Turning trash into treasure: The Reviva Reuse Competition is back for another year. Photos: Reviva.
Illawarra residents are being invited to repurpose their rubbish and transform their trash, with an upcycling competition pushing the boundaries of creativity returning for another year.
Whether its reusing computer parts to create a new machine or making mosaic art from broken tiles, crafty competitors from across the region are set to showcase their creativity with entries now open for the annual Reviva Reuse Competition.
The much-loved competition, now in its sixth year, provides opportunity to demonstrate the vast potential of discarded and pre-loved items while also highlighting how small actions can make a big environmental impact.
“This competition is the highlight of our year because it showcases the incredible ideas and talents in our community,” Reviva Reuse Shop Dunmore manager Samantha Nixon said.
“We often have customers chat with us about their upcycling projects, and we know that they will be eager to enter and win the competition.”
With last year’s local winner Fiona Jordan creating a glasshouse from old doors and windows, Samantha is confident Illawarra entries will be some of the best in the whole country.
“This year, we’re offering a national prize of a $300 Visa gift card, along with a local prize of a $200 Visa gift card,” said Samantha.
“Every Reviva site across Australia is cheering for their local entrants, but we’re confident that the top prize will go to someone from Dunmore – the talent and ideas here are unmatched.”
2024 Illawarra winner Fiona Jordan created a glasshouse.
Other entries have included everything from art sculptures to practical pieces of equipment, but the one-time project can be an important catalyst to inspire more people to reuse and recycle to minimise their impact.
“Upcycling helps reduce waste and the demand for new raw materials, making it a simple yet effective way to care for our planet,” Samantha said.
“It’s about taking old, discarded items and transforming them into something useful. Our community never ceases to amaze us with what they can create.
Finding a way to create new life in old items can also help the hip pocket and be a valuable skill to have when struggling with cost of living.
“By upcycling, you can save money while making the most of what you already own instead of buying new items,” Samantha said.
Submissions are open and the sky is the limit, with residents able to enter multiple entries of any form as long as they incorporate reuse, repair and repurposing, with judges looking for creativity, resourcefulness and originality.
For more information or to enter visit the Resource Recovery Australia website.
Entries close Saturday 15 November.
