The creative talents of artists from across the City of Ryde were celebrated on Thursday 5 September at the awards ceremony and official opening for this year's Sustainable Waste 2 Art Prize (SWAP), held at Meadowbank's See Street Gallery.
SWAP is an environmental art competition for people aged 10 and over who live, work, study or play in our LGA. It aims to raise awareness of environmental issues and encourage positive behaviour change using artworks and design objects made from upcycled waste materials as mediums of communication.
This year's competition attracted 76 entries, showcasing a dazzling array of creative works across six categories, with $5,000 in prizes awarded.
The winners are:
Junior Category (10-13 years): Anupma Sood/Meadowbank TAFE Children's Centre - Wallumai Fish Sculpture
Youth Category (14-17 years): Jaemin Yun - Silent Protest
Open Category (18 years+): Louise Nade - Cordyceps PVC (CrO2)
Functional Award: Amber Denham - Rising
Schools Participation Award
Primary School Winner - St Kevin's Catholic Primary School Eastwood
High School Winner - Ryde Secondary College
City of Ryde Mayor Trenton Brown said he was astonished by talent on display at the See Street Gallery for SWAP 2025.
"With this wonderful prize we celebrate creativity, sustainability, and the inspiring ability to see beauty where others see waste," Mayor Brown said.
"SWAP is more than just an art competition - it's a powerful reminder that what we discard can still have value, purpose, and a second life as something extraordinary.
"Congratulations to all the artists who entered this year's prize. Your work challenges us to rethink our relationship with consumption, waste, and the environment."
Selected artworks and design objects will be on exhibition at See Street Gallery, TAFE NSW Meadowbank from Friday 5 September to Saturday 20 September 2025 and via a digital exhibition on Council's website from Friday 5 September to Sunday 21 September 2025.
You can also vote for your favourite work in each category in the People's Choice Award, which is open until Sunday 21 September.
For more details, click here
