Exhibition raises more than $13,000 for Cottage by the Sea

A FIFTH-GENERATION Queenscliff resident has raised more than $13,000 for Cottage by the Sea by hosting his own creative exhibition.

Last weekend, Darren Albutt showcased some of his top art, sculptures and woodwork pieces at the children’s charity.

More than 250 people ventured through Cottage to view the items, which paid homage to Darren’s family history of makers and their connections to Cottage by the Sea.

The Allbutt/Golightly family has had a long history with Cottage by the Sea, with Darren’s late grandmother Daisy Myrtle Golightly being one of its first volunteers.

In 1969, Daisy was awarded an honour of long service at the Cottage.

Years earlier, Darren’s mother spent some time in rehabilitation at Cottage after being struck down by polio in 1934, aged four.

Darren himself also spent time by the beach at Cottage and has seen firsthand the amazing impact the charity has the community.

“This beach was such a big part of my childhood – we would always walk past the Cottage on our way to the water,” he said.

“I found it so hard to grasp that so many children who come to the Cottage had never been to the beach before.

“The funds raised from this exhibition will ensure that more children have the opportunity to enjoy a trip to the beach.”

Each of Darren’s pieces on show had a special story connected to the area and key places in Victoria.

A table was created from recycled timber from the Swan Bay Jetty, while a very large mirror was constructed from a salvaged beam from the Point Lonsdale Pier.

“Cottage by the Sea is a gift to us all and I needed to do my bit to give back to this important charity in our community,” he added.

“I’m very grateful and appreciative to have had this opportunity – the response and support was amazing.”

Cottage chief executive officer Adam Wake likened the multi-generational impact of the Albutt/Golightly family to “a ripple becoming a wave”.

“The beach has had such an influence on Darren and his family, and it was amazing that he could channel that inspiration of the surrounding seascape into his collection.”

Limited items are still for sale and can be viewed via the Sea and Wood Instagram page.