Torres Strait Regional Authority’s (TSRA) Culture, Art and Heritage (CAH) Program hosted a Turning Tides Marine Debris Workshop on Waiben, upcycling marine debris into works of art.

Eleven Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal artists gathered at the Gab Titui Cultural Centre to repurpose waste into beautiful art. The workshop was facilitated by Plastic Collective Founder Lousie Hardman alongside Eco-Artist/Teachers Jo Elliot and Jeremy Sheenan.

Lousie, Jo and Jeremy combed beaches around Thursday Island and sorted the washed-up items into eight material groups in preparation for the three-day workshop.

Putting their creative skills to work and producing beautiful pieces, workshop participants explored the artistic potential of marine debris, familiarised themselves with each material property and discovered techniques, including creating tools to strip plastic bottles for jewellery making, innovating with foam layering and carving.

These invaluable skills would help multi award-winning artists like Jimmy Thaiday use cost-effective methods to transform trash into something of value.

“We are experimenting with missing media, such as ghost nets and plastic, to visually demonstrate how waste materials are affecting the environment, especially as climate change intensifies coral bleaching,” Mr Thaiday said.

“By creating art from waste, we aim to inspire all generations to keep the reef clean and pass on this knowledge to the generations to come,” he said.

For internationally acclaimed artist Hans Ahwang, the workshop was an eye-opening experience.

“We need more of these workshops across our region, so everyone can learn how to tackle beach waste,” Mr Ahwang said.

“When I return to Moa, I’m committed to making more useful items from the waste we collect from our beaches. Workshops like this inspire real action,” he said.

Workshop facilitator Jo Elliot said the Plastic Collective partners worked with local leaders and purpose-driven organisations to build recovery systems that restore ecosystems and livelihoods.

“Workshops like this show what’s possible to repurpose,” Ms Elliot said.

“The three days were jam packed! We’d like to come back and host a longer workshop to spend more time with local artists,” she said.

TSRA Chairperson George Nona said it was important to minimise plastic waste in our communities.

“As plastic waste continues to devastate our communities and region, workshops like these are important opportunities for our artists to create works that can raise awareness and generate economic outcomes,” Mr Nona said.

“TSRA is committed to tackling marine debris through various programs and supporting local activities that encourage less plastic waste and more clean beaches.

“Through an artistic approach, yumi artists can show the realities of plastic waste in yumi waters while turning them into works of arts that can be appreciated by all,” he said.

Turning Tides from Marine Debris into Innovative Art Workshop was held at the Gab Titui Cultural Centre from 25-27 November 2025.