Australia's leading print, packaging and visual communications businesses, professionals and emerging industry leaders have been recognised at the National Print Awards, presented by the Visual Media Association (VMA).
This year's Awards attracted entries spanning commercial print, digital print, packaging, labels, creative services and marketing, reflecting the breadth of Australia's print and visual media sector.
The winners represented industry excellence across leadership, workforce development, manufacturing capability and print production, with Press Print named Print21 Printer of the Year; Angas Adcroft of MCC Labels and Laila Stevens of Eckersley Print named Emerging Talent of the Year; Katherine Puttock of Lane Print Communications named Industry Woman of the Year; Mark Rolls of IVE Group named Industry Employee of the Year; and Troy Stockings of Spicers named Industry Supplier of the Year.
At the InterContinental Brisbane on Thursday 4 June, the 41st National Print Awards brought together businesses and professionals from across print, packaging, signage, publishing and visual communications to celebrate excellence in production, design, marketing, innovation, leadership and workforce development.
Kellie Northwood, chief executive officer of the VMA, the Awards continue to showcase the strength, diversity and capability of Australia's print and visual media sector.
“The National Print Awards recognise the exceptional talent, craftsmanship and innovation that exists across our industry, from world-class print production and packaging through to leadership, workforce development and creative excellence,” Northwood said.
“This year's winners demonstrate the quality, ingenuity and technical expertise being delivered by Australian businesses every day. They reflect an industry that continues to invest in people, technology, manufacturing capability and future growth.”
Press Print awarded Print21 Printer of the Year
The coveted Print21 Printer of the Year Award was presented to Press Print, recognising outstanding achievement across multiple categories and overall excellence in print production.
Press Print also received the Judges Award for Excellence in Craft for its Jordan & John Wedding Invitation, recognised for exceptional production quality, creativity and attention to detail.
Allain Pool for Press Print said the award reflects the commitment of the entire team.
“Being named as Print21 Printer of the Year is an incredible honour for our team. This award reflects the commitment, craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into every project we produce,” he said.
“It is also recognition of the trust our clients place in us and the dedication of our people, who continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in print.”
Emerging talent and industry leadership recognised
Emerging Talent of the Year was awarded to Angas Adcroft of MCC Labels and Laila Stevens of Eckersley Print Group, both participants in The Inkers program – the VMA's national emerging talent initiative developed in partnership with founding Platinum Partner Konica Minolta Australia.
Adcroft said receiving the award was both a personal achievement and recognition of the support and opportunities available to young professionals across the industry.
“Winning Emerging Talent of the Year is a tremendous honour. This award reflects not only my own development, but also the support of the team at MCC Labels and the opportunities I’ve had through programs such as The Inkers,” Adcroft added.
“It highlights the value of investing in emerging talent and demonstrates the exciting career pathways available across the print and packaging industry.”
Northwood said the success of emerging professionals demonstrates the importance of structured industry development initiatives.
“The strength of our emerging talent reflects the value of mentorship, leadership development and workplace investment. These individuals are not only the future of our industry, but they are also already making significant contributions today,” she said.
Industry Woman of the Year was awarded to Katherine Puttock of Lane Print Communications in recognition of her leadership, industry contribution and commitment to developing people and capability across the sector.
“This recognition reflects the support of colleagues, mentors and teams throughout my career,” Puttock said.
“Our industry offers tremendous opportunities for growth, leadership and innovation, and I am passionate about encouraging more people, particularly women, to see print and visual communications as a rewarding and dynamic career.”
Industry Employee of the Year was awarded to Mark Rolls of IVE Group, recognising operational excellence, professionalism and contribution to workplace performance and culture.
“I’m honoured to receive this award. Print is a highly skilled industry that relies on teamwork, continuous improvement and a willingness to keep learning. This industry acknowledgment is very much a reflection of the people I work alongside every day,” Rolls said.
“I can't thank our amazing production and customer service team enough for their tireless support and dedication. They make me look good, which is never easy.”
Industry Supplier of the Year was awarded to Troy Stockings of Spicers, recognising outstanding contribution to supply chain excellence, customer support and industry innovation.
“Strong supplier partnerships are critical to the success of our industry. I think this award is about the importance of collaboration across the supply chain and the role suppliers play in helping customers innovate, grow and respond to changing market demands. It is a privilege to be honoured by our industry peers,” Stockings said.
International study tour to support industry development
As part of their recognition, Adcroft, Puttock, and Rolls will join the VMA's international study tour initiative, including attendance at the Power of Print Conference in London and visits to leading print, packaging and manufacturing businesses across Europe.
Northwood said the initiative reflects the industry's commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
“The study tour provides award winners with a unique opportunity to engage directly with international industry leaders, explore emerging technologies and bring new ideas and insights back to Australian businesses,” she said.
“Investing in skills, capability and leadership development remains critical to the long-term success of our sector, and this initiative helps ensure Australian businesses remain connected to global best practice.”
Category winners recognised across the industry
Beyond the major awards, recognised projects highlighted the role print continues to play in some of Australia's most significant cultural, tourism and publishing experiences.
From the National Gallery of Australia's The Annual 2025 and Visit Victoria's Official Visitor Guide to Melbourne and Victoria 2025, to the Royal Australian Mint's Six-Coin Year Set packaging and House of Namatjira, the winning work demonstrated how print continues to support audience engagement, cultural storytelling and premium brand experiences.
“These projects demonstrate the breadth of applications for print across Australia, from cultural institutions and tourism promotion through to publishing and premium consumer products,” said Northwood.
“They highlight the enduring value of well-executed print in helping organisations inform, engage and connect with their audiences.”
Major Awards
- Print21 Printer of the Year – Press Print
- Emerging Talent of the Year – Angas Adcroft, MCC Labels and Laila Stevens, Eckersley Print
- Industry Woman of the Year – Katherine Puttock, Lane Print Communications
- Industry Employee of the Year – Mark Rolls, IVE Group
- Industry Supplier of the Year – Troy Stockings, Spicers
Commercial Print
- Book Printing – National Gallery of Australia 'The Annual' 2025 by Ellikon
- Leaflets, Flyers & Brochures – Pyrmont Place by Lighthouse Print Group
- Publishing: Catalogues & Magazines – Gem Life Moreton Bay – Emerald Collection by Spot Productions
- General Print – Royal Australian Mint – Six-Coin Year Set Boxes by Rawson Print Co.
- Sign & Display – House of Namatjira by Cactus Imaging
- Stationery – Lucy Folk Stationery by Taylor'd Press
- Embellishment – Campbell & Hart by Carbon8
- Specialty & Miscellaneous – Gemlife Moreton Bay by Spot Productions
Digital Print
- Book Printing – 81 Yaranabee by Carbon8
- Leaflets, Flyers & Brochures – North Turramurra Property Brochure by Press Print
- Publishing: Catalogues & Magazines – Konica Minolta: Print21 Cover May/June 2025 by Konica Minolta
- Sign & Display – Kikki.K Log Bench – Urban Explorer Window Display by Style Print
- Stationery – Birch Wood Cover Journal with White Ink for Koh Living by Greenigo
- Event Printing – Jordan & John Wedding Invitation by Press Print
- Promotional & Merchandise – Petstock – Turning Product into Theatre by Style Print
- Embellishment – Aurecon Design Toolkit Brochure by Bambra Press
- Specialty & Miscellaneous – Diabetes Yarning by Snap Underwood
Packaging and Labels
- Packaging – Australian Sweet Co. Cockatoo Range by QLM Group
- Labels – Shaws Vanilla Vodka 700ml by Peacock Bros.
Sales & Marketing
- Self Promotion – The Styleprint Express by Style Print
- Regional Printer – Breen Printing
- Small Business Printer (Up to 12 Employees) – Sun Print
Creative Services
- Branding & Identity – Bell Art – Multi-Piece Print Collection by Rawson Print Co.
- Design – A Cut Above – The Splendorgel Collection by Spicers
- Multi-channel Campaign – Official Visitor Guide to Melbourne and Victoria 2025 by Visit Victoria