Skip to content

From recycled art to western charm at our Activity Centres

Written by Rachelle Thomas, Activity Centre Team Leader with integratedliving

Celebrating creativity and country charm

The Scarecrow Challenge brought out the best in creativity, collaboration and eco-conscious flair across our Activity Centres. From recycled wonders to artistic ingenuity, each entry told a unique story. Here’s a look at the standout creations that stole the show.

1st Place

Daisy – Woy Woy’s 'Mother Nature'

Daisy, the pride of Woy Woy, embodies the spirit of sustainability and natural beauty. Lovingly dubbed 'Mother Nature,' this eco-queen was crafted entirely from recycled treasures. Her swirling skirt, made of decorated CDs, showcases the artistic flair of our clients, while her bodice, adorned with seashells, exudes earthy elegance.

Her leafy arms were brought to life with potted plants, each one nestled in a uniquely decorated pot. Topping it all off, Daisy’s handmade necklaces were a labour of love from the talented Woy Woy crew.

2nd Place

Kenny & Dolly – Raymond Terrace’s dynamic duo

Raymond Terrace brought star power to the competition with their iconic duo, Kenny & Dolly. This charming pair was built from scratch by an enthusiastic team of clients, staff and volunteers.

From their carefully chosen outfits to the quirky odds and ends that gave them personality, every detail was a team effort. The result? A show-stopping tribute to country charm and community spirit.

3rd Place

Sandy Beach – A coastal tribute from Gorokan

Sandy Beach was a wave of creativity, inspired by the northern shores of the Central Coast. Constructed entirely from recycled materials, this coastal-themed scarecrow featured the iconic Norah Head Lighthouse and a pod of playful whales.

The project was a true collaboration, uniting clients, staff and volunteers at Gorokan in a joyful celebration of teamwork and imagination.

4th Place

Dolly – Gosford’s Musical Muse

With a guitar in hand and a dazzling smile, Dolly lit up the competition with her vibrant personality. Created by the imaginative minds at Gosford, she was a collaborative masterpiece from head to toe.

Her papier-mâché head, handcrafted by clients, and her stylish ensemble, complete with disco-ready boots and hat, made her a standout symbol of fun and flair.

Each scarecrow was more than just a figure, it was a testament to the power of creativity, sustainability and community. Congratulations to all the Centres for their incredible work.

_______________________________
 

Country and Western Week

Our Activity Centres recently saddled up for a rip-roaring Country and Western Week and the results were nothing short of spectacular. From themed BBQs to toe-tapping tunes, square dancing and whip-cracking displays, each centre brought its own unique flair to the festivities. 

Gosford kicked off the week with a lively Country and Western-themed BBQ lunch that had everyone singing and dancing along. Clients were treated to a performance by a talented country music artist, setting the tone for a day full of joy and connection. Themed activities kept the energy high and the space was beautifully decorated to match the Western vibe.

Staff members Beck, Kath, and Maz went all in, dressed head-to-toe in cowgirl attire, they transformed into square-dancing stars! After the delicious BBQ, Maz led a fun and interactive square dancing session that had everyone moving, laughing, and making unforgettable memories. A huge thank you to our Activity Officers, volunteers and especially Ilona and Russ for helping make the day such a success.

Raymond Terrace added a thrilling twist to Western Week with a live whip display by Wayne. Clients and staff gathered to watch the impressive performance, which brought a touch of the outback to the celebration. The energy was electric and the event showcased the centre’s commitment to creating engaging and memorable experiences for everyone involved.

While each centre brought its own unique touch, the shared spirit of community, creativity and celebration tied the week together. Whether it was dancing in boots, decorating spaces with Western flair, or simply enjoying the music and laughter, Country and Western Week reminded us of the joy that comes from coming together.