Bega Valley Shire Council is proud to announce that local artist Belinda Rosenbaum's design has been selected for the Waste Truck Artwork project, a public art initiative delivered in partnership with South East Arts.
The project will see her original artwork wrapped around eight new waste collection trucks that will service households across the shire from late October 2025 through to 2030.
Council's Waste Strategy Coordinator, Tim Cook said the project is an opportunity to merge art with sustainability and share an inspiring message across the region.
"This project is about sparking conversations on how everyday choices can make a real difference, while also providing a lasting platform for local creativity and supporting our region's artists in a meaningful way," Mr Cook said.
"We were really impressed by the creativity and talent shown in the submissions we received, and we thank all the artists who put forward their ideas for this project.
"Belinda's design reflects the heart of our Waste Strategy and the principles of the circular economy, and we're proud to see this important message brought to life by a local artist."
Belinda Rosenbaum is a visual artist and illustrator based in Pambula, whose work draws inspiration from nature and transformation. With a background in design and experience in public art and visual communications, she has created murals for the Sapphire Coast Aquatic Centre and Eden Memorial Pool.
Her commissioned artwork explores the theme of transformation, illustrating how responsible waste management can create positive change for the environment and the native wildlife of the Sapphire Coast.
"Through symbolic imagery, I've shown single use coffee cups refused by individuals transforming into bogong moths, and recycled bottles becoming fish – visual metaphors for renewal and ecological stewardship," Belinda Rosenbaum said.
"The four core principles of Refuse, Reduce, Reuse and Recycle are reflected in the actions of people within the scene, reinforcing the power of community responsibility.
"I also wanted to highlight protected or vulnerable local species, including the leafy sea dragon, southern right whale, spotted-tail quoll and black cockatoos, to show how our everyday waste choices connect to the survival of these unique animals.
"It's exciting to know my design will be seen on trucks right across the shire, and I hope it inspires our community to rethink household consumption and waste behaviours."
The eight new waste collection trucks wrapped with Belinda's design will roll out across the shire from 27 October 2025, gradually replacing the current fleet over a two-week period.
The project and new fleet of waste collection trucks are part of Council's new waste collection contract with Cleanaway, a long-term service provider reappointed through a competitive tender process in late 2024.
