Bright Print Group co-director Debbie Burgess has taken on the role ofWomen in Print NSW patron for 2021.
Burgess replaces Natalie Taylor, who stepped down from the role last year to fulfil a long-held dream of buying her own business and moving to the NSW South Coast.
Heaney’s Performers in Print managing director and chair of Women in Print Susan Heaney said with Taylor stepping down from the role last year, the search for a replacement was critical to maintaining a strong NSW Breakfast Series and Women in Print program for the year ahead.
“The process was a difficult one with solid candidates applying. The board had a very difficult decision in their hands, however Debbie was a standout with her reputation, passion and leadership credentials,” she said.
“I am thrilled to have Debbie on the Board and as the NSW Patron to share ideas, support and continue to build the wonderful momentum of the Women in Print initiatives.”
Together with her brother John Bright, Burgess oversees Bright Print Group, a third-generation family business which employs over 110 staff at two sites in Wetherill Park and Newcastle. This year is Burgess’ 32nd year with the organisation.
Together with Bright, they have grown and transformed the Bright Print Group into one of Australia’s most highly awarded and certified print and related services companies.
Burgess has also sat on numerous industry and community boards over the last 20 years including steering committees for workers compensation and Workcover reforms. In 2016, she was awarded the Western Sydney University’s Women of the West Award for her contribution to business in Western Sydney along with her philanthropic work.
“I have had a wonderful career within the print industry and to now have the opportunity to be the NSW Patron for Women in Print, a terrific organisation that has given so much to me working in this industry, is a real honour,” Burgess said.
“I am really looking forward to working with the Women in Print team and patrons,” commented Debbie Burgess, Managing Director Bright Print Group and newly appoint Women in Print, NSW Patron.”
The Women in Print board also includes patrons Susan Heaney (QLD), Sandy Aspinall (SA), Kirsten Taylor (VIC), Lisa Blachut (WA) and industry partners Kellie Northwood from The Real Media Collective and Sarah Moore from Visual Communications.
Heaney is the original founder of Women in Print and sits on the Media Super Board.
The Real Media Collective has taken over management, re-launched the brand, and is building mentor and international alliance programs following the Women in Print inaugural Breakfast Series.
“The Breakfast Series has always been the hallmark of the Women in Print offering and this year it will kick off a lot of our foundation activities, we are currently finalising our guest speaker, venues and dates,” Northwood said.
“COVID has impacted timings as venues are difficult to finalise, however the Women in Print Board has already met this year and working hard of finalising sponsors and the event logistics – any organisations who would like to support the Breakfast Series or Women in Print please do not hesitate to contact us, this is an important organisation for our industry and one we can all benefit from enriching.”
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