Record attendance at LIA Heidelberg NSW Graduate of the Year Awards

25 years on, the highly regarded industry skills award is going from strength to strength.

Anna Moran from the Central West Group of Apprentices won the prestigious Apprentice of the Year award at a well-attended awards ceremony last night. The enthusiastic prepress operator is a graduate of the Sydney Institute, TAFE NSW.

She overcame stiff opposition from the other seven finalists in what Greg Grace, chief judge, said was an even better standard than ever. As winner she will enter into the bi-annual national competition in October next year against graduates from all states. The successful Graduate will receive a $15,000 scholarship.

The turnout of 165 industry professionals and supporters at the Awards can be regarded as a vote of confidence in the stewardship of Bob Lamont, who in his term as Executive Officer, has been influential in reviving the NSW state branch. The membership of the LIA is based on individuals, not companies and its continuing popularity is a strong sign of industry engagement.

Caption: Family, facilitator and teacher – Anna Moran, 2007 LIA Heidelberg NSW Graduate of the Year was well supported by mum Jill Moran, Bob Lamont, LIA and Mark Stegman, her teacher at graphic prepress, Sydney Institute.

A strong line-up of candidates: Allan Moar, Wazzup Screen Printing; Jason Seymour-Munn, Craft Printing; Ali Bazzi, Hannan Print; Matthew Hayne, HVS Solutions; Joshua Merrin, Braddon Printing; Anna Moran, Central West Group of Apprentices; Amanda Wright Cumberland Newspapers; Kethachine Siyavong, McMillan Print.