This year marks NetWaste’s 13th annual Waste 2 Art exhibition, which highlights different waste streams each year and encourages people to be creative by re-using these products to make art. 

This year’s theme is polystyrene which NetWaste’s Environmental Learning Advisor Sue Clarke said many local artists and school children have used in various forms in their entries, saving it from going into landfill across the central west.  

“Polystyrene is a major waste problem in Australia. Rigid polystyrene is used to make things like yoghurt containers and plastic cutlery, while foam polystyrene or styrofoam is used to make coffee cups, hot food containers and packaging,” Ms Clarke said.

“So much of it is not recyclable and because of that it ends up in landfill and then floats or blows away, causing major health risks to wildlife.”

Ms Clarke said that because of the focus, the Mullion Creek Public School have now implemented a ban on the use of polystyrene at the school. 

"This is a wonderful result as it’s about changing the way we think about waste, and encouraging people to stop using it at all is the first step in reducing un-recyclable waste streams.”

Artworks from fifteen central west councils will be on display and the at the Sports and Fitness Centre from June 25 until July 20. 

Winning entries in various categories will be announced at the official opening on Saturday, June 23 at 11am. All members of the community are welcome to attend. The opening will also be catered by hospitality students from the Narromine High School. 

Visitors of the exhibition will have the chance to vote for their favourite piece in the People’s Choice Award.

The centrepiece of the exhibition will be created by Trangie and Narromine High School students who will be participating in a workshop with artist Amelia Batchelor.