Cockatoo sculpture becomes a new tourist attraction at wildlife sanctuary

BYRON Bay Wildlife Sanctuary has unveiled an eight-metre sculpture of Fred the Cockatoo, hoping it will become the region’s next Big Thing tourist attraction and draw visitors from across the country.

The sculpture has been installed at the entrance of the sanctuary at Knockrow and is expected to become a major attraction, like the Big Prawn at Ballina and Coffs Harbour’s Big Banana.

Created by artist Andrew Cullen and originally named Crackers, the towering sulphur-crested cockatoo first won acclaim at the 2021 Brunswick Nature Sculpture Walk. It has been rebuilt in steel and renamed Fred in honour of the sanctuary’s much-loved talking cockatoo who passed away earlier this year.

Local philanthropist Mary O’Connor, who invested more than $40,000 in caring for the sculpture, gifted Fred to the sanctuary.

“Crackers, or Fred, has brought joy to my property, but this is the perfect home for him,” she said. “He now belongs to the community.”

Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, formerly the Macadamia Castle, has undergone a major transformation into a hub for conservation, community and education in recent years.

The sculpture has been designed as an interactive climbing space for children.

It aims to promote awareness of native wildlife, habitat conservation and sustainable art practices.

“Fred is more than a sculpture. He’s a landmark, a play space for children, a photo stop and a cultural symbol that captures Byron’s vibrant spirit,” sanctuary general manager Amanda Gorvin said.

“This is such an incredible gift and we couldn’t be prouder to have this here at the sanctuary. I’ve been here since the changeover and to see the improvements from the benefactors and donors is incredible.

“It’s our fourth birthday coming up and we’re about to launch our new Reptile House on October 21, too.”