DAYS TO GO

After a standout debut in 2025, Cairns Hatchlings is back for 2026!

Cairns Hatchlings is an awards program designed to elevate emerging creative talent from across Asia-Pacific.
 
Contestants in Round 1 will respond to a variety of briefs from our charity partners and other important partners. 
 
And in Round 2, held live in Cairns, finalists will get the once-in-a-lifetime chance to compete against a brief from the UN Foundation!
 
Cairns Crocodiles will cover flights and accommodation for all finalists to compete live in Round 2.

ENTER NOW

ON-TIME ENTRY

Submit by 5 February 2026

$199 AUD + GST

per entry

LATE ENTRY

Submit by 12 February 2026

IF YOU NEED MORE TIME PLEASE SUBMIT REQUEST 

$249 AUD + GST
per entry

MORE THAN A TROPHY

More than a trophy, Cairns Hatchlings offers visibility, mentorship and a seat at the table. Participants also collaborate with charity partners to drive real-world change, ensuring creativity leads to impact.

 

Open to those with 3–8 years of experience across Audio, Design, Digital, Marketing, Media, Out of Home, PR, Publishing and Video, this is your chance to gain recognition and forge powerful industry connections.

 

Enter now and join the next generation shaping the future of creativity in Asia Pacific.

CATEGORIES

 

*New categories for 2026


Click any category to learn more about its criteria, with tips and tricks on how to win.

Learn what judges look for, and how past winners snapped up a Hatchlings award.

KEY DATES

Entries Open
Wednesday 17 September 2025

ROUND 1 DEADLINE
Thursday 5 February 2026

ROUNd 1 LATE DEADLINE
Thursday 12 February 2026

Finalists announced
Monday 16 March 2026

ROUND 2 live briefing
Tuesday 12 May 2026 (Cairns Convention Centre)

ROUND 2 LIVE PITCHES
Wednesday 13 May 2026 (Cairns Convention Centre)

ROUND 2 VIDEO PITCHES
Thursday 14 May 2026 (Cairns Convention Centre)

Awards Ceremony
Thursday 14 May 2026 (Cairns Convention Centre)

SPONSORS

Presented by

Sponsored by

Supported by

Charity Partners