Waste to Art Competition

2025 Waste to Art Winners Announced (see below)

The competition invited artists of all ages to reimagine waste by turning discarded items into meaningful works of art.

This year featured a brand-new Wearable Art category and fashion parade, to highlight the growing issue of textile waste.

Whether it’s a striking gown made from old curtains, or a cape crafted from silk offcuts, the goal is to inspire people to see value in things we usually throw away.

That could mean donating, reselling, repairing, upcycling, or recycling - Learn more here.

With a $5,000 prize pool on offer, the competition aims to promote a shift toward a circular economy, where waste is reduced and materials are kept in use for as long as possible. Terms and conditions(PDF, 5MB)

Visit the exhibition at Gatakers Artspace from 15 November to 3 January and vote for your favourite artwork to win People's Choice Award.

Waste to Art Exhibition Now Open

The Waste to Art exhibition is now on display at Gatakers Artspace until Saturday 3 January 2026, and entry is free.

Explore inventive artworks created from recycled and repurposed materials, and help celebrate creativity with a sustainability focus.

Opening hours:

Tuesday to Friday: 9.30am – 3.30pm
Weekends: 9.30am – 2pm

Visitors are encouraged to take part in the People’s Choice Award by voting for their favourite artwork. Simply visit Gatakers, enjoy the exhibition, and cast your vote in the on-site ballot box.

Winners of the 2025 Waste to Art Competition!

Over 18s Category
1st Prize – Bon Appetit – Adriana Van Leeuwen
2nd Prize – Lure of the Salvaged Siren – Nora Hanasy
3rd Prize – Fragmented Future – Alison Smith

12 – 17 Years
1st Prize –Bouquet of Spring – Scarlett Spencer
2nd Prize – Leopard Reef – Milla Arnott
3rd Prize – Ghost of the deep – Ezabella Byju

8 – 11 Years
1st Prize –Trash Turtle – Willow Thomas
2nd Prize – Jellyfish Family – Sophie Friend
3rd Prize – Beecycled – St Helens ecowarriors

Under 8s
1st Prize –The Beedazzled Hive – Busy Bees Fraser Coast
2nd Prize – Robo the Robot – Eliza Pfrunder
3rd Prize – Rainbow Fish – Koala Kindy

Wearable Art – Under 18s
1st Prize – Joni Cobbin – The $2 Transformation
2nd Prize – Nessa Bourke – Mother Earth

Wearable Art – Over 18s
1st Prize - Florentina Triastuti – Den I’m in Love
2nd Prize – Aileenette Almazan-Appleby – Hagseed Couture