The 2026 Gatepost Sculpture Competition once again transformed Bruny Island into a vibrant outdoor gallery, with sculptures appearing along roadsides, gateposts and fence lines from north to south.
Proudly sponsored by Friends of North Bruny as part of the Bruny Island Bird Festival, this year’s trail showcased an extraordinary mix of creativity, humour and environmental awareness. From first-time entrants to seasoned contributors, and with the addition of our new Marine Debris Award, the competition continues to grow as a much-loved island tradition.
We are delighted to announce this year’s winners.
Junior Category
Winners: Parker and Ellie Niewerth, Dennes Point – Bath Time
Inspired by the birds that visit their garden, Parker and Ellie created a joyful and imaginative piece that captured both movement and personality.
Adult Category
Winner: Ian Overell, Barnes Bay – In a Hurry
Ian’s sculpture reflects a spontaneous and intuitive creative process, shaped by the materials at hand and a strong sense of place. A striking addition to the trail, perfectly suited to its gatepost setting.
The quirky nature of the sculpture reflecting the very quirky Native Hen! Love the “spare” use of materials.
Business / Organisation / Group Category
Winner: Bruny Island District School, Alonnah – Swiftie
A wonderful community effort, Swiftie highlights the endangered Swift Parrot — the focus of recent learning by the students. With a welded frame and vibrant recycled materials, the sculpture beautifully combines education, creativity and environmental awareness.
I love the community effort and creation by children. So lovely to see them engaged and involved. The use of recycled materials is wonderful.
Friends of North Bruny Marine Debris Award
Winner: Lindon Haigh, North Bruny – Ji-mi and Da Buoys
Constructed entirely from marine debris, this powerful piece draws attention to the impact of waste on our environment while demonstrating how discarded materials can be reimagined with creativity and purpose.
Totally marine debris!
People’s Choice Award
Winner: Bruny Island District School –Swiftie (47% of vote)
Second: Marcus Richards – Seaglass (22% of vote)
Third: Karen Madden Flight on Flight (10% of vote)
The People’s Choice Award reflects the voices of the community and visitors who explored the trail over the festival weekend.
A Trail Made Possible by Community
The Gatepost Sculpture Competition is more than a competition — it is a celebration of Bruny’s creativity, environmental awareness and strong community spirit.
Friends of North Bruny would like to sincerely thank everyone who participated, as well as those who explored the trail, voted, and helped bring the island to life over the festival weekend.
We also extend our warm thanks to our judge, Virginia Dowzer, owner of BrunyNorth and Chair of Bruny Island Arts Inc., for her thoughtful consideration and support of this year’s competition.
We look forward to doing it all again in 2027 — and perhaps seeing a few of this year’s creations return as part of our From the Archives collection.
Together, you’ve helped turn Bruny into a celebration of creativity, community and care for place.