DATTA Qld Newsletter
September 2025
Dear Colleagues,
As Term 3 comes to a close, we are excited to share a range of updates and opportunities with you.
In this edition, you will find details on Term 4 professional development sessions, a “Save the Date” for the 2026 DATTA Qld State Conference, the QLD Flood Innovation Challenge, student awards, and more! We hope these initiatives inspire and support your teaching and your students’ learning.
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 - week 4 & 5 PD
In Term 4, we will be running two PD’s on Wednesdays in Weeks 4 and 5!
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
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
DATTA Qld Student Awards
We have received a large number of entries into the 2025 DATTA Qld Student Awards! We are sifting through these now and we will be putting entries out to vote in their relevant categories early in Term 4! Watch our socials for details and vote for your students!
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
DATTA Qld Student Awards – Voting – Early Term 4
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.
Contribute to our monthly newsletter
We encourage our members to contribute to our monthly newsletter! Please contact us if you have any articles or information that you think could be included in future newsletters.
Email on: socials@dattaqld.org.au
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