Above: Aaron Lusch presents at the 2024 ProPrint Awards
The 2024 ProPrint Awards In Memoriam tribute honoured “12 titans of the trade”, with the segment led by Aaron Lusch, general manager of Platypus Print Packaging and son of industry pioneer, Tom Lusch.
“This year has been particularly bittersweet as we mourn the loss of many industry legends that have passed away over the past 12 months,” Aaron Lusch said at the 2024 ProPrint Awards.
“Tonight, we honour 12 titans of the trade that have sadly passed away. Without the influence of these people, many of us wouldn’t be here tonight and our industry would look profoundly different to what it is today.”
Those that were honoured included:
- Peter Friend Ngui, Craftech Visual Communications
- Gordon Anthonisz, CPI Group
- Tom Lusch, Platypus Print Packaging
- John Fisher, John Fisher Printing
- Neil Mulveney, Champion Press
- Geoff Selig, IVE Group
- Graeme Ross, Raleigh Paper
- Rod Cummings, EFI
- Warwick Roden, Roden Print & Packaging
- John Gage, Dominion Print Group
- Mike Gleeson, G.T. Graphics
- Joan Daniels, Frank Daniels Printers
Aaron Lusch also spoke of his father’s legacy in the print industry. Tom Lusch, who passed away in January this year, was founder of Queensland-based Platypus Print Packaging.
“The saying goes, ‘if you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life’ and that was certainly true for Tom Lusch,” said Aaron.
“Despite being one of the hardest working people I have ever known, he never saw work as work. Many in the industry enjoyed his mateship, and he was regarded by all as an all-round good bloke.
“I am sure that all of us have been influenced for the better by at least one of these 12 legends that we honour tonight. I invite you to reflect upon the traits of these industry legends and consider what it was that made them exceptional and as we do so, appreciate their contributions and build on the foundations that have been laid for us.
“Thank you for being here tonight to celebrate our industry, our remarkable history, and the wonderful legends of the game.”
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Thank you Aaron for delivering tribute on the night befitting of our ‘Titans of the trade’.
Your words were appropriate & heartfelt, although I did not know all of them personally, I would hear through industry publications the trajectory of their businesses, the clarity of their business acumen & of their business achievements.
We are saddened by their loss but extremely grateful for having them in our lives, as our mentors, colleagues & friends.
On behalf of my family & the industry I would just like to say that we are grateful for their involvement for the betterment of the industry & proud of their life achievements & the support they gave to many that build on their legacy & continue to carry the torch!