Wacky creations protect cider harvest

FLYING Brick Cider Co is enlisting new guardians of this year’s fruit harvest through a scarecrow design competition.

The Bellarine brewery is inviting submissions for its third annual Great Australian Scarecrow Competition, which invites residents to create their own black bird startlers to line the fence at the apple and pear crop.

The competition has attracted dozens of entries in both of its first two years, with groups such as aged care homes, school classes and families searching for a fun weekend activity making scarecrows for the competition.

Flying Brick started its scarecrow sport as a fun way to engage the local community while protecting its precious orchards before a new season of harvest.

“It’s a great way to get the community involved in the creation of our Flying Brick ciders by helping scare away the birds,” event organiser Chloe Beckwith said.

“It gets that colour and creativity involved. The venue here is very family-friendly and we like strong roots in the community.

“We’re looking to spur anything wacky, wild and wonderful to bring to the venue and help celebrate the new season of the ciders.”

The scarecrow competition is free to enter for people of all ages and creative talents, and offers cash prizes for winners including $2,000 for the overall winner, plus dining vouchers.

The contest is now open, with the last scarecrows to be installed by March 25 before judges decide winners to be announced on April 2.

Full terms and conditions and entry instructions are available at Flying Brick’s website.