Tip shop re-opens as Waste to Art competition launched

Fraser Coast residents are being encouraged to unleash their creativity by repurposing waste items into works of art for the 2020 Waste to Art competition.

The launch of the competition comes as the Nikenbah Reuse and Recycle Market Centre re-opens tomorrow (Tuesday 26 May 2020) following the easing of coronavirus restrictions.

Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said the Waste to Art competition aimed to challenge the way we looked at waste and celebrated reusing and repurposing waste through works of art.

“This exciting competition and exhibition gives aspiring and professional artists the chance to explore and share their waste reduction messages while showcasing their artistic ability,” he said.

“Art works can be created from repurposed items that have been sourced from Council’s reuse markets, op shops, second hand shops or what the artists have collected from their own homes.”

Cr David Lewis, who was one of the judges for last year’s competition, said some truly magnificent pieces of art had previously been created and he was looking forward to what local artists come up with this year.

“This is the third year Council has run this competition and more than a hundred pieces of art were created and exhibited last year,” he said.

“Some of the entries have included a garden wall art piece made from a ceiling fan, wall art made from driftwood and soy sauce bottles, and a stereo system made from a worn out bedroom dresser.”

Cr Seymour said the Nikenbah Reuse and Recycle Market Centre – or tip shop – was reopening tomorrow and returning to normal operating hours of 8am to 4pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

“We are doing some maintenance at the Maryborough Reuse and Recycle Centre so it is currently scheduled to reopen on Wednesday 17 June and also return to normal operating hours,” he said.

“Residents visiting the tips shops are reminded that social distancing requirements remain in place.

“Reusing or repurposing items means that they don’t end up in landfill, and residents can donate unwanted household items that are in good condition, such as white goods, electrical goods, sporting equipment, lawn mowers and furniture, to the reuse market drop off zones. “

The 2020 Waste to Art competition includes four competition categories – under 8s, 8 – 11 years, 12 – 17 years, and 18 years and over - with prizes ranging from $50 to $750 out of a total prize pool of $2800.

Entries open today and close on Sunday 18 October 2020.

Winners will be announced on Friday 6 November 2020 at the opening of the Waste to Art Exhibition at Gatakers Artspace in Maryborough, which will run until 29 November 2020.

Members of the public can also vote for their favourite artwork during the exhibition.

More details including terms and conditions and application forms are available at www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/waste-to-art