Aspiring artists have shone in Murrumbidgee Council’s first Waste to Art Competition.

Murrumbidgee Council Mayor Ruth McRae said there was an extraordinary array of entries with people creating inspiring creations by transforming waste into art and design. She congratulated all award recipients:

Preschool/Primary

Winner: Ryder Billing – Prime Eagle

Highly Commended: Milla Rorato – Winter Blooms

Highly Commended: Coleambally Preschool and Long Day Centre – I Made Pink Paper

High School/Community

Winners: Travis Lawton – Long Horns and Heather Goudie – Nestling’s Feedtime

Highly Commended: Wasted Fortune – Bridgett McNeilly

Highly Commended: Flying High – Gail Hibbert

Cr McRae said she was blown away by the response to the competition, with over 70 entries.

“The amount of artistic talent in our area is quite staggering and we’re very pleased to have provided an outlet for this.

Cr McRae said this innovative art exhibition focuses on reused and recycled materials and so is an important part of our education campaign to challenge people’s views on what’s being sent to landfill.

“The project supports our strategy of improving how we manage waste in line with the July start to the Council-wide collection of organics (FOGO), recycling and garbage,” she said.

The Waste to Art Exhibition will now spend a fortnight in Coleambally, Darlington Point and Jerilderie. There is no charge to view the exhibition. Some artworks are for sale.

Waste to Art Exhibition is free entry

Coleambally – until July 4. Kerri Weymouth Art Studio & Gallery, 25-27 Brolga Place, Coleambally

Open from 10am to 4pm Tuesday to Thursday and 2pm to 5pm on Friday

Darlington Point – July 7 to 21. Murrumbidgee Shire Hall, Carrington Street

Open from 10am to 3pm Tuesday to Friday. Hosted by Western Riverina Arts

Jerilderie - 25 July 25 to August 8. The Willows, 11 Powell Street

Open from 10am to 3pm Tuesday to Friday. Hosted by Western Riverina Arts.