Robert Black walks from RMIT

Shock refusal of teaching contract for RMIT’s Robert Black angers printing industry.

The well-known director (pictured) at International Centre of Graphic Technology School of Design (TAFE) RMIT University resigned from his position at the school last week after being offered a superannuation option.

He did not believe that this spelt the end of his time at RMIT. “I indicated to the university that I’d like to resign and requested a contract,” Black said. “That contract was denied.”

The news was a blow to Black, who has been a driving and prominent figure within RMIT’s print school. “I was very disappointed that the contract position was not offered to me after all I had done over the years,” he admitted. “The International Centre of Graphic Technology is one of the best centres in the country and has a great infrastructure and support from the industry.”

Recently HP donated a new HP Designjet Z3200 photo printer to the school. At PacPrint, HP and the Currie Group also donated an Indigo 1000, Indigo 5000,  refurbished Shinohara two press and a HP wide format inkjet printer

Ron Patterson, general manager of Printing Industries, Victoria and Tasmania, said that the news “came as a shock” for both Printing Industries and the industry as a whole. Patterson will meet with RMIT’s pro vice chancellor later this week where he will be joined by representatives from Heidelberg, the Currie Group and Fuji Xerox.

Black, who is currently based in Melbourne, is taking some time out and will wait until the new year to decide which direction to take next. “I’m in a position where I have a network in Australia and South East Asia and will look at opportunities that come up,” he said.

RMIT is yet to find a replacement for Black, who served as director since 2006 after acting in the role from 2004. Those wanting to farewell Black in person can find him at this Friday's LIA Awards in Sydney.