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About Datta Queensland

About DATTA QLD

DATTA Qld is the latest name for an organisation that has operated since 1963. Originally the Queensland Manual Arts Teachers Association, QMATA supported Queensland Manual Arts teachers from 1963 to 1994 when the association changed names to become INTAD, Industrial Technology and Design Teachers’ Association. The association changed its name again in 2015 to become the Design and Technology Teachers’ Association of Queensland Inc. (DATTA Qld). These changes have been reflective of the complex and evolving nature of our curriculum area.

Having a common name for all Design and Technology teachers and their professional associations allows for greater public recognition of the work we do, as well as more productive relationships with industry, government and organisations.

DATTA Qld is affiliated with:

  • various other educational associations
  • Design and Technology partner associations in other Australian states and territories
  • and our national body the Design And Technology Teachers’ Association of Australia.

DATTA Qld sends representatives to DATTA Australia meetings and events to keep up to date with changes in Design and Technology education and also strives to promote cross-curricular liaison by coordinating with the Joint Council of Queensland Teaching Associations.

DATTA Qld is dedicated to the development of Design and Technology education in Queensland schools and includes financial members from across the state, in all sectors of education; primary, secondary and tertiary. The association is not for profit and managed by teacher volunteers, with elections to the state executive annually.

MISSION

Design and Technology Teachers’ Association Queensland (DATTA Qld) exists to serve our members by providing professional development and networking to support the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based pedagogy, and curriculum-aligned teaching and learning.

DATTA Qld advocates for the Design and Technology teaching profession and design technology education with government bodies, industry and tertiary institutions.

Vision

Empowering the Design and Technology teaching profession to deliver quality education and to equip students with 21st century skills for current and emerging careers

Values

member-focused

member-focused

Committed to serving our members in our endeavours.

integrity

Integrity

Upholding the highest standards of respect and fairness.

passionate

passionate

Fostering engaging and stimulating learning experiences whilst embracing change.

DATTA Qld Committee

The Design and Technology Teachers’ Association of Queensland (DATTA Qld) is led by a dedicated committee of experienced educators who are passionate about promoting and supporting excellence in Design and Technology education across the state.

The committee comprises Carol-Anne Dukin as the President, Jamie Lay as the Secretary, and Stephen Anderson as the Treasurer. These individuals bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise gained through decades of combined experience in teaching, curriculum development, and leadership roles within the Design and Technology field.

Carol-Anne Durkin

President

Carol-Anne has been deeply involved in Design & Technologies (D&T) education for over 20 years across two continents. After starting her teaching career in Glasgow in 2002, she took on a Head of Department role in Oban, Scotland before relocating to Australia in 2013.

Her first Australian posting was at Holy Spirit College in Mackay before moving to Ferny Grove State High School in Brisbane in 2020. After a distinguished classroom teaching career, Carol-Anne recently joined the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority in 2023 as a Principal Education Officer for Technologies.

Since 2016, Carol-Anne has been an active leader within the DATTA Queensland community - first on the conference sub-committee before taking on the Secretary position in 2020. She joined the state committee to connect with fellow passionate D&T educators across Queensland as she navigated a new school system.

As President, she leads strategy and operations for DATTA Queensland. Her key responsibilities include facilitating discussions, promoting educators' well-being, liaising with stakeholders like the Education Department, and promoting professional development initiatives to support teaching excellence state-wide.

Carol-Anne derives great satisfaction from bringing together fellow passionate educators at DATTA's annual conference and forums. She also enjoys observing first-hand the outstanding work of students and teachers across Queensland.

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Jamie Lay

Secretary

Jamie Lay is a passionate STEMx and Industrial Design Technology teacher at Ferny Grove State High School, bringing innovation and enthusiasm to the classroom. With four years of teaching experience and three years as a DATTA Qld committee member. His commitment to fostering creativity and critical thinking in students is evident in his educational approach.

Jamie’s enthusiasm for design, technology, and STEM has led to notable achievements and a deep understanding of effective teaching practices. His involvement with DATTA Qld reflects his dedication to professional development and collaboration within the field.

As Secretary, Jamie manages scheduling, agendas, minutes, newsletters, social media, general correspondence and previously led initiatives like the Student Awards and Design Technology Week. He loves seeing students' design innovations and enjoys the camaraderie amongst the committee focused on empowering educators.

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Stephen Anderson

Treasurer

Stephen Anderson is a dedicated Design and Technology teacher with a unique journey in education. After graduating in 1990 and teaching for two years, he ventured into small business ownership before returning to teaching in 2017. Currently serving as a Teacher and Subject Area Co-ordinator at Nanango SHS, Stephen is also an active member of DATTA Qld, where he produces podcasts and coordinates teacher awards.

With a passion for innovative education and a belief in continuous improvement, Stephen finds joy in inspiring both students and fellow educators. His diverse interests, including woodturning and cycling, reflect his dynamic approach to life and learning.

In his role as the treasurer, Stephen oversees all aspects of DATTA Qld's finances, including the submission of quarterly BAS, ensuring timely bill payments, and collaborating with the secretariat to ensure smooth operations.

Beyond his financial responsibilities, Stephen cherishes the camaraderie and collaboration among fellow committee members. Being part of this dedicated team allows him to engage with like-minded individuals who share a passion for Design and Technology education and strive to make a positive impact on the profession.

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Join the DATTA Qld Committee

Being part of the DATTA Qld committee offers numerous rewarding opportunities for passionate Design and Technology educators. Committee members gain invaluable networking connections and the chance to collaborate with like-minded professionals from across the state. The committee plays a vital role in advocating for teachers’ needs and promoting professional development initiatives. Additionally, members have the chance to contribute their expertise, ideas, and leadership to support teaching excellence in Design and Technology.

Those interested in joining this dynamic team and making a meaningful impact on the future of the profession are encouraged to express their interest by emailing secretary@dattaqld.org.au. This is an excellent way to further your professional growth, expand your horizons, and be a driving force in the Design and Technology education community.

Our Vision

Empowering the Design and Technology teaching profession to deliver quality education and to equip students with 21st century skills for current and emerging careers
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