Recycled wonders steal the show at 2025 Ku-ring-gai Sculpture Trail

Published on 05 September 2025

flock winner sculpt trail Tom Buckland

Image: Flock by Tom Buckland

A giant banksia made from an air compressor tank and scrap metals, a flock of birds constructed from building materials and irrigation tubing, plus an assortment of discarded flip flops transformed into colourful fish have taken the top prizes in this year’s Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden Sculpture Trail.

The annual Sculpture Trail showcases 46 diverse sculptures created by professional and emerging artists in the beautiful bushland setting of the Wildflower Garden in St Ives.

All of the sculptures on display have been constructed from recycled materials. 

More than $5,000 worth of prizes have been awarded to the selected artists, funded by Ku-ring-gai Council’s environmental levy.

This year’s prize winners are:

  • Winner Open Category: Tom Buckland – Flock
  • Runner Up Open Category: Peter Masia – Dromaius Emu
  • Highly Commended Open Category: Aleksei Vanamois – Red Belly; Rob Sawyer – Mans' Inhumanity to Man
  • Winner Junior Category: Joel E Darbin – Wild Banksia Run
  • Highly Commended Junior: Huxley Geersen – Redivivus; Brianna Fung – Bloom of Yakult
  • Winner Junior Group: Knox Grammar School Year 4 – Fish Flip flops 
  • Highly Commended Junior Group: Integricare Christ Church St Ives Preschool – Re-sea-cycle

Ku-ring-gai Mayor Christine Kay congratulated all of the artists involved in this year’s event.

“This is a truly wonderful exhibition that showcases some of the very best artists in our region and celebrates Ku-ring-gai’s precious bushland,” Mayor Kay said.

“Congratulations to this year’s award winners and all of the artists who contributed their inspiring works to enliven our Wildflower Garden.”

The 2025 Sculpture Trail is one of many special events being held as part of the Ku-ring-gai Eco Festival, which raises awareness of sustainable living.

The Sculpture Trail is open daily from 8am to 5pm until 6 October. Entry is free.

Visitors are encouraged to stop by the Visitor Centre to vote for their favourite sculpture. 

The artist who receives the most votes will be awarded the People's Choice Award.

For more information visit Sculpture Trail page. 

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Media enquiries: media@krg.nsw.gov.au or 9424 0000

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