Castaways to be Relaunched in 2019

Councillors came to a unanimous decision to cancel the event at the May 22 Council meeting, with the popular awards set to be relaunched in October 2019 in the revitalised foreshore precinct.

Mayor Barry Sammels said while it was unfortunate to have to take a break in 2018, the event would be back bigger than ever next year.   “The Castaways Sculpture Awards have been a huge hit with the community since first starting in 2008,” Mayor Sammels said.   “With works on Stage 1 of the exciting Rockingham Beach Foreshore Revitalisation set to begin in June, there would have been a clash between the two which ultimately would have impacted the quality of the Castaways Sculpture Awards.   “Once Stage 1 of the Rockingham Beach Foreshore Revitalisation is complete, the City looks forward to hosting Castaways again and welcoming the community to what will be a fantastic foreshore setting.”   Stage 1 of the Rockingham Beach Foreshore Revitalisation will impact the Boardwalk and beach area directly in front of the cafes and will be completed by late September 2019.   Construction will shut down during the busy summer period to minimise inconvenience to visitors and businesses, before recommencing in mid-February 2019.   The Castaways Sculpture Awards creates opportunities for emerging artists to showcase their work alongside established artists, with more than 17,000 visitors attending the exhibition last year.