Education & Industry
Pathways & Opportunity
Working Together

EVENTS FROM OCTOBER - DECEMBER

Onsite Visits

From October to December 2025, students continued to participate in industry site visits, providing valuable opportunities to experience workplaces firsthand and learn more about different industries and career pathways.

The onsite visit held during this period was:

Jet Aviation – 14 October: Innisfail State College

Students visited Jet Aviation’s Cairns facility, where they gained firsthand insight into the aviation industry, workplace operations and the range of careers available within the sector.

Industry site visits are an important part of the BLA program because they connect classroom learning with real workplaces, help students understand industry expectations and expose them to career pathways they may not have previously considered.

Thank you to Jet Aviation for generously hosting the students and supporting this valuable program.

2025 Cairns Maritime Jobs and Careers Expo

On Saturday, 8 November 2025, the BLA, in partnership with Marine Futures and NORSTA Marine, hosted the 2025 Cairns Maritime Jobs and Careers Expo.

The event brought together industry professionals, innovators, defence representatives, students, parents and members of the Cairns community to explore the growing opportunities available within the maritime sector.

Attendees had the opportunity to learn more about maritime careers, training pathways, emerging technologies and the important role the industry plays in the region’s future. The Expo also provided valuable opportunities to connect directly with employers and industry representatives, helping students and jobseekers gain a better understanding of the diverse pathways available across the maritime industry.

DATTA Awards Presentation Night

The 2025 DATTA Awards Presentation Night celebrated the creativity, technical ability and dedication of students studying design and technology across Far North Queensland.

A total of 65 individual winning students from 10 schools were recognised, with prizes valued at more than $14,000 awarded across the evening. The standard of entries was exceptional, showcasing students’ innovation, problem-solving, craftsmanship and attention to detail.
A special thank you goes to Toni Smith, Maurice Andrejic, Matt Reeves, Jason Gobus and Drew Dundas for assisting with the coordination of the 2025 DATTA entries and awards.

We also thank the teachers, schools, sponsors and industry representatives whose ongoing support makes these awards possible. Congratulations to all participating students and award recipients.

Aspire Awards Presentation Night

The 2025 Aspire Awards Presentation Night celebrated the achievements, skills and dedication of students from schools across Far North Queensland.

A total of 129 student award recipients from 22 schools were recognised across a wide range of academic, creative, vocational and industry-focused categories. Altogether, $49,545 in prize money was awarded, helping students continue their education, training and future career journeys.

A special thank you goes to the teachers and award coordinators who promoted the awards, supported applications, coordinated interviews and judging, and helped students complete their submissions.

We also sincerely thank the sponsors whose generous support made these awards possible. Congratulations to all participating students and award recipients.

Sponsors Christmas Event

The Business Liaison Association hosted its annual Sponsors and Supporters Christmas Party, bringing together valued partners, supporters and friends to celebrate the achievements of 2025. Thank you to everyone who joined us and to all those whose ongoing support helps make BLA’s programs and events possible.

We are also grateful to the local community members who generously donated raffle prizes. All proceeds raised were donated to Fresh Start Academy, supporting its work to empower young people through vocational training and practical pathways.

Each year, BLA traditionally thanks sponsors and supporters with a gift. In 2025, we chose to celebrate in a way that reached further by donating to Hambledon House in support of its Free Toy Shop, helping low-income families access Christmas gifts for their children.

BLA sincerely thanks our sponsors and supporters for sharing our commitment to community, connection and dignity.