Veljacich claimed the top award with Wings of Reclamation, a striking phoenix sculpture created from scrap aluminium and recycled materials, reflecting the Castaways focus on creativity, sustainability and reuse.
Other major award winners included:
- Halls Head artist Andrew Mullet, winner of the $5,000 Innovation Award for Eight Arms, One Sail.
- Bull Creek artist Anita Staaden, winner of the $5,000 Sustainability Award for Ghosted.
- North Fremantle artist Sherri Brown, winner of the $2,500 Maquette and Small Sculpture Exhibition for The Sea Remembers.
- Warnbro residents Loren and Alan Brinck, winners of the $2,000 City of Rockingham Local Resident Award for Nano-Plasti-City.
Georgia Zoric received a Highly Commended award in the Main Exhibition for Message in a Bottle.
In the Castaways Schools Exhibition, Safety Bay Primary School won the Primary School category with The Guardian, while Alta-1 Rockingham claimed the Secondary School Award with Hammered Home. Settlers Primary School received a Highly Commended award for A Delicate Future.
City of Rockingham Mayor Lorna Buchan said Castaways continued to attract strong community support and showcase the creative potential of recycled materials.
"Castaways is one of Rockingham's signature events, bringing together art, environmental awareness and community in a way that is both creative and accessible," Mayor Buchan said.
"It's wonderful to see so many visitors exploring the exhibitions and supporting the talented artists and students who have transformed discarded materials into impressive works of art.
"The exhibition continues to grow as a much-loved feature of Rockingham's events calendar, drawing visitors to the City while celebrating creativity, innovation and environmental awareness."
The Main Exhibition at Rockingham Foreshore, the Schools Exhibition at Churchill Park, and the Maquette and Small Sculpture Exhibition at Rockingham Arts Centre are open until Sunday 1 November.
Fremantle Ports People’s Choice voting is open until 5pm Sunday 1 November, with all voters in the draw with a chance to win $500. The City thanks Fremantle Ports for its valued sponsorship and support of the arts in our community.
