Offset Alpine Printing of New South Wales was the big winner at the National Print Awards at Sydney’s Bicentennial Park on Friday night, leading the way with three gold awards. Adams Print of Victoria and Collotype Labels Australia of South Australia both took home two of the top awards.
Offset Alpine Printing of New South Wales was the big winner at the National Print Awards at Sydney’s Bicentennial Park on Friday night, leading the way with three gold awards. Adams Print of Victoria and Collotype Labels Australia of South Australia both took home two of the top awards.
The 32nd National Print Awards Presentation Dinner at Waterview in Bicentennial Park followed three days of intensive business at the just concluded PrintEx15 across the street. In opening the evening, National Print Awards Chair Susan Heaney said PrintEx had demonstrated that exciting times lay ahead for the industry, with new processes and products opening up new worlds of possibility for print service providers.
“Throughout the years, the National Print Awards has kept pace with a changing market, remaining a beacon to those striving for excellence while constantly changing to reflect industry transformation. The awards are a testimony to the energy and commitment of each and every entrant, in particular those who take home a gold, silver or bronze medal tonight, and I congratulate them all,” she said.
Media personality Emma Freedman and Media Super’s Patrick Horneman led the presentation of a total of 25 Gold, 37 Silver and 32 Bronze awards across 17 newly revised categories. On a state level, Victoria and New South Wales scored seven Gold Awards apiece – Victoria was just ahead on the total tally, with 30 medals to 27 – South Australia won five Gold, Queensland three, WA two and Tasmania one of the top awards.
The Judge’s Award for Excellence, presented by NPA chairman of judges Luke Wooldridge, was awarded to Advance Press, Western Australia, for ‘Rio Tinto 2014 Calendar’. Designed by Marco Dabala, the calendar was handled in-house by Advance Press, who printed the job on White A Artboard from Spicers.
After short presentations by ANZFTA and the LIA, the night moved to the sponsor and major awards, kicking off with three Gold Sponsor Awards from Fuji Xerox, Heidelberg Australia and Currie Group.
The Fuji Xerox Effectiveness Award was presented to Chris Norgate from McKellar Renown Press for ‘BMW Welcome Pack – 2014 Connected Edition’. Produced for designer One 20, the pack was printed by McKellar Renown on a combination of Knight Vellum, Hanno Art Silk, Sirio Transclucent and Fuji Xerox Presentation Film, supplied by K.W. Doggett Fine Paper, Spicers and Fuji Xerox. It was finished by McKellar Renown and Marvel Bookbinding, with embellishment by Avon Graphics.
The Heidelberg Australia Award for Excellence this year was presented to Kelvin Gage from Dominion Print Group, NSW, for his company’s entry, ‘What we mean when we say…’, which also took out a Gold Medal in the Self Promotion category. The 2015 winning entry, a multi-piece presentation, was designed by Dominion Print Group and printed by the company on Sovereign A2 and Mowhawk Via from K.W. Doggett Fine Paper and BJ Ball Papers respectively. It also features embellishment by Avon Graphics and Allkotes.
The Currie Group Award for Brilliant Images in Print this year was presented in recognition of 'the critical importance of images in printed applications.' Judged from all NPA entries, it rewards images used in an innovative way to enhance the effectiveness of the printed piece.
This year, it was taken out by perennial NPA gold medal winner Michael Warshall from NULAB, for the book ‘Mens Shed Photography’, which was designed by the client, Craig Wetjen, and digitally printed by NULAB on Flexbind Lustre from Holmberg. NULAB also handled the finishing.
Finally, in a new National Award designed to recognize the contribution to the print industry by an outstanding individual, Malcolm Buckner of The Buckner Group, Queensland, was named the inaugural Media Super Industry Legend.
“The Industry Legend award not only recognises those who have achieved success and longevity, but who have introduced innovative practices, demonstrated industry leadership, earned the respect of his or her peers and made a contribution to the community outside of the industry," said Media Super CEO Graeme Russell. "Industries need leaders and legends if they are to flourish and Media Super is proud to honour Malcolm Buckner."
Chair of the judging panel Susan Heaney, also a Media Super director, said, “Malcolm has always maintained the staple practice of putting ink on paper while also diversifying into new territory including client print management, design, print and storage and multi-point distribution. He has been a stalwart of Printing Industries (previously PATEFA) throughout almost 37 years in the Industry. Malcolm is regarded as one of the most committed and longest serving honoraries of Printing Industries and had an active role across a wide range of association activities, including included complex industry negotiations with state and local government and the establishment of the inaugural Printing Industry Craftsmanship Awards (PICA) in the late 1990s.
“Additionally, he worked with the Association on education and training initiatives, the development of industry environmental credentials and Industry quality standards. Friends and colleagues know him as someone who has consistently pushed the boundaries of the industry beyond “just putting ink on paper. While his primary passion is for the printing industry, Malcolm’s energy and enthusiasm also impact on the broader community. Under his direction The Buckner Group provide practical support for the Salvation Army’s community work. Malcolm Buckner – you are a true Legend!”
With the awards out of the way, singer Wendy Matthews brought some of her memorable melodies to a soulful performance. Later, guests took to the dance floor to the stylings of event band the Skylarks, celebrating an event where industry achievement took centre stage, friendships were renewed and revitalized, and a week of information and inspiration was brought to a fitting conclusion.
A complete list of National Print Awards winners can be found here.
The official awards night photo gallery is here. And then there were these guys.
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