It’s all part of Young Youth Council’s ‘Paint-a-Roo’ competition, which saw six local artistic youths selected to paint their designs onto the fibreglass kangaroos.

The judges - two from the Young council and two independent - will assess the talented students’ artworks over the coming weeks. 

They were put on display Friday morning and locals are encouraged to come and check out the quirky pieces of art. 

The six finalists -  all secondary students - Marylouise Minehan, Maddie Smith, Taylor Waugh, Demoore Abbas, Hunter Smithers and Abigail Dunshea worked hard over a six week period in Studio 2 of the Southern Cross Cinema art complex to transfer their designs onto the kangaroos.

Young Youth Council mayor Isaac Northcott said the idea for the Paint-a-Roo competition was to do something for the artistic and creative types in the community.

“The aim was not only to create some fantastic public art but also to use the finished works to raise awareness of youth issues,” he said.

The six finalists began work on their kangaroos in December, meeting in the studio on Sundays and after school. 

Throughout the school holidays some artists were busy up to four days a week. 

Council’s community service officer and local artist, Sally Atkinson, attended the sessions to provide advice where needed.

“It has been a fantastic experience, and I have been so impressed with the finalists – their passion for art and their commitment to the project,” she said.

‘Outback Roo’ was designed and painted by Demoore Abbas. 

“This kangaroo is made up of its home. The colour of its fur are the colours of the Outback - it is the land in which it lives,” she said.

‘Auscar the Kangaroo and Billy Joely’ was designed and painted by Abigail Dunshea. 

“The scene I drew on Auscar is a depiction of the lovely Australian outback,” she said. 

Before being put on display, Abigail said Auscar will be “sun safe to the max” and just required a hat for her design to be complete.

Taylor Waugh’s design represents the country night sky “where you can see the beautiful colours of the sky, the thousands of stars and the amazing glowing moon with a tall beautiful old tree”.

The Paint-a-Roo project was made possible through the NSW Government’s Youth Opportunities Funding. 

The funding provided allowed the youth council to develop ideas and events over the last 18 months including the Cherry Festival Fun Run in 2013, movie nights, Paint-a-Roo and the Cherry Chase 2014.