Fifteen preschools from the Illawarra entered in the inaugural Early Start Sustainable Sculpture Awards for the chance to have their work displayed and win an exclusive visit to the Discovery Space for their entire class.

All sculptures were made from at least 75 per cent recycled materials and tailored to the theme of Community Heroes. More than 50 educators, preschoolers and parents attended the awards ceremony that was held on Thursday 14 November in the Discovery Space.

“We have seen some brilliant, well-thought-out and beautiful sculptures created,” said Sue Fletcher, Education and Experience Coordinator, Early Start Discovery Space. “This experience has been so worthwhile, not only helping to teach children about sustainability, but building connections with local preschools as well.”

The winners on the night included:

"Hands of Hope"

First Prize
Junior Einsteins – Blackbutt, with the sculpture titled “Hands of Hope” – featuring two hands covered in bottle tops in celebration of Ottobock Australia, a company dedicated to sustainable practices that make prosthetic limbs out of recycled bottle tops.

Second Prize
KU Wombarra, “Beach Sculpture” – KU Wombarra is lucky enough to spend play time down at the beach every week. They utilised the natural beach environment to create a sculpture and photographed their creation for their entry.

'Beach Protectors' celebrating Life Savers

Equal Third Prize
St Luke’s Preschool, “Community Heroes” showing a purple tree with hand drawn images of local heroes and the tree representing the whole community.

TIGS Prep, “The Beach Protector”, identifying Life Saves as heroes in our community with tall yellow and red poles between the beach and water

Sniffy the Police Dog

People’s Choice Award
Wollongong TAFE Children’s Centre with their Police dog ‘Sniffy’ was a favourite on the night. Children from the centre said they wanted everyone to know that ‘animals can be heroes too’.

The sculptures will be on display in the Early Start Discovery Space above the CreARTivity Experience for a whole year.