Entries are now open for the 2023 Waste to Art Competition, where we challenge you to transform common waste items into stunning works of art!

Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said getting people to think about changing the way they look at waste and finding new ways to reuse or repurpose waste.

“Some of the ideas so far have included reusing plastic that would either have one use, such as straws or plastics that would have ended up in landfill, such as shopping bags and material offcuts.”

With $3,500 in prizemoney on offer, the Waste to Art competition attracts a wide range of entries.

“The competition is open to all budding artists and allows them to showcase their creations,” Cr Seymour said.

“The only catch is that the artworks must be made from recycled or re-purposed items or materials sourced from Fraser Coast Regional Council Reuse Markets, Fraser Coast op shops or second-hand shops.

“The competition is a chance for people to tap into their creativity.

“In the past, entries have ranged from pieces of art of fully functional furniture made from repurposed items such as old TV sets made into bookshelves or fish tanks.

“The competition helps focus attention on recycling and repurposing items, showing how items can be reused and not just thrown away.”

The first prize is $1,000 for the over 18’s category.

The competition is free to enter and open to all budding artists.

Application forms can be found on the Council website www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/waste-to-art

The competition offers a prize pool of $3,500 across four age categories and people choice awards:

• Category 1 (18+ years)
• Category 2 (12-17 years)
• Category 3 (8-11 years)
• Category 4 (under 8s)
• People’s Choice award for senior exhibition
• People’s Choice award for junior exhibition

Because of the popularity of the competition, there have been some changes to the entry requirements, including a limit of one entry per person and schools limited to five entries per school.

Entries for the Waste to Art Competition will be displayed at Gatakers Artspace from 17 November 2023 to 7 January 2024.

Cr Seymour thanked the sponsors who helped Council stage the competition: Cleanaway, Hyne Timber, Reuse & Recycle Group and NuGrow.

“These companies are interested in recycling, upcycling and repurposing materials which otherwise would be considered waste,” he said.