Goonellabah’s Paul Davis lost his wallet when he went out in Lennox Head on New Year’s Eve 25 years ago. To his amazement, this week, he received a call from someone telling him that his wallet had been found on a Lennox beach.

Paul’s foldable leather wallet was found by Joseph Brewes, who posted Paul’s picture on a Lennox Head noticeboard. The wallet was in reasonable condition and still contained Paul’s TAFE, Medicare, bank and identification cards and a stashed $5 note which Paul kept in case he needed money to get a taxi home.

“I couldn’t believe it,” Paul said. “My cousin who lives in Lennox saw my picture on a notice board – it was a younger picture of me from my old Lismore Workers Club card – and he thought there’s only one Paul Davis I know, and he sent me the picture.”

“My old driver’s licence was wet and tatty and you can’t see the picture well – but I had hair then, which I’ve lost now,” he laughed.

The found wallet.

Today, Paul went to meet Joseph and was handed back his wallet and contents.

Paul isn’t sure what happened to the wallet over the past 25 years, but he speculates that it might have been buried in the sand the whole time.

Paul, Jodie and Joseph reunite.

“Joseph said he found it on the beach, near the front of the pub,” he said.

“The wind moves pretty quick on the beach and could have buried it.

“My mum and aunty said there’s been big swells the last couple of weeks and maybe that unearthed it.

“It’s a mystery. After it was found, I bought lotto tickets but didn’t win, so my luck must have run out.

“When I lost it, there was alcohol involved. Me and my friends were drinking Passion Pop and going back and forth between the pub and the beach. I didn’t know my wallet was gone until it was my turn to shout a round of drinks.

Paul and Joseph have a beer together.

“It was packed like a mosh pit and people were shoulder to shoulder inside and outside and the music would be blaring out of the pub– they were great times.

“Passion Pop cost about $3 a bottle back then, but I’ve gone off it now – it makes you lose your mind and lost things.”

Paul now wonders if he’s made a local record of having a wallet found after a long time.

“I remember one getting found in Ballina after being lost for ten years,” He said. “there was also one in China that was found after 50 years. – but maybe I’m the local record holder now.

“It’s an amazing story and I still can’t believe it. I’m going to get it framed up and put it in a glass box.”