Queensland PICAs come alive

As 2007 draws to a close, Queensland celebrates a massive year of printing.

With a James Bond 07 theme, the QLD PICA Awards was the highlight of many printers' social lives. "The night is like an end-of-year celebration," explained QLD Printing Industries manager, Neal McLary.

Changes in the industry have been reflected through the awards. "Our demographic is not confined only to men in suits," McLary said. "It's very much a mixed function and a celebration that recognises technical excellence in the industry."

McLary cites a number of positives such as an increase in both attendees and awards, but it is the apprentice of the year award that stood out to him most. "This is the first time the prize has been this size," he said.

Adam Murphy of Print Works, who won apprentice of the year, received a trip to Drupa next year along with professional development course fees.

"The prize is a collaborative effort with Southbank Institute of Technology that is designed to market the industry to young people and broadcast the career opportunities available in printing to the wider community," McLary said.

For 22-year-old Murphy, winning was a truly surreal. "It was an indescribable experience," he said. "I asked people afterwards what happened: once they said my name it was like I was floating. The smile didn't come off my face all night."

Another change to take place this year was the judging format. No longer using local judges, the PICAs were instead placed in the hands of three judges from the National Print Awards.

"The move was to create consistency and conformity across the range of judging awards and to facilitate the articulation between PICAs and the National Print Awards," McLary said.

Pictured: Happy staff from Print Works, Daryl Baker, bindery supervisor, Adam Murphy, winning apprentice and Simon Rowbottom, production manager.