WOMEN'S BREAKFASTS DELIVER INSIGHTS

By Wayne Robinson | 2 May 2025

The 2025 Women in Print Breakfast Series has concluded, with the events delivering connections between the industry’s women and allies across the nation, and delivering valuable insights to inform future Women in Print programmes.

*Hobart: (l-r) Kristy Dowsing, Full Gamut; Natalie Veryard, Mercury Walch; and Rita Karagiannis, Women in Print VIC/TAS patron*

Running across seven cities this year, the series saw a marked increase in attendance in both Brisbane and Perth. Overall, the series attendance was slightly lower than in previous years, which has been attributed to the adjusted dates of this year’s series in April, planned to avoid clashes with industry show PacPrint 2025, as well as Fespa Berlin, and the National Print Awards, all running in May.

Those who did attend found plenty of value in the breakfasts, which shared a common theme, Nourish to Flourish, but featured different presenters and programmes in each state.

*Brisbane: QLD patron Kerry Anne Boyd (left) with Print21 National sales manager Marni Groves*

The Melbourne event featured physical health and wellbeing guru and podcaster Craig Harper, who challenged and encouraged delegates with his insights on Being Your Optimal Self, and in Canberra, singer, performer and business woman Teresa Wojcik shared how to look, feel and present at your best.

Hard work pays off: At the Women in Print Melbouirne Breakfast are (l-r) Rita Karagiannis, Craig Harper and Stephanie Gaddin — *Melbourne (l-r) Rita Karagiannis, Craig Harper and Stephanie Gaddin*

In Adelaide, health and wellbeing expert Brenda Snyman spoke about overcoming counterproductive beliefs and reconnecting with happiness, resilience, and creativity, while a revamped event in Hobart – the only lunch of the series – provided a great opportunity for the industry’s women to connect and discover the benefits of being part of the Women in Print Community.

Sydneysiders were treated to a panel on mental health and wellbeing, featuring community leader and advocate, Sarah Cassim, strategic physchotherapist and mindset coach, Samantha Flook, well known Industry mental health advocate Steven Gamble; and Ball & Doggett’s Que Nhi Makar.

*Perth: Sharon Gleeson (left), main speaker, with Kimberley Skinner, WA patron*

In Canberra, singer, performer and businesswoman Teresa Wojcik discussed how to look, feel and present at your best,

The series finished in Brisbane where delegates enjoyed an interactive session emceed by Stacey ‘Ranger Stacey’ Thomson, in which Michelle Anne and Diane McKendrick from Those2Sisters guided attendees through the power of the mind, connecting head and heart, and the importance of forging sisterly connections.

This year’s events received positive feedback from attendees across all locations, with survey responses highlighting the strong sense of community, inspiring speakers, and seamless organisation. Most participants rated the events highly for value, relevance, and professionalism, noting the welcoming atmosphere and opportunities for meaningful industry connection.

Attendees also shared valuable ideas for future events, such as increasing regional access and offering more networking sessions - highlighting a strong appetite for continued engagement and growth in 2026 and beyond.

Stephanie Gaddin, Chair of Women in Print Australia, expressed her gratitude to attendees, speakers, and sponsors who made the national series possible.

“This year’s theme, Nourish to Flourish, reminded us all to take the time to refuel and reconnect - so we can thrive, not just at work, but in all aspects of life,” said Women in Print chair Stephanie Gaddin, adding “The feedback we’ve received highlights just how impactful and necessary these gatherings are for our community.”

The Women in Print Australia Board also extended thanks to its national sponsors and supporters, whose contributions continue to make the Breakfast Series possible. These include ally sponsors Durst Oceania, Media Super, and Ricoh Australia; champion sponsors Access Print Holdings and Cactus Imaging; as well as a network of association supporters, and media partners.

Across the country various community sponsors also contributed to make each event successful, including Ball & Doggett, Delmont Insurance, Stockman Paper Merchants, Perth Office Supplies, as well as print partners Bowden Print Group in Adelaide.

The 2025 series reaffirms the importance of community, visibility, and shared wisdom within the print, packaging, signage and visual communication industries, and sets the stage for the 2025 Women in Print HP Indigo Training Scholarship which opens for applications in May. Interested parties can download an application information pack at https://bit.ly/WIP-HP-Indigo2025.