Clancy . . . oerflow . . . the best bits . . . funnies

According to Robert Eastment, publisher, in the latest issue of Pulp&Paper Edge the mill’s backers have secured Federal Government backing for the project. It was already declared a project of significance by the Queensland state government. Now it’s been recognized by
the Federal government, in November 2005, as
being a project of national significance. This accolade is not often awarded (with only nine being awarded
in 2004-05), and Joe Foster, ceo, says it is an acknowledgement of
the potential for the project to reduce imports and create jobs.

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Some of Australia’s largest digital print companies were represented at a different gathering in Shanghai last week when Fuji Xerox brought its Premier Partners together to explore the opportunities of cooperating in addressing the Chinese market. Established in Europe and U.S.A in 2000, the Xerox Global Graphic Arts Premier Partner Program has almost 400 members around the world. The Graphic Arts Premier Partner Program, which was launched in the Asia-Pacific region by Fuji Xerox in 2004, has become this region’s primary digital printing resource. As more Graphic Arts businesses continue to join the program, the membership in Asia Pacific alone has reached 86 companies.

If you’re using Fuji Xerox kit, it would pay you to inquire whether you can join.

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At a time when conference and trade shows are running into hard times, Adobe has emerged as the unlikely catalyst of what is likely to prove to be a seminal event. Momentum in Print 2006, January 22-24, 2006 – San Francisco Marriott, has all the inherited significance of the first Seybold shows in the 1990s. No other company has the clout to host such a show where it intends to assemble approximately 700 industry leaders including printers, Adobe vendor partners, developers, educators and association members. It’s about the technical and business issues that will impact the future the industry; technology, workflow, industry trends and business models. The format is a combination of keynote addresses, panel discussions, tutorials, debates, and demonstrations. The show is gathering momentum (sorry) and has as its major sponsors Heidelberg and Xerox, along with EFI, Kodak, Océ and Pantone. Better get in quick www.adobe.momentuminprint.com

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Tough times in the paper business, according to Jonathan Leslie, ceo of Sappi, as he brings in the year’s results for the global manufacturer. Despite lowering the amount of paper in the warehouses and working capital, the complete absence of paper price rises made for a dismal report of US$137 million loss. The only bright spot on the horizon is the proposed closure of some manufacturing capacity, mainly by Stora Enzo, which may put some firmness into the market. But it’s still going to be tough for all concerned going forward as the Chinese power up their new massive pulp and paper mills.

China is a big market but not that big.

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James Cryer of JDA is a man who likes to help. His latest success is in placing a 64-year-old estimator with one of Sydney's best-known carton printers. It breaks his previous record for senior placements, which was a 61-year old print sales rep. As he says, ”The lucky company has got a highly experienced estimator with a wealth of expertise, which they get at no extra charge. Not only that, they benefit from JDA's special discounted rates for mature age candidates. In effect, compared with a 32-year -old, they're getting twice the experience for half the price!
He says he has any number of mature-age candidates, all ready, willing and able to contribute. “This represents an untapped but valuable demographic that should be considered, in light of the so-called skills shortage.”
So if you want experience before blind enthusiasm contact James on james@jdaprintrecruit.com.au

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And finally … here’s a good seasoned bit of mother-in-law humour. It cuts double because of its finely honed ‘Take my wife’ element. Not that we have to pretend it’s anything but funny.


A farmer was working in his paddock when he noticed an odd-looking funeral procession going down the road. There were two hearses followed by a man leading a dog and then a long line of blokes following him.


He couldn't understand it so he stopped the tractor and went to talk to the man with the dog. He fell into step beside him and asked about the dog and why he was leading him and following the hearses. And what about those blokes behind?

“Well,” the man said, “See that first hearse is hauling my mother-in-law. The dog bit her and she died. The second hearse has my wife in it. My dog bit her and she died.”

The farmer walked along for a minute deep in thought and then, just as he was about to speak, the bloke cut him off, jerked a thumb at the line of men following and said, “And no, you can’t borrow him. You have to get in line.”