Big turnout for LIA (NSW) Graduate of the Year
One of the largest turnouts in the event's history reinforced the importance of the LIA's traditional awards. Seven young graphic arts apprentices, one female among the group, Krystal Attard, prepress, Geon Agency, covering everything from bindery to prepress faced the judges' verdict at the event in Five Dock.
Chairman of Judges, Greg Grace, indicated how tough the final decision was, declaring that less than three points separated top finalists. He made reference to the increasing quality of the participants and congratulated them all and praised the culture of the enterprises that continue to consistently nurture industry talent.
Richard Timson, regional sales manager, Heidelberg, (pictured with Benjamin Paynter) as the representative of the major sponsor, reflected that the company has been supporting the LIA Graduate of the Year for over 35 years. He made the upbeat point that this year's class was coming into an industry that was "alive and well. Everyone I talk to say they are breaking all time records," he said. The company itself has just finished its best year ever.
But the night was for the graduates and in the end only one of the seven could go ahead into the GAMAA/LIA National Final with its prize of a $15,000 scholarship. A very happy Benjamin Paynter paid tribute to his company and his bosses as he received the trophy from Timson. (Pictured).
The finalists were:- Dragan Crnogorac, printer - Craft Printing
- Sean Rickets, binder - Printworks Limited
- Aaron Traynor, binder - Chippendale Printing
- Aaron Milner, printer - Lilyfield Printing
- Krystal Attard, prepress - Geon Agency
- Benjamin Payneter, printer - Offset Alpine
- Robert Donnelly, printer - Rural Press.
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Richard Timson, regional sales manager, Heidelberg, (pictured with Benjamin Paynter) as the representative of the major sponsor, reflected that the company has been supporting the LIA Graduate of the Year for over 35 years. He made the upbeat point that this year's class was coming into an industry that was "alive and well. Everyone I talk to say they are breaking all time records," he said. The company itself has just finished its best year ever.