Griffith's 29th citrus sculpture festival

The southern NSW town is hosting its annual Citrus Sculptures event, part of the spring festival. More than 60 sculptures are on display in the Griffith CBD.

Over 100,000 pieces of local fruit

Local growers provided more than 100,000 oranges and grapefruits for the sculptures. About 30 per cent of Australia's citrus is grown in the Griffith region.

Quality fruit only for the display

Griffith and District Citrus Growers Association vice-chair Vito Mancini said the fruit must be the best available. The fruit is washed and waxed to ensure maximum shine and retain moisture.

“We want to make sure we have the best on there.”

Building the orange sculpture

Ten people worked on a postmodern orange made entirely of oranges, using about 600 UV rubber-bands to attach the fruit. Mancini said it takes time but becomes a masterpiece once finished.

“It's like trying to stack a puzzle together.”

Celebrating Griffith's multicultural community

Jone Laweloa built a Fijian house from oranges to honour his heritage, taking a week to build the frame and three hours to attach the fruit. He has lived in Griffith for 30 years.

“This is sort of the house we would build in the villages in Fiji.”

Festival runs until October 24

Griffith City Council tourism manager Mirella Guidolin said more than 60 nationalities live in the community. After the 14-day event ends, the fruit will be taken away and made into juice.