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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 Mark McMullin as the President, Carol-Anne Dukin as the Secretary, and James Lansbury 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.

Mark McMullin

President

Mark is an experienced Design & Technologies (D&T) teacher who has dedicated nearly 26 years to shaping young minds in the field. After graduating in 2001, he started his teaching career in Biloela, Central Queensland. Despite being thrown into the deep end early on as the only remaining D&T teacher, Mark stepped up to take on the subject area coordinator responsibilities for eight years.

Mark moved to Nambour State College in 2013 for six years, with a brief stint as Head of Department at Emerald State High School. Mark then settled at Gladstone State High School to be nearer to family, where he currently teaches.

Beyond the classroom, Mark has been an active DATTA Queensland committee member since 2012 when membership numbers were critically low. He took on the Secretary role in 2013 before being elected President the next year - a position he still holds. Mark joined the committee out of a firm belief that a robust state association is necessary to advocate for D&T teachers' needs in shaping future syllabuses and curriculum direction.

As President, he leads strategy and operations for DATTA Queensland. His 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.

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

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Carol-Anne Durkin

Secretary

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

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James Lansbury

Treasurer

James’s career as a Design and Technology educator spans over two decades. He embarked on his teaching journey in 2001 after graduating from Griffith University's Bachelor of Technology Education program as a mature-age student.

Throughout his career, James has been employed by Education Queensland, lending his expertise to various schools across the state. He has taught at Charleville SHS, Pittsworth SHS, Harristown SHS (Toowoomba), Loganlea SHS, Marsden SHS, Browns Plains SHS and Centenary SHS (Toowoomba). Currently, he is back at Harristown SHS, continuing to inspire and guide students in the field of Design and Technology.

James's involvement with DATTA Qld (formerly known as INTAD QLD) began in 2011 when he joined the committee as the treasurer. His decision to join the committee was driven by a desire to contribute to the organisation and support its mission after previously serving as the treasurer for the Darling Downs branch of INTAD.

In his role as the treasurer, James 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, James 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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