Annual DATTA Awards
The Annual DATTA Awards recognise outstanding achievement by Design and Technologies students in junior and senior secondary schools across Far North Queensland.
These prestigious awards encourage students to study Design and Technologies subjects and provide an opportunity to showcase their technical knowledge, creativity, design skills, craftsmanship and practical capabilities.
First introduced in 1993 as the Industrial Technology and Design Awards, the program was initially sponsored by Cairns Region Group Training, now known as Skill360 Australia. The Business Liaison Association is proud to acknowledge Skill360 Australia’s longstanding support of the awards for more than 32 years.
In 2019, the program expanded to include 25 award categories, each supported by an industry sponsor. Following a further review in 2020, the awards grew to 26 categories and incorporated a stronger focus on innovation, enterprise and environmental sustainability.
All entries are assessed by an industry judging panel against current industry standards. This provides students with valuable professional recognition and an opportunity to receive feedback from people working within the design, construction, engineering and manufacturing sectors.
The awards are particularly valuable for students considering further study, apprenticeships, traineeships or careers in related industries. Award recipients also receive financial prizes to support their continued education and career development.
2026 DATTA Award Categories
24 DATTA Award categories are being offered in 2026:
2026 DATTA Awards — Important Dates
Please note the following key dates and submission requirements for the 2026 DATTA Awards.
Entry Forms Due
Date: Friday, 21 August 2026
Term: Term 3, Week 6
Submission method: Email
Completed entry forms must be submitted through the participating school and emailed to:
Ms Toni Smith
St Stephen’s Catholic College
tsmith6@cns.catholic.edu.au
and cc
Abigail Peter
Business Liaison Association
events@bla.org.au
Schools must also complete the accompanying Excel spreadsheet listing participating students and their selected categories.
Projects Delivered
Delivery period: Term 3, Week 10
Final deadline: Friday, 18 September 2026 by 3:00 pm
Location: Redlynch State College
Teachers are responsible for arranging the delivery of their students’ projects to Redlynch State College. All projects must arrive by the final deadline, and late submissions will not be accepted.
Judging Finalised
Date: Friday, 16 October 2026
Term: Term 4, Week 2
Time: TBC
Location: Redlynch State College
Projects will be assessed by an industry judging panel against the requirements and criteria for each category. Schools will be advised of successful students once judging has been finalised.
DATTA Awards Presentation Evening
The 2026 DATTA 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, 5 November 2026
Term: Term 4, Week 5
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.
Students and teachers should refer to the individual DATTA Award pages for complete eligibility requirements, judging criteria, entry instructions and project submission requirements.
Entries must be submitted through the participating student’s school. Students interested in entering should speak with their Design and Technologies teacher, who can assist them in selecting the most appropriate category and preparing their submission.
All eligible entries will be assessed by an industry judging panel against current industry standards. Successful students will be recognised at the Annual DATTA Awards Presentation and may receive financial prizes to support their continued education and career development.
Dates are subject to change. Students and teachers should check the relevant award page for the latest information.
Interested in the DATTA 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.
