News Laurie Collins Sculpture Garden

Laurie spends his time pottering in his eclectic, ‘tools, stuff and thingseverywhere’ workshop inventing all sorts of quirky, thought-provoking, metal-based sculptures, made from completely recyclable materials ranging from scrap, metal, old gates, nuts, bolts and yeah… golf clubs.

The grand ‘junk pile’ at the front of his workshop is where it all begins. Laurie carefully selects bits and pieces to craft, weld, bash out, and transform into complete works of art. There are very few people who can make a golf club and a cinder block look amazing, but Laurie achieves this with such modesty, labelling himself, “A ratty old guy who loves what he does.”

When working on a piece, how Laurie starts is not necessarily how he finishes. There is a true honesty in his work that develops simultaneously with both the idea and the design.

The Sculpture Garden has been growing for around 12 years, with an artwork-for-seedlings exchange being responsible for the acre of leafy, green gardens that houses it. The walking track takes you through a mix of beautiful, interesting and alluring sculptures that seem to either poke out of the ground, stop you in your tracks, or lead you off the path in circles.

The Mosaic Mercedes Benz is a must see - completely covered in mirrored mosaic tiles and just like a giant pot plant, you can see grass growing up through its old windows.

Powerful pieces including The Refugee and Tony’s World speak to Australian political and cultural discord, and the gorgeous Mother and Daughter sculpture makes you want to hug your kids. The quirkiness of Mr Junk Head and No Spring Chicken will make you laugh.

As you make your way through the Garden and into the adjoining Red Tree Gallery, the gigantic, steelcut huntsman that welcomes you is thankfully, fixed to the wall, and not for the faint hearted!

The Gallery’s best feature is its revolving program of local artists, who take up monthly residence here to showcase their amazing artworks, one of which is Pen On Parchment Calligraphy Artist, Anita George.

Laurie and his wife Marian spend time curating the Gallery’s space, nurturing all artistic walks of life, celebrating diversity and giving locals a platform to launch their careers. “We provide an affordable space for local artists to make their mark,” Marian says.

This is an inclusive space, perfect for anyone. It’s family oriented so take the kids (or grandkids) down and let them wander through the garden and play on one of two playgrounds. Dogs are also welcome.

Laurie’s place is open year round and you can drop in and watch him work away at his craft, which is very dear to his heart. You can also purchase his works directly from the Garden and the Gallery.