CNA Minecraft “Build the Change” Challenge 2026
Updated: 14 hours ago
The CNA Minecraft “Build the Change” Challenge 2026 brought together students from Catholic schools across Australia to explore how sacred spaces can shape faith, culture and community through digital design and storytelling.
This year’s challenge invited students in Years 3–9 to recreate a real sacred space or imagine an entirely new one using Minecraft Education or another digital design platform. Students were encouraged to consider how places can inspire reflection, strengthen community, foster belonging and express what matters to the people who use them.
Working individually or in teams of up to four, students created spaces such as churches and cathedrals, reconciliation gardens, places for prayer and reflection, and environments designed to promote peace, belonging and respect. Signs and NPCs could be incorporated into builds to explain the symbolism, design choices and meaning behind each creation.
The challenge encouraged students to combine creativity, digital skills and thoughtful reflection, using technology as a way to communicate ideas about faith, identity and community.
A National Celebration of Student Creativity
The 2026 challenge saw an outstanding response from Catholic schools across Australia, with:
2,682 students participating
412 designs created
Schools from across Australia represented
The challenge culminated in the CNA Minecraft “Build the Change” Student Showcase on 17 September 2026, providing an opportunity for students to share their creations and explain the thinking, stories and design decisions behind their work.
More Than a Build
At the heart of Build the Change was an invitation for students to think about the relationship between people, place, faith and community. Students were not simply designing impressive digital environments; they were considering what makes a space meaningful and how thoughtful design can help people feel connected, welcomed and inspired.
The challenge also provided opportunities to develop digital design, collaboration, problem-solving and communication skills—supporting CNA's broader commitment to connecting Catholic communities and creating meaningful learning opportunities through technology.
Congratulations to all 2,682 students who took part in this year's challenge and to the teachers and school communities who supported them. The breadth of ideas represented across the 412 designs demonstrated the creativity, imagination and thoughtfulness of students across Catholic education.
Thank you to every educator who created the space for students to participate, collaborate and share their ideas. Your support helped turn Build the Change into a truly national celebration of student creativity, faith and digital learning.
Year 3 & 4 Winning Project
School: Our Lady Queen of Peace Primary School, Greystanes (NSW)
Students: Charbel and Kaylon
Year 5 & 6 Winning Project
School: Our Lady of Grace School, North Beach (WA)
Students: Leo, Luka & AJ
Secondary Winning Project
School: St Bede’s College, Chisholm (NSW)
Students: Lauren
Design Excellence Winning Project
School: St Joseph's Primary, East Maitland (NSW)
Students: Elise, Thea & Olive
Stewardship through Design Winning Project
School: St Mary's Catholic School, Bowen (QLD)
Students: Hudson, Andrew, Rafferty, Knite and Oscar
Interested in viewing more?
View the winners and finalist projects here
