Castaways is on again!

Castaways Sculpture Awards 2026 kicked off at Rockingham over the weekend and our Jean Hudson was there to spot her favs!

Now celebrating its 18^th Year, Castaways Sculpture Awards 2026 returned to the Rockingham Foreshore on 24 October and runs until this Sunday, 1 November 2026.

The Castaways name comes from the discarded items found on local beaches and is one of my favourite exhibitions. Each year the foreshore becomes an outdoor gallery. Artworks made from recycled and repurposed materials were framed against the shallow blue waters of Mangles Bay, with Kwinana to the North and Rockingham sailing boats battling a stiff breeze to the south.

Along with the main exhibition are the Maquette and Small Sculpture Exhibition, and the Schools Exhibition—all showcasing Western Australian artists. This event is supported by Fremantle Ports and has a prize pool of $27,250. Here are a few of my favourite sculptures from this year.

Lyn Di Ciero, the Curator of Castaways, says: “Throughout human history, art has been a powerful force of connection, bringing communities together through shared stories, ideas and experiences…research affirms what artists and audiences have long understood – that engaging with art enhances wellbeing, reduces stress and contributes to both emotional resilience and physical health.” I agree!

So, head on down to Rockingham and support this free family-friendly event. Wander the sculptures, catch a Tactile Tour or Artist Talk and then maybe grab a parcel of fish and chips to enjoy on the grassy area as the sun goes down.

Information tent hours: 9am – 5pm daily.

*Story and pics by Jean Hudson. Jean is our Shipping and Sailing Correspondent and also a regular feature writer, reviewer and photographer here on the Shipping News. You may also like to follow up her informative Places I Love stories, as well as other feature stories and Freo Today photographs, right here.

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