Medal tally down for National Print Awards

Competition is still as tough for this year’s National Print Awards, with less medals being awarded to entrants.

The gruelling two-day judging of 208 entries took place over 12-13 February at Printing Industries’ headquarters in Melbourne, resulting in the awarding of 82 medals: 28 gold, 29 silver and 25 bronze.

NPA chairman of judges, Rod Urquhart, admitted that the number of medals awarded was lower than in previous years due to the change in structure whereby entry into the NPA depends upon winning a state-based PICA.

“2008-09 is a transitional year for the awards, and it was not possible to fully align competition categories and dates across all states and territories,” he said.

“We did not get a full complement of entries from some areas, but now that the new format is fully in place, categories in all state PICAs will be coordinated by next year.”

Pictured: Owen King gives an entry a thorough examination.

Urquhart was joined by fellow judges, Colin Straughan, Owen King, Danny Roach, Mark Bloustein, Andrew Neale and Jim Richardson. He believes that there is a very fine line between separating the winners from other entries.

“Often the final selection comes down to the tiniest detail,” Urquhart said.
“Every entrant can be very proud of what they have achieved and of the role they are playing in raising standards in the Australian industry.”

Winners of the 26 National Print Awards will be announced at the Presentation Dinner on 29 May, which coincides with PacPrint.