After a community library built from recovered materials claimed last year's local prize, the search is on for the MidCoast's next reuse champion.
MidCoast residents are being invited to enter a repair, makeover or creative transformation in the 2026 Reviva Reuse Competition, with a $300 national prize and a $200 MidCoast prize up for grabs.
Run by not-for-profit social enterprise Resource Recovery Australia, which operates Reviva Reuse Shops across the MidCoast at Tuncurry, Taree, Tea Gardens and Bulahdelah, the annual competition celebrates repairs and creative projects that give unwanted materials a second life instead of sending them to landfill.
Resource Recovery Australia Deputy General Manager Ally Glendenning said entries did not need to be large, complicated or perfect.
"If you have repaired something, given an old item a makeover or found a new use for materials that might otherwise have been thrown away, you already have an entry," Ms Glendenning said.
"Take a photo, briefly tell us what you made and what you reused, and submit it online. Every entry can inspire someone else to rethink what they throw away."
Now in its seventh year, the competition is open to anyone who has repaired, restored, repurposed or transformed an item using reused materials. Entries could include furniture, artwork, garden projects, home improvements, clothing makeovers or something completely unique.
Last year's MidCoast winner, Deb Schmitzer, turned repurposed timber pallets, a salvaged stained-glass window and reused books into a community street library where locals can exchange and enjoy their favourite reads.
"The project emphasises resource recovery and reusability and demonstrates a commitment to sustainable practices," Ms Schmitzer said.
The 2025 national prize went to Mike Tikkeros for a true-to-size violin sculpture made from salvaged metal and discarded household items, including parts recovered from gurneys, bicycles, microwaves, food processors, a drum kit, golf club and horse bridle.
To enter, participants need to submit a photo of their project and a short description of what they created and the materials they reused at www.resourcerecovery.org.au/competition.
Entries are free and close on Sunday 15 November 2026, at the end of National Recycling Week.
