Annual Aspire Awards
The Annual Aspire Awards are designed to provide incentives
and opportunities for secondary students across a broad range of curriculum and
career areas.
Students are encouraged to participate by entering one or
more of the 26 award and competition categories available in 2026. Most
categories involve an application or submission process, followed by judging
and, in some cases, interviews, presentations or practical competition
activities.
The awards are assessed by industry representatives and are
financially supported by sponsors who are committed to encouraging young people
and promoting education and career opportunities within their respective
fields.
The Business Liaison Association has proudly offered student
awards since its establishment in 1993. The Annual Awards program, as it is now
known, was introduced in 2000 with six awards and competitions supported by six
sponsors. In 2025, the program had grown to include 28 awards and competitions,
supported by 69 generous industry sponsors and supporters.
2026 Aspire Awards and Competitions
26 Aspire Awards and competitions are being offered
in 2026:
Applicants should refer to the individual award pages for
eligibility requirements, submission instructions and any additional interview,
judging or competition dates. Dates are subject to change, and applicants
should check the relevant award page for the latest information.
2026 Aspire Awards Presentation Evening
The 2026 Aspire Awards Presentation Evening will formally recognise the achievements of secondary students from across Far North Queensland.
The invitation-only event will bring together award recipients, families, schools, sponsors, judges and industry representatives to celebrate student excellence across a diverse range of academic, creative, vocational and career-focused award categories.
Date: Thursday, 17 September 2026
Time: 4:45 pm–7:30 pm
Venue: Cairns Performing Arts Centre (CPAC)
All award recipients are required to attend in full formal school uniform, in accordance with their school’s uniform policy. Formal invitations will be issued to each recipient, their parent or guardian, and their school. Where a student is unable to attend, a parent or guardian may be invited to accept the award on their behalf.
The evening also acknowledges the generous businesses and organisations that sponsor the Aspire Awards and support the education, development and future career pathways of young people throughout the region.
Interested in the Aspire Awards?
Industry Sponsors
Businesses and organisations interested in sponsoring an
Aspire Award are invited to contact the BLA Manager at manager@bla.org.au
Teachers and Schools
Teachers seeking further information about the awards can
contact events@bla.org.au
Students
Students interested in entering a 2026 Aspire Award or
competition should visit the View All Awards page to explore the
available categories, eligibility requirements and application details.
