Wearable Art Showcase expands Waste to Art
Published on 07 May 2026
A standalone Fashion Showcase at the Brolga Theatre in Maryborough is set to take centre stage in this year’s Waste to Art Competition, with entries now open across all categories.
Now in its ninth year, the Waste to Art competition invites people of all ages to transform everyday waste destined for landfill into creative works and wearable fashion.
Fraser Coast Regional Council Resource Recovery spokesperson Cr Michelle Byrne said the addition of a dedicated Fashion Showcase reflected growing interest in wearable art and the importance of tackling textile waste.
“It’s a fun and powerful way to highlight the growing issue of clothing and textile waste while encouraging people to think differently about what they throw away,” she said.
“Last year’s wearable art entries featured everything from a striking dress made entirely from recycled denim to designs using storage bags, bubble wrap, sponges and reused curtains.
“The 2026 showcase will be held on Saturday 7 November, a week ahead of the main exhibition, with garments then displayed alongside other artworks at Gatakers Artspace from 14 November.”
Cr Byrne said textile waste is one of the fastest-growing waste streams, with more than 200,000 tonnes of clothing sent to landfill in Australia each year.
“Participants are encouraged to think outside the box, reimagining unconventional materials such as lampshades and found objects into bold, imaginative designs ready for the runway.”
Arts spokesperson Cr Sara Diana Faraj said the exhibition opening night on 14 November would bring together all entries across the competition.
“Last year the popular annual exhibition featured 114 creative works with 23 incredible entries into the Wearable Art Category,” she said.
“The 2025 top prize in the over 18 category went to a striking plastic mosaic highlighting the dangers of microplastic consumption, using pieces collected from local beaches.
“A cardboard paper dog and a sunflower artwork made from discarded fabric were also crowned People’s Choice winners.”
Cr Faraj said the standard of entries continued to grow each year.
“The creativity and thought behind these artworks is always impressive, and we are excited to see what our community creates this year,” she said.
Entry is free, with six categories available:
- 18 years and over
First prize: $1,500 | Second: $500 | Third: $350
- 12 to 17 years
First prize: $300 | Second: $150 | Third: $100
- 8 to 11 years
First prize: $200 | Second: $100 | Third: $75
- Under 8 years
First prize: $150 | Second: $75 | Third: $50
- Wearable Art (18 years and over)
First prize: $500 | Second: $250
- Wearable Art (under 18 years)
First prize: $150 | Second: $100
- People’s Choice award
18+: $300 | Under 18: $150
Cr Byrne said the community will also have the opportunity to vote for their favourite piece in the People’s Choice Award during the exhibition.
“Artworks must be primarily made from waste or repurposed materials, with judges assessing creativity, durability and the innovative use of unconventional items,” she said.
“A prize pool of $5,000 in Buy Local Gift Cards is on offer thanks to the support of Hyne Timber, Cleanaway, the Reuse & Recycle Group and Nugrow.
“Entries are open until 16 October, with artworks to be exhibited from 14 November at Gatakers Artspace in Maryborough.”
Residents can enter or find out more at www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/waste-to-art