By Derek Schlennstedt
SkyHigh Mount Dandenong is once again gearing up to host the annual Australian Chainsaw Carving Championships, from 16 to 21 January 2018.
Now in its fifth year, the event showcases the immense talent from 10 of the world’s finest wood carvers, with both male and female entrants from Australia, Canada, USA, and Japan competing in this year’s competition.
Crowds come from across the country to see the astonishing display of artistic prowess as the carvers wield their chainsaws to turn a log into an amazing work of art.
This year’s theme is ‘The Garden’ and the entrants have 5 days in which to carefully hone their sculpture using three different saws provided by event sponsor STIHL.
On the sixth and final day of the event, the carvers spend the morning speed carving, after which the winners of the competition are announced.
Last year’s winner Rob Bast, a self-taught carver from Wandin in Victoria’s Yarra Valley, competes all over the world and was looking forward to carving locally at SkyHigh as well as pitting his talent against the toughest competition the championship has ever seen.
“It’s always really good fun and good to catch up with the local crew,” he said.
“It’s the only really competition we have in Australia, and this year there’s people coming from all over the world … there’s more people every year, which is always great for the competition.”
Taking place over five days carver will spend seven hours every day preparing their masterpiece.
The carvers will compete for cash prizes and their sculptures will be available for purchase at the conclusion of the event on Saturday 20 January 2018.
For more information about the competitors and the event, go to https://www.skyhighmtdandenong.com.au/whats-on/australian-chainsaw-carving-championships/
