his keynote at the Sydney conference was how the team will market Lamborghinis and Aston Martins to a customer who is in the market for a Toyota Corolla.

“I think this breaks up a little bit of that cloud or muddiness that they see in their inbox with flames and a Lamborghini. I think that inspires the user to say, ‘you know what, I might open the next Pickles email.’”

Get ready, MotoGP fans, for the most thrilling season yet in 2026! The race calendar has been unveiled, and it’s packed with 22 heart-pounding rounds that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Mark your calendars for the season opener, the Thai Grand Prix, scheduled for 27 February – 1 March, and gear up for an epic finale at the Valencia Grand Prix on 20-22 November. But that’s not all – brace yourself for the return of the Brazilian Grand Prix at the iconic Ayrton Senna circuit in Goiania. It’s a race not to be missed, marking Brazil’s first motorcycle grand prix since 2004.

In a bid to ease the pressure on teams, there will be eight back-to-back rounds in the 2026 season, with no triple-headers in sight. The Qatar Grand Prix will continue its tradition of night racing, adding to the excitement under the stars.

Fans will also be thrilled to see the British Grand Prix back in its August slot, while Austria takes center stage in September, five weeks later than the previous year. Unfortunately, Argentina will not feature on the 2026 calendar but is expected to make a grand return in 2027 at Buenos Aires.

From the Thai Grand Prix to the Valencia Grand Prix, each race promises adrenaline-pumping action and fierce competition. So, rev up your engines and get ready for a MotoGP season like no other!

The following are a list of public meetings and special events for the coming week: Please note: All meetings are subject to change without notice.

THURSDAY, JULY 24

•The Long Island Dahlia Society: 9 a.m., Bayard Cutting Arboretum, 440 Montauk Highway, Great River. All are welcome. Come and learn how to care for your dahlias. For more information, call (631) 972-8829 (leave message) or visit longislanddahlia.org.

•Town of Oyster Bay Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting: 7 p.m., Town Board Hearing Room, Town Hall North, 54 Audrey Ave., Oyster Bay. For more information, call (516) 624-6333.

FRIDAY, JULY 25

•Simpson United Methodist Church Thrift Shop: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 30 Locust Ave., Amityville. For more information, call (631)-789-2569.

SATURDAY, JULY 26

•The Long Island Dahlia Society: 9 a.m., Bayard Cutting Arboretum, 440 Montauk Highway., Great River. All are welcome. Come and learn how to care for your dahlias. For more information call (631)-972-8829 (leave message) or visit longislanddahlia.org.

SUNDAY, JULY 27

•Farmingdale Farmers Market: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Village Green, 361 Main St., Farmingdale. For more information, call (516) 249-0093.

•Simpson United Methodist Church Thrift Shop: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 30 Locust Ave., Amityville. For more information, call (631) 789-2569.

MONDAY, JULY 28

•Massapequa Fire District Regular Monthly Meeting: 7:30 p.m., District Administration Building, 1 Brooklyn Ave., Massapequa. For more information, call (516) 798-9849.

TUESDAY, JULY 29

•Emotional Health Recovery and Support Group: 7:30 to 9 p.m., Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9592, 55 Hickory Lane, Levittown. Free weekly, in-person meeting of Emotions Anonymous, a 12-step support group for anyone experiencing emotional difficulties. For more information, call Steve at (631) 332-0552 or Jill at (516) 220-7808. All calls are confidential.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 30

• Emotional Health Recovery and Support Group: 7:30 to 9 p.m. Free weekly, virtual meeting of Emotions Anonymous, a 12-step support group for anyone experiencing emotional difficulties. For more information, call Steve at (631) 332-0552 or Jill at (516) 220-7808. All calls are confidential.

•The Long Island Dahlia Society: 9 a.m., Bayard Cutting Arboretum, 440 Montauk Highway., Great River. All are welcome. Come and learn how to care for your dahlias. For more information call (631) 972-8829 (leave message) or visit longislanddahlia.org.

Calendar items are printed for non-profit organizations, as space permits, or when an event, service or information is being sponsored by a profit-making organization without charge to readers. Submit items to us at Richner Communications, attn: Post Editor, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530; or email: dconsola@liherald.com at least two – three weeks prior to the publication date in which the item must appear. Sorry, but open-ended requests without the specific dates of the events are not acceptable. While we make every attempt to accommodate each request, we cannot guarantee publication of any items. For more information, call 516-569-4000.

Football Australia has released the Domestic Match Calendar for 2025/26 (DMC 2025/26), setting out key dates for elite men’s and women’s football competitions across the country, while outlining transfer and registration windows for the period 6 October 2025 – 5 October 2026.

The DMC 2025/26 acts as a unifying schedule for the game at all levels, aligning various competitions to support player development; while adhering to FIFA International Men’s and Women’s scheduling requirements, including key FIFA and Asian Football Confederation (AFC) breaks, as well as major events such as the FIFA World Cup and AFC Asian Cup.

In providing a clear schedule for football in Australia, the DMC 2025/26 sets distinct windows for matches for the Isuzu UTE A-League Men, Ninja A-League Women, Hahn Australia Cup, the Australian Championship and National Premier Leagues – allowing administrators and teams to plan their activities accordingly.

The development of the DMC 2025/26 has been underpinned by ongoing and extensive consultation with key stakeholders including the Australian Professional Leagues (APL) and Member Federations. Football Australia has once again ensured that all FIFA International Windows for men’s football will be observed throughout 2025/26, while for women’s football, the October, February and April windows will be observed, with the A-League women again playing up to six matches through the November window and will resume games from the finals stage of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™.

In addition, two registration windows will service each of the men’s and women’s professional competitions, strategically scheduled to enable player movement between clubs within Australia and globally.

Football Australia’s Interim CEO, Heather Garriock, said the finalisation of the DMC 2025/26 was integral to a harmonious schedule across all levels of football.

“The 2025/26 Domestic Match Calendar is a product of genuine collaboration across the football ecosystem — from the AFC and APL to our Member Federations and NPL clubs — and reflects our shared commitment to unity, alignment and excellence.”

“This schedule gives the CommBank Matildas a clear lead-in to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ on home soil and ensures the Subway Socceroos are prepared for the FIFA World Cup 26™ — while keeping our domestic competitions vibrant, uninterrupted and connected to the global game.

“The introduction of the Australian Championship will deliver more football, better football, and create new national opportunities for clubs and players — enhancing the football experience for all.”

Key dates/features of the DMC 2025/26 include:

Isuzu UTE A-League Men 2025/26 Regular Season to commence from Friday, 17 October 2025 with the 2026 Grand Final to be contested on the weekend of Friday, 22 May 2026 – Sunday, 24 May 2026.

Ninja A-League Women 2025/26 Regular Season to commence from Friday, 31 October 2025 with the 2026 Grand Final to be contested on the weekend of Friday, 15 May 2026 – Sunday, 17 May 2026.

The newly established Australian Championship – the first ever national second-tier football competition in Australia – will launch on Friday, 10 October 2025 with the inaugural 2025 Championship Final scheduled for Friday, 6 December 2025 – Sunday, 8 December 2025.

National Premier Leagues 2026 Seasons – both men’s and women’s – will commence from Friday, 6 February 2026 and conclude by Sunday, 13 September 2026.

Player welfare windows included in both men’s and women’s calendars to ensure players can obtain rest/take annual leave between seasons/elite football commitments.

CLICK HERE – to view the Australian Football Domestic Match Calendar 2025/26.

Malmsbury Farmers and Makers Market

Locals and people from afar get along to this wonderful Farmers Market. Always the third Sunday of the month….fresh produce, wine, hot food, coffee, plants, artisan foods and crafts that are special. Musical entertainment whilst you shop and catch up with friends. Located at the picturesque Malmsbury Cricket Ground from 9am to 1pm.

■ Amy: 0423 726 695

Sunbury Men’s Probus Club

Join the Probus Club of Sunbury on the first Wednesday of the month at the Sunbury Bowling club at 10am. It’s a friendly men’s group open to visitors and new members, with a number of great events held each month.

■ Lindsay Brown 0405 177 478

Woodlands Ladies Probus Club of Sunbury

This ladies Probus Club meets on the 4th Monday of the month at the Sunbury Bowling Club (Club Sunbury). Meetings now start at 10.30am for 2 hours. We have guest speakers each month, also outings, and theatre regularly. New Members and visitors welcomed.

■ Jessie 0458190254

Messy Play in Sunbury

Join in the Messy Play fun with this toddler-focused program, including messy and sensory child-led play. The program will run from 10–11.30am on Tuesdays, Wednesday and Thursdays.

■ www.sunburyhouse.com.au or 9740 6978

Young Voices of Macedon

A community choir for children of the Macedon Ranges and beyond, Young Voices of Macedon rehearses at the House of the Rock, 247 Station Road, New Gisborne. The choir has separate programs for young children aged five to eight and older children. Rehearsals assist children in developing vocal technique, part singing skills, and general musicianship, across popular, classical, folk and music theatre styles. Rehearsals run on Thursdays, from 4.15pm, with afternoon tea and play time.

■ yvmacedon.org.au

Hume Men’s Shed

The Hume Men’s Shed (Sunbury) is a non for profit organisation, meeting every Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings at 158 Evans Street, Sunbury. The group caters for men be it carpentry, welding, metal work, gardening or just to chat.

■ sunburymensshed.com, or 0438 677 425

Macedon Ranges Photographic Society

Are you into photography, just starting out, or a fully fledged professional? The Macedon Ranges Photographic Society is your local camera club for friendship, photographic outings, workshops, guest presenters, competitions and more. Come along to a meeting on the first and second Monday of the month. Doors open at 7pm and the meeting starts at 7.30pm at Jubilee Hall, 52 Smith Street, Macedon.

■www.macedon-ranges-photography.org.au, or info@macedon-ranges-photography.org.au

Insync Entertainment

Insync Entertainment is an all-female community choir, providing the opportunity to meet others who enjoy singing. The group is seeking new members to join the friendly choir. No auditions required. They rehearse at the Sunbury Baptist Church Hall every Monday from 7.15–9.30pm.

■ insyncentertainment@gmail.com

North Western District Pipe Band

The newly formed North Western District Pipe Band meets every Wednesday at 7.30pm at the Diggers Rest Bowls Club. It is seeking experienced pipers and drummers to join the band and is also offering tuition for learners of all ages.

■Hank, 0412160576, nwd.pipeband@gmail.com, or www.facebook.com/NorthWesternDistrictPipeBand?mibextid=ZbWKwL

Toastmasters

Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Toastmasters helps its members develop their public speaking, communication and leadership skills. The group meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month, from 7.20–9.30pm, at the Sunbury Community Centre, 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury.

■ vpm-4185@toastmastersclubs.org

Sunbury Seniors

Sunbury Seniors (55 or older) meet on Mondays and Fridays from 10am–3pm. The club is temporarily located at 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury while construction on a new venue is underway. A variety of activities are offered – indoor bowls, cards, snooker, guest speakers, day excursions, subsidised lunches or just a cup of coffee and a chat.

■ 0434 400 754

One Voice Sunbury

The WOV Sunbury community choir is changing the world one voice at a time by providing an opportunity for people to meet and experience the joy of singing, often making friends through the shared experiences of singing and performing; although performing is not required. One Voice Sunbury community choir rehearses each Tuesday, from 6.30pm, at Goonawarra Neighbourhood House. A fun and welcoming choir, new members are welcome – just join in on the fun.

■ sunbury@withonevoice.org.au

Pernaperna Women’s Group

The group is currently knitting and crocheting blankets for First Nations peoples in palliative care across Australia. Pernaperna is a friendly group who meet fortnightly at Sunbury Neighbourhood House, 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury, on a Thursday, from 1-3pm. It has established a bush tucker garden at Sunbury Neighbourhood House. New members warmly welcomed. If you don’t knit or garden but would just like to drop in for a chat, the group would love to meet you.

■ Joan, 0418 302 676

Jacksons Creek Combined Probus

Jackson’s Creek Combined Probus Club meets the second Monday of the month at Club Sunbury, Riddell Road, Sunbury. Meetings commence at 10:30 am. New members are welcome to join our friendly group of men and women. We have monthly speakers, outings and twice yearly trips away staying in cabins or caravans.

■ Doug, 5428 3317, or Teresa, 0417 373 006

Craft and conversation

Head down to the Sunbury Library on Mondays at noon for the craft and conversation group. The program is free and open to people aged 15 years and older.

■ bit.ly/39BIu2O

Chill Out Sunbury

Chill Out Sunbury is a free event for 12 and 18 years old to participate in activities such as trivia, games, and more. Happening every Wednesday, 3.30-5.30pm, at the Sunbury Youth Centre, 51-53 Evans Street.

■ bit.ly/3lmVgVhv

CWA Woodend Eves

The CWA Woodend Eves Branch is part of the Central Highlands group and meets every third Tuesday at 7pm at the Woodend Golf Club. All women are welcome.

■ cwawoodendeves@gmail.com