The winning artwork by Michelle Hazelton – Entomology Collection
The Waste2Art Regional Showcase is now open at the Parkes Library and Cultural Centre, featuring over 120 innovative artworks created from reused and recycled materials.
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.