Former PIAA president Susan Heaney is urging members in Victoria and Tasmania to back Peter Orel and Peter Clark in the current Board elections, saying their credentials and track record of success make them the best choices.

Orel – managing director of Finsbury Green – is standing against former PIAA state manager Ron Patterson, who was made redundant four years ago, while Clark – who founded heatset printer AIW – is up against Martin Guilliamse from Mark Media.

Heaney was the first female president of the PIAA when she stepped into the role for two years in 2011 and was highly regarded. She retired from the Board last Christmas.

Heaney says, “There is very keen interest in the current Board elections in Victoria and Tasmania.

“As a member of the Association I have always been keen to advance the organisation and the industry. In that regard, I am not alone.

“The process of modernising the Association has been difficult. There have been roadblocks and setbacks. This simple statement of fact is not intended to be a commentary on past employees or volunteers who have freely given their time.

“In my various roles within the industry, at Association level, Awards committees and Women in Print, I have engaged with many industry people who want to see the Association succeed. A common view is that the change which is necessary is being managed successfully by the current Board through the direction it has set. Most understand we cannot return to the failed policies and practices of the past and we need new people, new attitudes and new strategies to lead us forward.

[Related: Four fresh faces in PIAA race]

“As a member from Queensland, I will not have a vote in the ballot. I do however, have an interest in the outcome. Local issues dominate many discussions in every State. The issues in Victoria and Tasmania are generally the same in other regions. A good result for Victoria and Tasmania will be a good result for the industry across the country.

“I am pleased that Peter Orel has been nominated for the ballot in Victoria. He stands against Ron Patterson, a former employee of the Association.

“Peter, through his successful business, Finsbury Green, is an influential member of the printing community. His involvement in campaigns such as Two Sides is positive for the whole of our industry, not just the big end of town. His successes clearly demonstrate he is forward thinking and focused on achievement. His ability to engage and communicate across business and Government is well documented. Peter also well understands our history and the role print and communications plays in our society.

“In Tasmania, there is also a choice. Peter Clark has found the pull of the industry which nurtured him is still strong. Since taking a back seat in the family business, he has remained involved in the industry; working with printers throughout the region as they come to grips with the technological changes which have so dominated our lives. He has always seen the bigger picture. He has energy, and he brings a fresh perspective.

“Martin Guilliamse sits on the ballot paper with him. Martin is well known to Tasmanian members as a keen contributor.

“Your Board needs industry leaders who have more than just commitment. Peter Orel and Peter Clark bring credibility, vision and focus.

“Who members choose to succeed Kellie Northwood and Craig Pearce is a critical decision. The Board has come a long way, particularly in recent months. Victorian and Tasmanian members can strengthen the mix of ideas and skills with the right choice.

“All candidates have something to offer. On balance, Peter Orel and Peter Clark appear to offer the things our industry and our Association needs – a strong history of success and the promise to closely scrutinise the strategies and direction we need.

“While it can be tempting to look to yesterday in times of doubt, I see a future in the hands of successful members of our community. We will all benefit.”

The PIAA Board elections run through until October 27.

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