Debbie Burgess is new Women in Print NSW Patron

Bright Print Group joint managing director, and well known industry identity Debbie Burgess, is the new NSW Patron for industry association Women in Print.

Burgess said, “I have had a wonderful career within the print industry, and to now have the opportunity to be the NSW Patron for Women in Print, a terrific organisation that has given so much to me working in this industry, is a real honour. I am really looking forward to working with the Women in Print team and patrons.”

Susan Heaney, chair of Women in Print, and managing director of Heaney’s Performers in Print said, “I am thrilled to have Debbie on the Board as the NSW Patron to share ideas, support and continue to build the wonderful momentum of the Women in Print initiatives."

“The process was a difficult one, with solid candidates applying. The Board had a very difficult decision on their hands, however, Debbie was a standout with her reputation, passion and leadership credentials."

She succeeds former incumbent Natalie Taylor, who left the industry for a tree change late last year.

In another change to the Patrons, Marisa Smyrneos from Graphic Print Group, who was the joint SA Patron with Sandy Aspinall, has stepped down after four years with Women in Print, as she departs for maternity leave.

Debbie Burgess is the joint managing director of Bright Print Group, a third generation family business that employs 110 staff at two sites, in Wetherill Park and Newcastle.

This year is her 31st year with the organisation, and together with her brother, John Bright, they have grown and transformed the Bright Print Group into one of Australia’s most highly-awarded and certified print and related services companies.

Debbie studied for an Associate Diploma in Accounting (Honours) in her early years, after starting Law, and became a Member of the Institute of Professional Accountants. She later went on to achieve a Master’s Degree in Business from MGSM and is a graduate of the Institute of Company Directors.

She has sat on numerous industry and community boards over the last 20 years, including steering committees for workers compensation and Workcover reforms. In 2016, she was awarded the Western Sydney University’s Women of the West Award for her contribution to business in Western Sydney, along with her philanthropic work.

Last year, Women in Print relaunched, now registered as an independent entity, and the new Board includes all Patrons [Susan Heaney (QLD), Sandy Aspinall (SA), Kirsten Taylor (VIC), Lisa Blachut (WA)], and industry partners Kellie Northwood of The Real Media Collective, and Sarah Moore, Visual Communications.

Susan Heaney, the original founder of Women in Print and no stranger to leadership across the industry – she was president of the PIAA (today PVCA) and sits on the Media Super board – was appointed chair. She will be supported by Sandy Aspinall as deputy chair.

The Real Media Collective (TRMC) has taken over management, re-launched the brand, and is building mentor and international alliance programmes following the inaugural Breakfast Series.

“The Breakfast Series has always been the hallmark of the Women in Print offering and this year it will kick off a lot of our foundation activities. We are currently finalising our guest speaker, venues and dates. Covid has impacted timings as venues are difficult to finalise, however, the Women in Print Board has already met this year and working hard on finalising sponsors and event logistics. Any organisations who would like to support the Breakfast Series or Women in Print please do not hesitate to contact us. This is an important organisation for our industry and one we can all benefit from enriching,” said Kellie Northwood, CEO, TRMC.