Over $3000 was raised for the Barwon Health mental health fund by Hanlon Industries in an auction of unique and creative Australiana sculptures showcasing the talents of its welding apprentices.
Now in its third year, the annual apprentice welding competition saw participants allocated five hours company time to make a sculpture using scrap metal.
“It started three years ago to try to just display their creativity and it has just taken off from there,” Head of People and Marketing Jessica Harding tells GMC.
“This event has been a true testament to the incredible talent and dedication of our apprentices, who have showcased their skills and passion for welding. It was inspiring to witness the enthusiasm and commitment of these budding welders as they tackled challenging projects and pushed the creativity boundaries of their craft.”
The first year was a floral theme, and last year the sculptures related to “under the sea”.
This year’s theme was native Australian wildlife, and Hanlon apprentice Hung Wei Chen took out first prize worth $5,900 with his welded aluminium crocodile at the event, held on August 2.
A kookaburra by Dan Eastwell took second prize worth $3200, and the bronze worth $1500 was awarded to Brenden Miskell for his frilled neck lizard.
Jy Bennet won the Levi Award for a welding electrode echidna, while first year apprentice Joshua Gale, who has only been at Hanlon two months, was awarded the special mention prize worth $1100 for his magpie.
Another of the fun sculptures was an ibis “bin chicken,” complete with a crushed can of coke in its beak.
The event was sponsored by Total Tools, Bull Group, Metroll, Welding Industries of Australia, Bosch, Konnect Fastening Systems, Surdex, VMT, Academy Safety, Valmont Interiors, Migomag Welding Supplies, and a delicious barbecue was supplied by Metalcorp Steel.
“Congratulations to all our apprentices for your hard work and remarkable achievements. Your efforts have set a high standard for excellence in our industry and have made us incredibly proud,” Hanlon said.
“A special congratulations to our top winners, who have excelled beyond expectations and shown outstanding craftsmanship.”
The day and choice of charity honored former Hanlon apprentice who took his own life last year and his family, who were in attendance on the day.