Castaways event returns to Rockingham Foreshore

Recycled materials are set to take on new life in a sculptural exhibition at Rockingham Foreshore next month.

The City of Rockingham’s Castaways awards and exhibition will return for its 15th year from October 21 to 29.

The competition started in 2008 to raise awareness of discarded items or ‘castaways’ washing up on beaches.

Local artists are invited to create sculptures made from materials including aluminium and salvaged scrap metal, which will be displayed at Rockingham Foreshore during the event.

There will also be a schools exhibition at Churchill Park.

Mayor Deb Hamblin said the event was one of the biggest in the city.

“For 15 years, Castaways has given experienced and emerging artists a platform to showcase their artistic talents, and aluminium is one of the materials that has been at the forefront of several stunning sculptures,” she said.

Ms Hamblin thanked Alcoa for its continued support, providing more than $215,000 in funding for the event.

“Their support has helped the event thrive and this has been crucial to spreading important messages about sustainability and environmental awareness,” she said.

“We look forward to seeing some of the outstanding work artists create as they compete for the $10,000 Alcoa Major Award.”

Alcoa’s Kwinana refinery manager David Feast said the company loved supporting this event each year and seeing their end product of aluminium in the sculptures.

“Aluminium is already vital to our everyday life and will play an even bigger role in going forward as the world tackles climate change,” he said.

“It’s essential for things like electric vehicles, new energy generation and energy storage.”

Visit rockingham.wa.gov.au/castaways.