The Foundations, Portland NSW

27/10/2026

Big things are happening in our little corner of Portland.

Our Artist in Residence, Harrie Fasher, has made history as just the fourth woman in 30 years to win the major prize at Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi.

Her award-winning sculpture, Unveiling the Edges of the Sky, stands an impressive six metres tall and five metres long.

Created in her Portland studio, the work explores female strength, intuition and overcoming obstacles.

This isn't Harrie's first major achievement either. It's her sixth time exhibiting at Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi, having previously received the major award at Sculpture by the Sea, Cottesloe in 2018.

We're incredibly fortunate to have an artist of Harrie's calibre working here at The Foundations, contributing to the growing creative community in our historic precinct.

23/10/2026

Spring weather has a way of making the water look even more inviting.

The Mill Pond has become part of outdoor life at The Foundations, with more than 3,000 fingerling trout recently released through a long-running initiative with Wallerawang Central Acclimatisation Society (CAS) and NSW Fisheries. Bring the rod, slow the day down and enjoy a quieter side of Portland. Check current fishing access details before visiting.

23/10/2026

A little Oktoberfest energy made its way to Portland.

Zig Zag Brewery brought together good food, brewery pours and the kind of easygoing atmosphere that makes you want to stay for another round of conversation. Another good reminder that there is always more happening at The Foundations than you might expect. Were you there? Tell us your favourite moment from the day.

22/10/2026

A huge congratulations to our very own Harrie Fasher!

We're incredibly proud to celebrate Harrie, Artist in Residence at The Foundations Portland, on receiving the prestigious 2026 Aqualand Sculpture Award at Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi.

Harrie is just the fourth woman in the exhibition's 30-year history to receive the major prize.

Her winning work, Unveiling the Edges of the Sky, is a monumental six-metre-tall sculpture handcrafted from steel and bronze, exploring themes of female strength, intuition and the dissolution of the ego.

An incredible achievement for Harrie and a proud moment for our creative community here in Portland.

Congratulations, Harrie!

Photo credit

19/10/2026

That was one good way to welcome spring in Portland.

The October Long Weekend Twilight Market brought local makers, artists and skilled craftspeople together at The Foundations for an evening of handmade goods and creativity.

Thank you to everyone who exhibited, visited and spent their Saturday evening with us. These are the nights that remind us what makes regional communities special. See you at the next one.

16/10/2026

See The Foundations through a different set of eyes.

Draw Portland returns Saturday, 24 October, from 10am – 4pm, inviting people of all skill levels to explore the site's industrial buildings, natural landscape and unexpected details with a sketchbook in hand.

There is also a kids' drawing and collage workshop with artist Alice Martin.
You do not need to be an artist. You just need to be curious.

Saturday 24 October 2026
10am – 4pm
The Foundations, Portland NSW
Image: Adrian Cook

16/10/2026

The Portland-based sculptor takes home the exhibition's top honour for an abstract steel-and-bronze work, marking her sixth appearance at the Bondi event.

16/10/2026

16/10/2026

Stage 1 at The Foundations is nearly spoken for.

LAST HOME REMAINING | Brand-New Turnkey Home from $780,000

This is your last chance to secure a Masterton home in the first release at The Foundations, Portland, secure it today with just $1,500.

Enjoy more space, a relaxed regional lifestyle and the ease of a brand-new fully turnkey home in Central West NSW.

Thinking about making a tree change to Portland? Get in touch with The Foundations for current availability and property details.

15/10/2026

From Cottesloe to Bondi, Harrie Fasher’s work has become a familiar presence at Sculpture by the Sea.

Over the years, has brought her distinctive sculptural practice to the exhibition through works including Which Way Forwards?, Voices at Dawn, Transition and The Last Charge. Now, in 2026, Harrie returns to Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi as a Transfield Invited Artist, presenting a major new work created for this year’s exhibition.

Closer to home, Harrie is Artist in Residence at The Foundations, where her studio practice forms part of Portland’s growing creative story. From works seen on the coast to the place where new ideas take shape, there is plenty to discover. Come and spend some time in Portland and explore The Foundations for yourself.

Follow and for more from this year’s exhibition.

Images:
Harrie Fasher, Voices at Dawn, Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi 2019. Photo Clyde Yee
Harrie Fasher, Which way forwards?, Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi 2014. Photo Clyde Yee
Harrie Fasher, Destiny, Sculpture by the Sea, Cottesloe 2022. Photo Jessica Wyld
Harrie Fasher, Transition (2016), Sculpture by the Sea, Cottesloe 2018. Photo David Dare Parker