Big year of awards for Platypus Graphics

Tom Lusch’s Platypus Graphics continues its winning streak, taking the lion’s share of awards at this year’s Queensland PICAs.

The Brisbane company took out nine golds at last week’s PICAs, ending what has been a major year awards-wise. At this year’s National Print Awards, Platypus Graphics took home four awards, including the PaperlinX prize, making it the big winner on the night.

Lusch was less than effusive when Print21 asked how the victory felt: "Good," he replied. Pressed further, he commented: "Last year we won more than anyone else and this year we've done the same nationally ... we're on a roll and that's about all I can tell you." The awards speak for themselves, it seems.

Printing Industries general manager for Queensland, Neal McLary, said that the triumph was not out of the ordinary for a company with a reputation for winning awards. “Platypus did exceptionally well as usual,” he said.

Pictured below: Simon Carmody of Spot Productions receives the award from Garry Gray at Fuji Xerox.

McLary was particularly pleased to see Spot Productions win the judges’ award. “It was a great way to end the night,” he said. “We have a lot of companies who regularly win, so it was nice for someone to come out of left field.”

According to McLary, over 300 people attended to event at the Sofitel in Brisbane, a number which is down slightly but, be says, reflects the current state of the industry. Entries, however, were up by 25 per cent on last year.

For Simon Pugh, manager of QLM Label Makers, winning one gold, along with three for Label Print Systems, which he also owns, was a highlight. “It’s very important because it focuses our production guys on the importance of quality and shows our clients that we have the highest standard,” he told Print21.

Pictured: Rory McElwee (Label Print Systems), Sven Saric (Label Print Systems), Simon Pugh (QLM Label Makers), Anissa Foster (Ossie Labels).

For the full list of gold winners, click here.