Victoria launches inaugural PICA

Printing Industries general manager, Victoria and Tasmania, Ron Patterson, announced that the inaugural Printing Industry Craftsmanship Awards (PICA) will be held in Melbourne on 19 October 2007.

The Awards will celebrate excellence in the print, packaging, and visual communication industry and will serve as a benchmark for establishing and challenging the quality of Victorian printing beyond its already world-class standards.

“The PICAs will celebrate achievements in the pursuit of excellence in print. Winners of this exciting industry initiative will be able to use their success to promote their superior ability in the marketplace,” he said.

Patterson revealed the reasons why this major event has been created.
“The PICAs have been an outstanding success in other states, and we believe its high time Victorians had the opportunity to likewise showcase their craftsmanship," he said.

"Printing Industries is delighted to provide this opportunity to formally recognise the high quality and innovative product that the state’s industry produces.

“Melbourne’s glamorous Grand Hyatt Hotel will play host to the state’s night-of-nights on Friday 19 October 2007. The gala presentation dinner will serve not only as an evening of recognition, but also as a valuable social and networking opportunity for Awards hopefuls and industry associates.”

Printing Industries will recognise the PICA medallists in conjunction with the Lithographic Institute of Australia (L.I.A.), which will present its annual graduate of the Year Award at the red-carpet dinner.
L.I.A. Victorian President Mark George welcomed the partnership with Printing Industries.

“It’s very valuable for industry organisations to work together to promote and support the industry at large,” he said.

"L.I.A.’s National Conference is being held in Melbourne on Thursday 18 and Friday 19 October 2007 and will attract a range of industry leaders who will be invited to attend the PICA ceremony. This event will undoubtedly be a terrific opportunity to showcase Victorian talent to the broader industry.“

Patterson foresees the PICAs will become a highlight for years to come.
“We anticipate both the competition and the ‘ Print Oscars night’ Awards ceremony will become annual fixtures in Victoria’s printing industry calendar,” he said.

A call for entries to the inaugural PICAs will be issued by Printing Industries in May.