The exhibition, hosted by Beachside Emporium, is in support of Bowral’s Will Clarke, 21, who started his own business recycling old cricket bats.

A total of 50 artists from Kiama and surrounding districts have painted bats with their own individual designs to give the bats a new life. 

Beachside Emporium are running the exhibition at The Pavilion, which will also see the bats auctioned off.

Organisers are expecting between 200 and 300 guests at the exhibition to support Will Clarke and his business Willo Industries.

Guests are advised to arrive at 5.30pm, with the auction set to start at 6.30pm

Details: Wednesday, January 17, from 5.30pm to 8pm at The Pavilion Kiama.

About Willo Industries

Willo Industries is a business that celebrates art and sport and supports people with disabilities, home-grown in the Southern Highlands.  

Will is a young man who lives with Autism Spectrum Disorder. He cannot read or write and has been faced with significant challenges most of his life. Willo Industries was created when there were limited work options and no clear pathway for Will’s future.

Will learned the skill of refurbishing cricket bats. He prepares the surface of old cricket bats and once restored, artists apply their creativity and artwork and the bats are auctioned.

Currently, all proceeds go towards Will and his business, Willo Industries. As the business develops, there will be opportunity to provide programs for other people living with disability.

A wide range of people around Australia have given their support to Will and Willo Industries, from accomplished, award-winning artists to emerging artists, known identities, sportspeople, musicians, politicians and school children.

Will developed a passion for cricket when at age five he was given his first cricket bat. From then on, he would take this bat for cricket practice in the nets at Bradman Oval.

Will now plays third-grade for Bowral Cavaliers.

For more information about Willo Industries visit https://www.willoindustries.com.au.