Castaways People’s Choice Awards Winners Announced
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In the Main Exhibition on Rockingham Foreshore, Baldivis based artist Rachael Lemon won the $1,000 Fremantle Ports People's Choice Award for her artwork PeliCAN (not pelican’t). Secret Harbour artist Nicholas Thompson was a very close runner up, with his sculpture Bad Habit-ats also a hit with the community.
“I am incredibly grateful to everyone who took the time to vote for Harley the PeliCAN. It fills me with immense joy to see how much families have enjoyed her, and I feel extremely proud that she has won the Fremantle Ports People’s Choice Award this year,” Lemon said.
The $500 Fremantle Ports People's Choice Award – Maquette and Small Sculpture Exhibition, was taken out by Safety Bay artist Carol Clitheroe, for her work with Sail Away.
“I was really surprised to win this award. It is so nice that people liked the piece as much as I had making it!” Clitheroe said.
Finally, the $250 Fremantle Ports People's Choice Award – Schools Exhibition was won by students from Settlers Primary School in Baldivis, for their work with The Tides Can Change!
“Settlers Primary are very honoured to have won the Castaways Sculpture Schools Award for 2023. Our sculpture encapsulated the sustainability message, to encourage people to change their way of life to help sustain our future for ourselves and every living creature on it. Our sculpture was called ‘The Tides Can Change’ to remind everyone that every day we can change our habits for a more promising future,” a school spokesperson said.
Mayor Deb Hamblin congratulated the People’s Choice Award winners on having the most popular sculptures at the event.
“Since 2008, the Castaways Sculpture Awards has highlighted some outstanding artworks that convey important environmental messages,” Mayor Hamblin said.
The winners of this year’s Fremantle Ports People’s Choice Awards have stood out among their peers and they should all be incredibly proud of their efforts.“Fremantle Ports has long been a sponsor of this award category, and the City is grateful for its ongoing support of this popular community event.”
Fremantle Ports praised everyone involved in Castaways for delivering another great event this year.
“Fremantle Ports is proud to partner with organisations that deliver vibrant and engaging events and activities that connect our communities near our operations in Rockingham, Kwinana and Cockburn as well as Fremantle. The Castaways Sculpture Awards spark creativity, innovation and intrigue while promoting the enjoyment of the outdoors and marine environment and we commend the organisers, sponsors, supporters and artists for ensuring another great event this year.”
In 2024 the Castaways Sculpture Awards will return from 19 October to 27 October 2024.
First image: Mayor Deb Hamblin, Rachael Lemon, Carol Clitheroe, and Libby Collett (Fremantle Ports - Government Relations Advisor).
Second image: Mayor Hamblin with staff and students from Settlers Primary School. Pictures: City of Rockingham.