Mitchell Clarke of Year 8 Braidwood Central School was also selected as a finalist in this prestigious award from statewide entries.

Year 7 student Daniel Munroe of Mulwaree High School took out both the Highly Commended Award and the Coregas Audience Choice Award with the extremely popular “Bumble Bee”. Second time finalist nominee Michael Lockyer of Year 9 Walcha Central School received the Encouragement Award.

The industry initiated sculpture award was designed to encourage students and their schools to work with metals, highlight career pathways and promote the industry through the SIA Art of Sheetmetal exhibition. 11 finalists were chosen from entries throughout NSW to exhibit their works in the exhibition which was held for two weeks at the MLC Centre in Sydney. It received glowing reviews with plenty of interest from the general public.

The SIA Sculpture Launch was held at the NSW Trade and Investment Centre on Friday 22nd May and was officially opened by the Hon. Graham West MP, Minister for Youth. Fifty guests were in attendance.

The Sculpture Judging Panel included Mr Mark Goodsell, NSW Director, Australian Industry Group, Jim Croke Acting Head of Studies National Art School and SIA Vice President Walter Suber of OneSteel George Ward.

The SIA awards are designed to celebrate sheetmetal excellence and promote career pathways into the light fabrication and engineering industry. Leo Delissen SIA President remarked that “by acknowledging and investing in the talents of our apprentices and trainees we are securing the future of the sheet metal industry”.