There are many competitions available to Australian designers and design students.
Some have generous prizes that lead to greater opportunities.
Each of of the State-based fashion festivals have awards. Others are conducted by government, industry bodies, colleges and private entities.
Banksia Environmental Awards
Regarded as the most prestigious environmental awards in Australia, with multiple categories including the Water Award, the Clean Technology Award and the SME Business Sustainability Award.
Congratulations to fair trade clothing company 3Fish, nominated in 2011 for both the Leading In Sustainability - Setting The Standard For Small Organisations award and the People's Choice Award.
2011 winners were announced at the Awards Presentation ceremony on October 28 and are listed on the Banksia Environmental Foundation website.
The Textile Institute National Student Design Awards
The annual Textile Institute Southern Australian Section (TISA) design competition is for full time fashion students across Australia. It provides students with the opportunity to participate in an exciting competition that brings together industry partners and potential employees - the future of the TCF industry.
Awards are held annually, and registrations open up each June.
Australian International Design Awards
The AIDA program has been rewarding design and innovation excellence in Australia for more than 50 years. The AIDA accepts professionally designed products and services across many sectors, including 'Architectural and Interior Products' for textile design.
Entries for 2012 open on 1st Feb, and close on 30 March.
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The George Alexander Foundation/ISS Institute Fellowship
Awarded annually, the George Alexander Foundation/ISS Institute Fellowship is an overseas fellowship open to technical/trades people and artisans under 35 years of age to further develop their skills, knowledge and experience and assist in the reduction of skill deficiencies in key Australian industries.
Subscribe to the ISS mailing list for news about upcoming fellowships.
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Premier's Design Awards (Victoria)
The Premier’s Design Awards highlight initiatives where design has been used effectively, sustainably and strategically to innovate, increase productivity and/or boost competitiveness and exports. It is the investment in and success through design that the awards seek to celebrate.
Register for email updates at www.stateofdesign.com.au for information about the award.
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Australasian Student Design Awards
Student design awards with multiple categories, including textile design.
Entry is open to students currently studying full time equivalent or apprentice tertiary courses at a Certificate III, Certificate IV, Diploma or Advanced Diploma or Degree level, or graduated from any of these courses in Semester 2 of the previous year.
2011 winners are up on the website.
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