November 4, 2025

Callout to Illawarra creatives to transform trash to win cash

Region Illawarra

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.

“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.

Story: Keeli Dyson

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.

Find out more about the RRA Reviva Reuse Competition

2024 Illawarra winner Fiona Jordan created a glasshouse.