Parkes Celebrates Sustainable Creativity

This community art exhibition and com­petition, open to all residents of the Net­Waste region, challenges perceptions about ‘rubbish’ and celebrates the creative potential of waste.

This year, 14 Councils participated in the Waste2Art competition, with the win­ning artworks from local exhibitions across the region now on display in the Coventry Room at Parkes Shire Library and Cultural Centre.

The exhibition showcases the innovation and creativ­ity of artists of all ages, from preschool and school-aged children, to community groups and professional artists.

Parkes Shire residents made a signifi­cant mark on this year’s competition, taking home several awards. We proudly congrat­ulate Michelle Hazelton, who was awarded the overall Waste2Art winner for her intri­cate artwork, Entomology Collection.

Overall, 30 winners and 19 highly com­mended awards were announced, show­casing the immense talent and commit­ment to sustainability within the region.

Waste 2 Art encourages individuals, schools, and community groups to reuse materials that would otherwise be discard­ed, transforming them into thought-provok­ing art pieces. This year’s theme focused on packaging, inspiring participants to re­purpose materials like paper, cardboard, tin, and plastic into unique works of art, di­verting them from landfill and giving them a second life.

The Waste2Art initiative offers an innova­tive approach to waste education, provid­ing both aspiring and professional artists with a platform to explore and share their messages about waste reduction. As part of the opening ceremony, the theme for the 2025 competition was revealed: The Year of Toys.

The Waste2Art Regional Showcase is proudly sponsored by Sims Metal, Net­Waste, and Parkes Shire Council. The ex­hibition will be open until 31st August at the Parkes Shire Library and Cultural Centre, so head along and check out some of the amazing talent in our region.