PrintNSW Excellence Awards call for entries

Don't forget next year's National Print Awards entry is only available through the state-based awards. Get your entries in.

The call for entries has now gone out across the State for NSW's premier printing industry showcase, the PrintNSW Excellence Awards. Entries close at 5pm on  Friday 29 August 2008.

Launching the Excellence awards, the Chairman of the National Print Awards, Scott Telfer, reminded companies that "the only way a printer can now win a National Print Award is by first winning Gold in their chosen category at their respective State Award. In this way the State Awards have become the gateway to the NPAs which will now truly reflect the 'best of the best' from next year," he said.

The number of categories for this year's PrintNSW Awards has double from last year to 38 - with 30 of these now covering all print sectors of the industry.

Printing Industries' general manager NSW, Robert Fuller, said that one of the most important changes for regional and smaller companies was the adoption of a request from a mid-North-Coast printer who last year lobbied to have the inclusion of a new category, 'print on any substrate / by any process / with any number of colours from businesses with less than 10 employees'.

"This was an excellent suggestion which we supported and have now included in this year's awards," he said.

"It's important that we keep refining the Awards process and categories to reflect the market and to ensure that the prestige and commercial marketing advantage that attaches to winning an Award is enshrined: plus they're not seen as being just for the big end of town."

"These Awards stand for Pride in Print. It's so much more than just about winning an award. It's a statement about having pride in our industry; having confidence in our product; demonstrating to our clients that we can – and do – produce a world class communication medium that delivers their message.

"The excitement of entering the awards is about printers saying to their staff, their suppliers, and their clients that they are a top-flight printing firm that believes in the quality of their output. Win, lose or draw – they have the confidence to stand up to be counted on behalf of their industry – the one they make a living from – and the one they are passionate to promote," Fuller said.

Major sponsors so far who have confirmed (or are pending) for the 2008 NSW Awards include: Heidelberg Australia, FujiFilm, Bottcher Systems Ltd, Man Ferrostaal Australia Pty Ltd, Lanier Australia, Raleigh Paper, Edwards Dunlop, CPI Group, Dalton Fine Paper, Spicers Paper, Applied Training Solutions, The Laminating Company and Servicom.

Fuller said that with this year's NSW Awards doubling in size following the changes to the national awards system, more than 400 entries were expected and more than 500 attendees anticipated to attend the Gala Ceremony on 10 October at the multi-award-winning Doltone House at Pyrmont.

"Given the increased categories and the timetable delay caused by drupa there still remain many sponsorship opportunities – but time is running out and any firms wanting to align their business with the biggest and most prestigious showcase of excellence for the NSW printing industry should contact Natalie or myself at Printing Industries as matter of urgency on 02 8789 7300," he said.