This article is a summary of the podcast conversation 34. “Seeing Waste Differently with community artists from the Lake Mac Waste to Art Exhibition“. Listen to the full episode on Spotify podcasts or Apple podcasts, and go here for the relevant links mentioned in the podcast. Read on for the summarised topics from the episode.

Seeing Waste Differently

In this episode, I’m at the closing of the 2024/ 2025 Lake Macquarie Sustainable Neighbourhoods Waste to Art exhibition. It’s a free, annual event that brings together thought-provoking artworks made entirely from waste by people across the community.

Some of the pieces are so refined, it’s hard to believe they began as waste. I discovered that everyone defines waste differently. For many households, waste is what goes in the rubbish or recycling bin. But waste is much broader than that.

It can be surplus materials, duplicates, or offcuts. Even something brand new that just isn’t needed anymore.

That’s the beauty of this exhibition. It helps you see waste differently.

Each year from late October through to the end of January, the exhibition pops up in selected Lake Macquarie City Council libraries. You’ll find entries from early childhood centres, schools, artists, and people who just want to have a go at being creative with waste.

In this episode, you’ll hear from the two people’s choice award winners: Jennifer Struut is the Atelier from Woodrising Natural Learning Centre who talks about their piece “Save Me” and Marina DeBris with her work, The Inconvenience Store. You’ll also meet Jo, the volunteer organiser behind the exhibition, as well as people who came along to the closing event.

Overview of the Conversation

About the inspiring Waste to Art exhibition – a community initiative that challenges us to see waste differently and celebrates creativity with purpose.
The Toronto NSW winners Woodrising Natural Learning Centre about their piece “Save Me” (main photo). How the artwork connects to their overarching project on active citizenship and deepened their understanding of what animals need to thrive, including the endangered swift parrot.

Selma Barry’s piece Photo Credit: Sustainable Neighbourhoods Group

Suzanne Curtis’ piece Photo Credit: Sustainable Neighbourhoods Group

Exhibition attendees and artists Selma Barry who shares her creative process using discarded champagne corks, and Suzanne Curtis, who reflects: “the world could survive very well without us and it would thrive but we’re destroying it…this is such a great initiative, especially when children are involved because it gives you a bit of hope for the future”.

The Inconvenience Store by Marina DeBris

The Swansea NSW winner, Marina DeBris, creator of The Inconvenience Store – an installation featuring items found from the ocean and displayed as if for sale. Her work uses irony to question convenience culture and the impact of ocean pollution.

The [Waste to Art] exhibition changes your perspective on what impact of your usage of everyday materials has on the planet. (Suzanne)

This episode of The ReNewy Living Podcast was recorded on Awabakal country. I wish to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land and waters in the Lake Macquarie NSW region of New South Wales.

I hope you’re feeling more confident about doing better for our people and planet by taking a start where you live approach to living sustainably. If this episode has spurred you into action, please feel free to share the episode with your friends. It would mean the world to me!

Listen into the stories and voices of this story here at Spotify podcasts and here at Apple Podcasts… And you can also sign up to my regular emails here… I look forward to sharing more stories with you next time.

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Seeing Waste Differently (S5 Ep34)

Links from the Podcast Episode (S5 Ep34)

Lake Macquarie Sustainable Neighbourhoods Group supports the Waste to Art initiative
Woodrising Natural Learning Centre – non-profit long day care centre based in Lake Macquarie
Terracycle keeping rubbish out of landfills or from incineration, globally
Banish – empowering Australians with the knowledge, tools, and resources to make more sustainable choices
Munibung Hill Landcare
Bob Brown Foundation – protecting nature through direct action, legal defence, and science