Women in Print Australia has had a landmark year, marked by structural reform, energetic community engagement, and a growing voice in the print and packaging industry. Lindy Hughson finds out more from chair, Stephanie Gaddin.
For Stephanie Gaddin, the standout achievement of the past year has been the creation and delivery of Women in Print’s new professional development programs – the inaugural Executive Leadership Program and the HP Indigo Scholarship, delivered in partnership with HP and Currie Group.
“For a long time, Women in Print has been known for creating spaces where women can connect, share and support one another,” Gaddin says. “These initiatives were the first time we intentionally shifted focus into building a dedicated professional development pathway at a national level.”
The Leadership Program brought together a small cohort for two intensive days in Melbourne, complemented by an invitation-only Leadership Dinner. The format proved powerful, Gaddin says, because of the diversity in the room – “women across different life and career stages” connecting and learning from each other.
The HP Indigo Scholarship also drew an impressive response, attracting women from a range of disciplines, including operations and print production. “It was the first time in our history we’ve had an offering specifically for women on the production floor,” Gaddin notes. “Both programs showed how connection and capability strengthen one another, and how learning opportunities can spark long-term collaboration.”
She believes the real success lies in proving that Women in Print can play an active role in shaping the industry’s leadership pipeline. “Investing in women’s growth doesn’t need to be complex or costly to be impactful – it just needs human connection, and an understanding that leadership looks different for each of us,” she said.
Strengthening the framework
A key organisational milestone came with the approval of new rules of incorporation, modernising the association’s governance structure and setting a foundation for long-term stability.
The process built on Women in Print’s 2020 incorporation under the Associations Incorporation Reform Act 2012 (Vic), when the group adopted the Model Rules. After members voted at the 2024 AGM to register with ASIC as a Registrable Australian Body and obtain an ARBN, the Board moved to simplify and strengthen the framework.
“The new rules are succinct, easier to read and legally robust,” Gaddin explains. “They’re also more detailed in our purpose statement – which is vital, because the Act specifies that an association can only use its funds for its stated purpose.”
The updated constitution now gives Women in Print the flexibility to introduce tiered membership categories, including options for male allies – a frequent request from industry. It also opens access to grants, funding, and a wider range of revenue opportunities.
“Practically, this means we can invest more directly in member benefits and future programs,” Gaddin says. “It’s about building stability and agility for the next decade and beyond, so the next generation knows Women in Print will be here – championing them and evolving with the times.”
She credits lawyer Charles Watson of Watson Workplace for helping proof the final document prior to submission, ensuring it was “clear, compliant, and future-flexible”.
Renewal
With the governance update complete, the association has turned its focus to board renewal and leadership transitions, opening nominations for key positions.
“Board renewal is one of the most important ways we keep Women in Print dynamic and representative of the industry we serve,” Gaddin says. “Fresh voices bring new perspectives, but continuity also matters – leaders need enough time to see their goals through before passing the baton. It’s about striking the right balance, so we maintain momentum without becoming stagnant.”
She added that joining the Board is both challenging and deeply rewarding. “It’s an opportunity to help shape the association and, in doing so, shape the industry,” she says. “I’ve had feedback from businesses who’ve seen their team members grow in confidence and leadership capability through their involvement.”
Accountability
Across the wider print landscape, Gaddin has observed meaningful progress in gender equity and inclusion. “We’re seeing real maturity in how parts of the industry approach equity,” she says. “It’s no longer about symbolic gestures but about embedding inclusivity into workplace culture – through mentoring, leadership pathways, flexible work, visible sponsorship, and vocal allyship.”
Last year, she recalls, many initiatives relied on “a few determined champions” rather than broad participation, and there was anxiety that post-election Australia might follow the US in winding back equity programs. “That fear of regression was real,” she says.
Since then, the tone has shifted. “We’ve helped move parts of the industry from conversation to action, and from awareness to accountability,” Gaddin says. “There are still some who are quietly resistant, but my hope is that as they see our programs working in practice, they’ll come around.”
Women in Print’s new skills-based programs are open to women and non-binary individuals. “Inclusion means everyone,” she emphasises. “We may not have programs for every group yet, but it’s a case of ‘on the roadmap’ rather than ‘hard no’. For me, inclusion isn’t political – it’s a cultural shift, and a leadership style that’s quietly powerful and simply good business.”
Collaboration
Running a national, volunteer-driven organisation presents its own hurdles. “Capacity has been our biggest challenge,” Gaddin admits. “Every Board member has full-time work, family or business commitments, and many volunteer elsewhere too. It’s rewarding work, but it’s relentless.”
To keep operations sustainable, the Board has embedded systems and tools to streamline administration and safeguard knowledge. These include a custom Board portal, secure cloud storage, and integrated CRM and communications platforms that allow for real-time collaboration.
“The result is a transparent structure that protects the association’s knowledge, supports its growth, and makes volunteering more sustainable,” she says.
Growth, partnerships and global links
As Women in Print looks toward 2026, Gaddin’s focus is clear – growing membership, expanding professional development opportunities, and strengthening partnerships.
“We’ll evolve the Executive Leadership Program into a year-round series held across five capital cities,” she says. “And we’re in early discussions with Currie Group to make the HP Indigo Scholarship an annual program, potentially hosted in their training centres nationwide.”
Membership growth remains a central goal. “Joining as a full or associate member directly funds our programs and provides numerous benefits,” Gaddin says.
“In short, if you believe in what we’re doing – join us or partner with us,” Gaddin concludes. “Together, we’re building a formidable, fully inclusive leadership cohort for the future.”
This article was first published in the November-December 2025 edition of Print21, page 44.