Time to make a tyre-iffic tree!

Published on 01 November 2019

Are you part of a youth group with a creative flair and a passion for upcycling? Do you want to show off those skills and be in the chance of winning $500? Then make sure you enter Rockhampton Regional Council’s Tyre Christmas Tree Competition!

Mayor Margaret Strelow said the events team at Advance Rockhampton had come up with a great twist on this Christmas tradition.

“I can’t believe it’s that time of year again but Christmas is starting to creep up on us!

“For this competition instead of cutting a tree down to decorate, we have taken tyres that would otherwise go to be shredded, fixed them to a base, and created tyre Christmas trees for youth groups across the region to turn into something spectacular.

“The trees will be displayed along East Street from the end of November and people will be able to vote for their favourite.

“We will announce the winning tree at the CBD Christmas Fair and present a $500 voucher to the youth group that created it.

“I know there is a wealth of creative talent across the region and I can’t wait to see the transformation of some old tyres upcycled into stunning festive displays that the whole community can enjoy.”

Councillor Neil Fisher, Chair of Council’s Waste and Recycling Committee, said it was a good reminder for people to consider upcycling as well as recycling.

“While old worn down tyres can be recycled, it obviously takes energy to shred them and turn the material into something useful.

“This competition is all about upcycling tyres in to a Christmas tree, but there are plenty of other things you can do all year round.

“Fill them with soil and create a great planter for your garden, attach a wooden top and decorate with rope to make an ottoman, and even pop a cushion in to make a bed for your pet!”

The competition is free to enter and open to youth groups between the ages of 11-18. Registered groups will be provided with a Christmas tree made from tyres already assembled, ready for decorating. Youth groups must be available on Saturday 16 November to decorate their trees at Lakes Creek Road Waste Management Facility as part of the National Recycling Week activities.

For more information and to register, visit our website.

For more tips on upcycling, click here.