Wearable art brings flair to Waste to Art opening night

Fraser Coast residents are invited to celebrate creativity, sustainability and style at the opening of this year’s Waste to Art exhibition on Saturday 15 November at Gatakers Artspace in Maryborough, where a dazzling Wearable Art fashion parade is set to steal the show.

Council Arts spokesperson Sara Diana Faraj said the much-loved competition continues to inspire artists of all ages to see waste in a new light - transforming discarded materials into meaningful works of art, from scrap-metal sculptures to wearable gowns made of recycled textiles.

“Fraser Coast Regional Council had 114 entries into the popular competition this year, including 23 entries into the new Wearable Art category,” Cr Faraj said.

“It’s really exciting to see so many residents embracing the new Wearable Art category and transforming waste into fashion.

“As part of the opening, wearable art will take centre stage with a live fashion parade, which will bring an exciting, dynamic element to the exhibition opening and awards presentation.

“From dresses made of recycled curtains to accessories crafted from everyday materials, it’s inspiring to see how local artists are turning waste into works of wearable beauty.

“The opening event will also feature food vans, live music, and yard games in the courtyard, making it a fun and vibrant community celebration.

Council Resource Recovery spokesperson Michelle Byrne said the new category highlights one of the fastest-growing global waste issues - textile waste.

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

“This new category shines a spotlight on textile waste and shows how fashion can be reimagined sustainably.

“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.

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

“All artworks will be displayed at Gatakers Artspace from 15 November 2025 to 3 January 2026, with category winners announced at the opening and the People’s Choice Award to be announced at the close of the exhibition,” she said.

For more details, visit frasercoast.qld.gov.au/waste-to-art