The competition encourages entrants to transform used products into new wares and will be held in conjunction with the Holmesville Billy Cart Derby on October 8.

The neighbourhood group’s chair Robynne Curnow said the competition was in line with the group’s objective to encourage community engagement.

“It just ticked a lot of boxes for the group,” Ms Curnow said.

“It builds bridges with the community, encourages people to lead a more sustainable life and to try to reduce waste.”

The group won the 2016 Lake Macquarie Australia Day award for Community Event of the Year for the initiative and organisers are hoping for even greater success this year.

Last year Cathy Stuart transformed plastic bags, tags, and Venetian blinds into a formal dress and captured the inaugural competition’s senior prize for her efforts.

Lucas Allen, 11, won the primary school category for his super warrior cyborg created from 30 obsolete computer terminals and an old manequin.

Jasmine Stuart and Isabelle Cox won the secondary schools category after turning a pair of old doors into a powerful environmental statement.

More information on the competition at www.sustainableneighbourhoods.org.au