Change of the guard at the 26th National Print Awards

John Wanless, Bambra Press, is the new chairman of the NPA as Scot Telfer bows out after three years of change.

The first ‘new style’ NPA proved the worth of the revamped state-based Pica awards system as printers from all over enjoyed a slick and smooth presentation at Melbourne’s Crown Casino. While no one could accuse the crowd of being sedate at least there was no repeat of the full-scale riotous behaviour that marred recent events. Comperes, Gorgi Quill and Larry Emdure (pictured) restrained the high spirits to a level that allowed the presentations to proceed swiftly and without interruption.

Photo below courtesy of: www.pulsephotography.com.au.

 

 

 

Billed as the ‘Best of the Best’ the night was the culmination of an ambitious undertaking by Scott Telfer to make the NPA the arena where only those printing entries that won gold at the state-based Pica competitions were eligible. It took him three years to get all the stars to align but he deserves the industry’s heartiest appreciation for his success.

Now he steps aside from the role to concentrate on his own printing company and make way for John Wanless, an industry stalwart from Melbourne, who has spent nine years on the NPA committee and was offered the position by Printing Industries.

“This year was the first of the best-of-the-best which was well received,” he said. “The whole committee need to decide that’s the right way to go next year, but I don’t think we will be changing anything too much and hope to continue the good nights.”

Wanless’ company shone at the awards, taking out three golds in the Leaflet and folders, Booklets, catalogues and magazines saddle-stitched and Digital printing electrophotographic categories.

“It was a surprise,” said Wanless. “When I started in the business 16 years ago it was a goal of mine to win awards … to win three at the NPA is great recognition for the whole team.”

The rationalisation of the judging process this year caused a few headaches for Rod Urquhart, long-term chairman of the judging team. In particular there was no winner in the ‘innovation’ category.

He explained, “Innovation is the only area that does not consider print quality first, instead the judges seek an approach that has not been seen previously, and is not just a new combination of existing technologies.
Entries seen over a number of years have obviously represented the first time a company has undertaken a particular process or combination, but to the industry as a whole the work s not fresh.”

‘Self Promotion’ was another category that caused some confusion.

The night was tailgated by lamb promoter, Sam Kekovich, who gave his own version of how Australia has changed since his days as an AFL ruckman.