The Pallet Build-Off is your team’s chance to show off ingenuity, teamwork, and hands-on building skills using up to four standard pallets. With just four hours on the clock, each team will design and construct a farm-useful item — from compost bins to tool chests to mobile carts to animal shelters and more.
This is a high-energy, crowd-friendly competition that celebrates resourcefulness and rural creativity. Whether you’re a tradie, farmer, student, or weekend DIYer, the challenge is open to all skill levels. The builds are judged on practicality, craftsmanship, innovation, and presentation.
By participating in the first-ever Maleny Farm Fest, your business will:
Date: Saturday, 22 November 2025
Setup Time: 9:00 AM for safety briefing before building time
Building Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Judging: 2:30 PM
Prizes for: Best Build, Most Creative, Crowd Favourite
Supplied: Up to 4 pallets, limited fencing wire (2-3mm)
BYO: Battery-powered tools as no electric cords are available. Small petrol chain saws are permitted. Hardware such as nails, screws, hinges, handles, wire mesh, paint, wheels, etc. may be used, but must be supplied by the team.
Completed project may be taken home or given for auction on the day with funds going to Trailblazers Maleny.
Bush BBQ Table with Firewood Box – Great for picnic areas or outdoor cooking setups.
Mobile Produce Cart – Use at markets or roadside stands.
Mini Animal Shelter – Ideal for goats, lambs, or poultry.
Vertical Herb Garden – Perfect for compact spaces or teaching garden.
Compost Bin Trio – Set up a rotating compost system for schools/homes.
Children’s Activity Bench – A place for drawing, games, or meals at family areas.
Each team receives up to 4 standard pallets, and some fencing wire (2-3mm) as requested.
All builds must be completed within the allotted time (10:00 AM – 2:00 PM).
Team size: 2–4 members.
Tools must be limited to hand tools and battery-operated power tools. Charging points for batteries will not be nearby.
All tools must be handled safely and responsibly.
Teams must clean up their work area after building.
Ensure no nails and other hardware are left in grass and other work areas.
Each build must include a short explanation or signboard describing its purpose.
Audience interaction is highly encouraged.
Final judging will take place at 2:30 PM based on the official scorecard.
All participants must bring their own PPE including but not limited to: ear, eye, hand, and foot protection.
A safety briefing will be held prior to the start of the Build-Off. All participants will need to sign a waiver prior to participating.
Wear closed-toe shoes and gloves when handling pallets.
Eye & ear protection must be worn when using power tools.
No running or horseplay in the build area.
No electrical cords are permitted on-site.
A first aid kit and fire extinguisher will be on-site.
Youth teams must always have adult supervision.
Report any unsafe conditions to a marshal immediately.
Work zones will be an exclusion zone from the public for safety. Plenty of safe viewing zones for the public will be available.
Keep work zones tidy – avoid trip hazards.