New fashion twist for Waste to Art in 2025

A bold new Wearable Art category and fashion parade is set to take centre stage in this year’s Waste to Art Competition, with entries now open across the Fraser Coast.

Now in its eighth year, the annual competition invites people of all ages to reimagine waste by transforming discarded items into creative and meaningful works of art. 

Deputy Mayor and Arts spokesperson Cr Sara Diana Faraj said the Waste to Art competition continues to challenge how we think about waste.

“Art has the power to change how we see the world around us, even the things we throw away,” Cr Faraj said.

“It’s inspiring to see how local artists breathe new life into old or unwanted materials, creating pieces that are both thought-provoking and visually striking. 

“Whether it’s a sculpture made from scrap metal or a gown stitched together from old curtains, the Waste to Art competition invites people to imagine new possibilities from everyday materials.

“The competition aims to inspire a shift toward a circular economy, where waste is reduced  and materials are kept in use for as long as possible.”

Resource Recovery spokesperson Cr Michelle Byrne said the introduction of the new Wearable Art category aims to highlight the issue of textile waste, one of the fastest-growing waste streams globally.

“Each year, Australians send over 200,000 tonnes of clothing to landfill,” Cr Byrne said.

“This new category is a fun and powerful way to raise awareness about clothing and textile waste.

“Entrants are encouraged to think creatively and push the boundaries of traditional fashion - surprise us with how you transform unexpected items into bold, expressive, and wearable works of art.

“The goal is to spark a conversation about the waste we create in daily life and ways materials can be reused or repurposed. That could mean donating or selling items in good condition, repairing or upcycling into something new, or recycling items properly.”

Participants in the Wearable Art category will showcase their designs during a live runway parade at the exhibition opening at Gatakers Artspace on Saturday 15 November. All garments must be safe to wear and modelled by someone provided by the entrant.

Across all categories, artworks must be made primarily from items destined for landfill or sourced from op shops, tip shops, or second-hand stores. Judges will assess entries on creativity, durability, and demonstration of reuse and repurposing.

A $5,000 prize pool in Buy Local Gift Cards is up for grabs, thanks to the generous support of sponsors Hyne Timber, Cleanaway, the Reuse and Recycle Group, and Nugrow.

Entry is free and open to Wide Bay residents. All artworks will be displayed at Gatakers Artspace in Maryborough from 15 November 2025 to 3 January 2026. The People’s Choice Award will be announced at the close of the exhibition.

Key dates:
•    Entries open: 31 July 2025
•    Entries close: 16 October 2025
•    Exhibition: 15 November 2025 - 3 January 2026
•    Winners announced: 15 November 2025
•    People’s Choice winner: 3 January 2026

Find entry forms and more information at: https://www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/waste-to-art