FROM policemen to priests, Australia's serious beer can collectors are an interesting mob.
Whitebridge man Adam Murphy is one of 400 members of the Australian Beer Can Collectors Association, which is holding its annual exhibition, Canathon, in Newcastle this weekend.
Mr Murphy has been collecting beer cans since he was old enough to drink, more than 50 years ago.
He collects Australian cans and his wife, Shirley, overseas cans. They have about 10,000 between them.
Mr Murphy said the collectors were a diverse bunch, including policemen, wharfies, labourers, retired teachers and a Lutheran minister.
"We even have a few non-drinkers in the club," Mr Murphy said.
It is Canathon's first time in Newcastle, and a special Melbourne Bitter can with a bulk carrier on the side has been made to mark the occasion.
About 150 people from across Australia and visitors from the US, New Zealand, Austria and Denmark are expected to attend.
The exhibition is being held at the Newcastle Basketball Stadium at Broadmeadow and will be open to the public between 10am and 2pm on Sunday.
Admission is free.
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