From Trash to Treasure: Cairns community event celebrates second chances

Cairns locals are invited to turn up, tune in and trash their throwaway mindset at this year’s Trash to Treasure event on Saturday 9 August, from 9am to 1pm at the Buy Back Shop, Portsmith.

Now a favourite on the local calendar, the free community event celebrates all things clever and creative when it comes to reducing waste.

This year, residents will also have the chance to help shape the future of waste in Cairns, and go into the draw to win one of four $250 prepaid VISA cards, by taking part in the Cairns Resident Survey.

The quick survey asks locals how they manage waste at home and work and will help inform Cairns Regional Council’s new three-year waste strategy.

Mayor Amy Eden encouraged the community to get involved.

“Your insights will help guide the future of waste management across the region,” Mayor Eden said.

“From the reef to the rainforest, let’s work together to keep Cairns beautiful.”

To have your say and enter the draw, visit the link.

The Trash to Treasure event will feature hands-on workshops, live entertainment, giveaways and stalls, all focused on reducing waste and finding new value in old items.

From repurposed homewares to imaginative upcycled art, the day is about giving forgotten items a second chance and sparking fresh ideas about how we can all do our bit for a more sustainable Cairns.

A highlight of the day will be the Reuse, Rethink, Repurpose competition, where the community can crown this year’s champions of creativity and vote for their favourite re-use project created by local schools and early learning centres, showcasing the innovation and environmental passion of the region’s youngest minds.

Mayor Amy Eden said the event captures the best of community spirit coming together with sustainable action.

“Cairns is known for its natural beauty, but protecting that beauty takes more than just good intentions. Events like this are a fun and practical way to rethink our habits, share ideas, and be part of something bigger,” Mayor Eden said.

“It’s also a fantastic showcase of our region’s youngest eco-warriors. I can’t wait to see this year's innovations from our schools and early learning centres.”

“When we choose to reuse, we’re not just reducing landfill, we’re building a culture of care and creativity,” Mayor Eden said.
“Together, we can turn yesterday’s trash into tomorrow’s treasures."

Trash to Treasure is proudly hosted by Cairns Regional Council as part of its ongoing commitment to waste reduction and sustainable living.

ENDS