DATTA Qld Newsletter

October 2025

Dear Colleagues,

Welcome to the October 2025 edition of the DATTA Qld newsletter.

In this issue, we share updates on Term 4 professional learning, the 2026 state conference, and Design Technology Week celebrations. You will also find opportunities to get involved in community initiatives, explore new resources, and stay connected with the latest in Design and Technology education across Queensland.

In this edition:
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    With best wishes,

    Carol-Anne Durkin
    President – Design And Technology Teachers’ Association QLD

    2026 DATTA Qld Conference - save the date & change of venue!

    Mark your calendars for Thursday 18 and Friday 19 June 2026 – the dates for the 2026 DATTA Qld State Conference.

    In exciting news, we have a new venue for our 2026 Conference, the Kedron Wavell.

    Watch this space for further information early in 2026!

    Term 4 PD

    In Term 4, we will be running three PD’s on Wednesdays in Weeks 4, 5 and 6!

    Week 4 – Teaching students how to read drawings

    Do your students know the difference between an orthogonal and isometric drawing? Can they identify the difference between a section and a detail view? Are they able to decode the notations for a counter bore compared to a counter sink hole?

    Reading technical drawings is an essential design skill that all students need to develop to meet curriculum standards and prepare students for further study in senior subjects. Using both literacy and numeracy skills, creating and reading drawings assists students to produce part lists and formulate production processes for correct tool selection, and a safe and organised production.

    In this online session, participants will explore techniques for generating technical drawings in line with the AS 1100.101-1992 and the SAA\SNZ HB1:1994. We will cover projection systems, sections, detailed views, dimensioning, assembly views, working drawings, and more! Technical drawings for both engineering, cabinet making/furnishing and sheet metal will also be covered.

    Date: Wednesday 29 October
    Time: 3:30PM-5:30PM
    Cost: FREE!
    Register here

    Week 5 – WHS – Safety Without Stress

    Safety in Technology shouldn’t be stressful. In fact, the legal framework for WHS should support all aspects of controlling risk in workshops, kitchens and laboratories but with so many moving cogs, it’s hard to know where to start or to find the answers you need.

    In this online workshop we will explore the essential parts of the WHS laws that relate to technology learning spaces. We will explore and discuss risk assessments, student numbers, lighting, dust, fumes, signage and more. You will get an understanding of the legal structure and where to find the resources you need to improve safety.

    Biography
    Andrew is an experienced educator with a strong history in the leadership of technology education. He is skilled in CAD/CAM, design education, curriculum development, assessment design, and safety management. Andrew is a previous member and committee member of DATTA Victoria, a current member of DATTA Qld, the Australian Institute of Health and Safety and the Human Factors and Ergonomic Society of Australia. He has a Master of Education and Master of OHSEM, both focused on Technologies & STEM Education. He is currently completing a PhD with a focus on safety in technology learning spaces.

    Date: Wednesday 5 November
    Time: 3:30PM-5:30PM
    Cost: FREE!
    Register here

    Week 6 – Design Thinking in A Primary Setting

    Join Danielle Ruddock, an experienced educator and curriculum leader, for a hands-on professional learning session exploring Design Thinking in the Primary Setting. Discover practical ways to embed Design Thinking and the 8 Ways Pedagogy across the curriculum, with ideas to enhance creativity, problem-solving and student engagement.

    Date: Wednesday 12 November
    Time: 4:30PM-6:00PM
    Location: Beenleigh State High School Library
    Audience: Primary and junior secondary teachers
    Cost: FREE! Afternoon tea provided
    Register here

    QUT QLD Flood Innovation Challenge - entries now open!
    STEM Against the Storm: The QLD Flood Innovation Challenge

    DATTA Qld is excited to share an opportunity for members and the community to take part in a statewide innovation competition designed to help Queenslanders better predict, protect, and recover from flooding events.

    This engaging challenge is open to students, teachers, and families and is a fantastic way to connect classroom learning with real-world community impact.

    The challenge

    Choose a focus area:

    • Prediction & Early Warning – forecasting, alerts, and data science
    • Mitigation – community protection, infrastructure, and animal safety
    • Recovery – clean-up, rebuilding, resilience, and Indigenous knowledge

    Choose your entry type:

    • Prototypes or physical models
    • Videos or animations (≤5 min)
    • Written plans, essays or data analysis (≤1000 words)
    • Storytelling or oral history (≤5 min)

    Prize categories

    • Primary (≤12 yrs): $200
    • Secondary (13–18 yrs): $300
    • Adult (18+): $500
    • Team (Family or Community): $500

    Key dates

    • Launch: Wednesday, 6 August 2025
    • Entries Close: Wednesday, 15 October
    • Winners Announced: Friday, 14 November 2025

    How to enter

    Students, staff, or families can complete the entry form via the link below or email inspiringqld@uq.edu.au. Postal entries are also accepted.

    Enquiries

    For more information about this event, visit inspiringqld.com.au

    Employment opportunity with QCAA

    The position of PEO Technologies for QCAA has now been advertised with a start date for late January 2026.

    Subjects assigned to the role are:

    • Engineering (General)
    • Engineering Skills
    • Industrial Technology Skills
    Design Technology Week - 13-19 October 2025

    Design Technology Week is almost here! Schools are encouraged to create activities to celebrate and promote Design and Technologies in their classrooms. Free resources are available on our website to help you get started: Member Resources.

    Students can enter the competition independently and winners will receive a 3D printer or iPad (winner’s choice)

    Schools can print the poster to display around their school and share their activities with us via email at designtechweek@dattaqld.org.au or tag us on social media.

    Make sure to check out the resources and start planning your celebrations!

    Useful links
    Upcoming events and important dates for 2025
    • Design and Technology Week – 13-19 October 2025

    Membership Matters – Support Your Professional Community!

    Take a moment to check your DATTA Qld membership status for 2025. Whether you hold school membership, personal membership, or both, your participation strengthens our professional association and unlocks valuable benefits throughout the year.

    Why membership matters:

    • Access to exclusive professional development opportunities
    • Networking with educators across Queensland
    • Resources and support for your teaching practice
    • A stronger voice for Design and Technologies education

    Spread the word! Consider who in your network might benefit from DATTA Qld membership. A quick conversation with colleagues about renewing or joining could make a real difference to our community’s growth and impact.

    Member spotlight

    We want to celebrate our amazing members. There are so many inspiring, hard-working Design and Technology teachers working in our State. We want to recognise your contributions to high-quality Design and Technologies Education. Nominate a colleague, or yourself, to feature in one of the DATTA QLD Member Spotlights.

    Email Expressions of Interest to socials@dattaqld.org.au.

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    Email on: socials@dattaqld.org.au

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