PIAA president Ross Black, appointed just a couple of weeks ago, has resigned days before a SGM called to address member dissatisfaction over the way the association is being run. Deputy Kieran May will step into the acting president role.

Departing Printing Industries CEO Jason Allen cleaned out his desk at PIAA headquarters at Chatswood in Sydney on Friday and will not be returning. Allen announced his shock resignation just before Christmas and had planned to leave at the end of March.

Organisers extended the closing date for entries in this year’s Media Super National Print Awards but all entries must be received by close of business this Friday, 19 February. The winners will be announced at the 33rd National Print Awards Presentation Dinner in Melbourne on Friday 20 May, 2016.

Consumer watchdog the ACCC has given Australia’s biggest plastic packaging manufacturer Pact Group the go-ahead to acquire NSW plastics manufacturer Power Plastics. Both companies manufacture PET and non-beverage rigid plastic containers in New South Wales.

Brisbane-based print management and digital publishing specialist IPG Connect has installed a new Daeho guillotine paper cutter as it continues to automate its workflow technology and boost productivity. "We had a very smooth install with no problems and it’s doing everything we had hoped."

New president Ross Black has defended the PIAA board against what he describes 'the false picture being painted’ in recent media scrutiny. In a lengthy statement, Black said reports portraying 'a mass exodus of good people from the PIAA' were 'simply incorrect.'

The RBA has been forced to change locks and repair security cameras at its printing plant in Melbourne after a scientist responsible for burning damaged banknotes instead pocketed almost $1 million. Police allege the man bought a $125,000 Mercedes and enjoyed trips to Europe.

Packaging group Orora has recorded a 27 per cent jump in its half year net profit despite what it described as ‘muted economic conditions’ across Australasia and North America. Overall revenue climbed 13.9 per cent to $1.9 billion.

Leading supplier Currie Group will bring its iconic mobile showroom to Visual Impact Brisbane 2016 in April. Visitors to the Currie stand will be able to see the latest equipment from the likes of HP Indigo, Horizon and Foliant, covering prepress workflow, digital print and automated finishing.

Mail Boxes Etc. Camberwell of Victoria has won this year’s Franchisee of the Year award at the MBE Franchise National Conference on the Gold Coast. MBE Lane Cove was awarded the NSW/ACT Franchise of the year and MBE Brisbane CBD won QLD Franchise of the year.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are a nefarious class of chemicals that are widely used in the graphics trade, in all sorts of things from plastics to ink. Sustainability consultant Laurel Brunner looks at the challenge of regulating the industry's VOC chemical emissions.

Fuji Xerox Australia has opened a new Canberra office that will focus on supporting the federal government’s digital transformation strategy. The 'multi million-dollar operation' is closer to key customers including DFAT, the AFP, the Attorney-General's Department and others.

Global press giant Heidleberg has posted a €60 million turnaround in third quarter profit after a strategic shift that boosted its digital and services divisions. It’s a similar story at Heidleberg Australia, with MD Richard Timson reporting a solid performance from all three local divisions.

Registrations are open for Visual Impact – Brisbane 2016, the next major trade show from supplier association Visual Connections. The event showcases latest technologies in signage, digital printing, engraving, routing, awards, vinyl application, design, airbrush art, trophy, screen printing and display.

Schawk Australia, the local arm of global prepress company Schawk, has won two top prizes at the ANZFTA awards. Schawk and partner Amcor Flexibles were recognised for graphic production and colour management for clients Campbell Arnott’s and Nestlé.

Canon has released the latest addition to its best-selling range of mid-volume UV flatbed printers designed for sign and display producers. The 4th generation of the award-winning Océ Arizona Series flatbed printer has been developed to support a range of rigid and flexible media applications.