Brisbane (Australia) - A new student-run programme "Tarmac" launched officially in August 2010 at the Design Institute of Australia Queensland Branch AGM to prepare students for a career that is rapidly defining the future of their state.  

The programme will foster professionalism and encourage an increase of mentorship of design students in Queensland by leading design professionals.

It will offer a range of events and services aimed at improving links between students and industry including design studio visits, scholarships, lectures, networking events and portfolio review sessions for student members of the DIA.

Scott Bagnell, President of the DIA Queensland Branch said "Design students provide fresh green thinking in imagining our world and are the future leaders of contemporary design in Australia which is rapidly changing the way we live in the world today."

"Design affects all aspects of our lives and with this ubiquitous power to create change also comes a social responsibility for our actions as designers - and part of this responsibility is ensuring that tomorrow's leaders are provided the skills, support and information they need to make this positive change."

The first TARMAC event is a launch BBQ and networking event for students and industry professionals on 15 August.

Students from all design schools and universities as well as design professionals have been invited to come along to chat about the design industry and get connected with a vibrant and growing network base of the DIA Queensland Branch.

Philip Bugden, Student President of DIA Queensland Branch Student Council said "This program is very important for students as it provided a unique opportunity to network and communicate with industry professionals on a personal level - which can be a daunting task for students - and gain a better understanding of how the design industry works"

"We hope that the program will encourage greater participation in student events, increase the prominence of the DIA as a leading professional representative body for designers and students and facilitate better engagement of the design industry with the student body."

The dedicated Tarmac website is now launched and further information can be found here: http://www.thetarmacterminal.com.au/

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Design Institute of Australia Queensland Branch 
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Philip Bugden
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About Design Institute of Australia (DIA)

The Design Institute of Australia is the voice of professional design in Australia and peak professional body representing professional designers who provide specialised design services for industry sectors such as manufacturing, built environment, communications and business. The DIA has been actively improving the community recognition and status of designers since 1947. It is the only multidisciplinary organization representing designers from all design disciplines from interior and graphic designers to industrial and fashion designers. The DIA is funded primarily by member subscriptions and sponsorship from businesses with design industry connections. It is a national organisation managed by a permanent secretariat staff and directed by a board of its members elected from its state branches. It has six state branches operated by the volunteer services of its members.
www.design.org.au

About DIA Queensland Branch

The Queensland Branch operates several events throughout the year. These events aim to inspire, recognise, contribute and provide vision and information to design professionals from all professional design disciplines. Our vision is to raise awareness and increase the profile of the design profession within the community and establish Queensland as an epicentre of design innovation and creativity - where the contribution of leading Queensland designers is recognised.   
 
Scott Bagnell
DIA National Director
DIA Queensland Branch President
PR & Communications Portfolio
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