Printing Industries Association of Australia is honouring the tradition of the Wayzgoose in the first of its state-based Printing Industries Craftsmanship Awards (PICA) events in November.
Originally an entertainment given by a master-printer to his workmen marking the beginning of the season of working by candlelight, in later use the Wayzgoose became an annual festivity held in summer by the employees of a printing establishment.
Through the 2017/18 awards programme as the PICA lead into the National Print Awards, this festivity will be brought to life as the industry comes together to celebrate and acknowledge the quality of the craft.
Whilst judging of the QLD and WA design and printing awards are complete, there is still opportunity to enter the business awards for Western Australia if you act quickly.
“The way our industry responds to the demands of the time never ceases to amaze our judges," says chief judge, Jen Baile. "We are consistently blown away by the professionalism, quality and creativity that we see amongst the award entries and 2017 is no exception.
“The state-based awards allow us to recognise and reward the unique abilities within each state. In Western Australia, the specialisation across the labelling categories makes for 'Blon aextreme competition, whereas in Queensland we notice the point of sale and wide format categories become more hotly contended.
“The restriction this year to award a maximum of one Gold, Silver and Bronze medal for each category demanded greater discipline and fierce debate from the judges. Though a challenge at the time, it will make for a competitive National Print Awards as the medalists from each state compete on the national stage to be judged the best of the best," says Baile.
Media Super are once again demonstrating their support to the industry with two tailored awards: the Media Super Young Executive of the Year Award that recognises exceptional young employees who show exemplary promise as future leaders; and the Media Super Industry Legend Award that recognises a long term contribution to the print, packaging and graphic communications sectors.
Western Australia also has two state-specific business awards: the FutureNow Workforce Development Award which recognises a business committed to developing their workforce, and the Environmental Award open to Sustainable Green Print and Green Stamp accredited businesses.
You can download nomination and entry forms here
Bring your teams, friends and family to be part of this fantastic celebration of the craft of printing. Tickets are selling fast for:
Queensland on the 10th November at the Pullman, book here
Western Australia on the 25th November at the Crown Perth, book here
Planning is underway for the NSW, SA and VIC PICA to have a completely different format in 2018, says the PIAA's national marketing and communications manager, Ali Quaintance.
"We are exploring an art gallery style exhibition of artwork and a cocktail function. Each event will be in the theme of the Wayzgoose, with the “grand affair” of the NPA bringing to life many of the traditional aspects in a modern light."
The NSW, SA and VIC PICA will take place in March 2018, with the National Print Awards held on 25 May 2018 in Melbourne.