His entry this year is a life-size kangaroo, made from recycled metals.

The thighs of the kangaroo came from a ride-on lawnmower and parts of the body were originally a Voltswagen Beetle. 

Most of Salter’s work echoes this theme, which stemmed from a love of animals and recycled materials.

He studied fine arts at TAFE in the early 1990’s and taught himself to weld. 

But his love of animals started well before that, having had pets when he was a child.

This passion was extended further when he became a volunteer canine carer with Hunter Animal Rescue.

“[Animals] are just something I’ve always been drawn to,” he said.

“When you spend time around them and you’re able to connect with them it’s kind of special.”

But the kangaroo was not originally on his list of animals to recreate.

“I thought it was a bit of a stereotype an Australian making a kangaroo,” he said.

“I had avoided it for so long.

“But they’re such interesting animals.”

And once he put his mind to the kangaroo, he wanted to do it right.

“I really like to work hard on catching the pose,” he said.

“[It adds] a bit of realism, a bit of character.

“Even though I’m using junky bits, I want it to feel like it could hop down the road.”

And creating the animal has also helped to increase his knowledge about kangaroos.

Salter said he discovered more about the muscle and bone structure, such as the fact that the kangaroo’s inside toe actually has two bones inside it.

After taking a month to perfect the piece, Salter said he was pleased with the process and the final product.

“It was really enjoyable,” he said.

The piece is on display at Gosford Regional Art Gallery from September 24 through to December 4.