Trash to Treasure

Trinity Anglican School ELC- White Rock Campus

First place

This creative turtle was made entirely from donated and discarded materials, including an old mud crab dilly pot, reused netting, plastic bottles, thongs, garden mesh, and a repurposed rope drum. Decorated with items such as loofahs, paper cups, pool noodles, fruit bags, and dried textas, the turtle became a fun symbol of recycling and reusing, with its shell also collecting bottle tops for future classroom projects.

Cairns Early Learning Centre

Runner-Up

A wonderful collection of three imaginative pieces was made entirely from donated and repurposed materials. Children helped build a small sofa from plastic bottles filled with shredded magazines, redesigned an old tent into a colourful teepee using recycled plastics, and transformed a wooden cable reel into a mushroom fairy house decorated with upcycled detergent jugs. Together, these creations showcase recycling, reusing, and creative problem-solving in the centre.

Freshwater State School - Life in Danger

First place

This striking artwork was created on two repurposed boards using over 5,000 donated bottle caps to show a powerful contrast of the Great Barrier Reef—healthy and thriving versus damaged by plastic waste. Inspired by student concerns about ocean pollution and the fact that bottle caps can’t be recycled in the yellow bin, the project raised awareness across the school and wider community. Their viral “Bottle Caps” clip helped drive donations, turning everyday waste into a meaningful message about reducing single-use plastics.

St Francis Xavier

Runner-Up

These imaginative arcade-style games were created entirely from recycled materials, inspired by the “Caine’s Arcade” video. Working in teams, students planned, designed, and built their tabletop games before showcasing them to visiting Year 4 students. Their creations highlight collaboration, creativity, and reusing everyday items in fun and engaging ways.

St Marys Catholic College

First place

These amazing artworks were created by St Mary’s students using repurposed hospital waste, recycled paper, cardboard, bottle tops, and other discarded materials. Each piece explores the theme of protecting our reef, using colour and creative reuse to highlight how sea life can mistake plastic for food. Together, these entries encourage viewers to rethink waste and reflect on the environmental impact of our actions.

Woree State High School

Runner-Up

These imaginative artworks were created by students using recycled and repurposed items such as plastic bottles, foam offcuts, tubing, fabric scraps, bottle tops, paper, and discarded classroom materials. Across the collection, students designed futuristic animals and plants with special environmental abilities—from cleaning waterways and filtering air to guiding people to safety. Using the theme “Reuse, Rethink, Repurpose,” each piece showcases creativity, problem-solving, and the power of turning waste into inventive new creations.