ATA Rising Star Award
In 2017, The Australian Toy Association (ATA) announced the introduction of a prestigious new Award the ATA Rising Star Award.
The Award was created with the intention of recognising and celebrating the industry’s bright young stars who are making a name for themselves in Australia and around the world.
The award is judged by a panel of independent judges and nominations must be based on individual’s, aged 35 or under, who have 10 years or less experience in the industry. This can include their leadership, impact on a business’ culture, significant achievements or any other factor a nominee deems significant.
To view all previous Rising Star winners click here.
2026 Rising Star
Heather Somers – BBC Studios
Heather is a passionate and dynamic marketer whose creativity and strategic thinking have made a tangible impact on the Bluey brand. As Marketing Manager for Bluey in ANZ, she has been instrumental in shaping innovative, fan-first strategies and delivering high-impact campaigns that consistently achieve measurable results.
Managing a complex ecosystem of 40+ licensees, Heather ensures seamless execution across marketing campaigns and product launches. She acts as a true custodian of the Bluey brand, balancing integrity with bold innovation, and excels at aligning multiple stakeholders to deliver cohesive, culturally resonant programs.
Her contributions span some of Bluey’s most significant brand moments, including leading content marketing strategies for Bluey’s World Brisbane and the major ‘Hammerbarn’ collaboration with Bunnings Warehouse, overseeing Bluey’s Christmas in the 2023 iconic Myer Christmas windows, as well as driving branded activations such as the recent Duck Cake Cafe pop-up in Sydney’s Bondi Junction. These high-impact initiatives have resonated globally, strengthened Bluey’s position as the #1 preschool property in ANZ, and reinforced the brand’s cultural impact.
Heather exemplifies what it means to be a rising star: strategic, creative, collaborative, and relentlessly focused on delivering results for fans, partners, and the brand.