The Lithographic Institute of Australia (LIA) recently held its annual Graduate of the Year Awards Night, paying homage to the outstanding efforts and talents of the industry’s young up-and-comers.

The hundreds of nominations were whittled down to six hopefuls: Westman Printing’s Russel Cleary, Kolorart Graphics’ Monica Mitchell, KG Designs’ Dale Pendleton, Carter Holt Harvey’s Craig Mercier, Sinnot Bros’ Brendan Murphey and Link Printing’s David Powers. While all were undoubtedly deserving of the recognition, the panel of judges awarded printing machinist Craig Mercier the NSW LIA/Heidelberg Graduate of the Year Award.

According to LIA Graduate of the Year Award selection committee chairman Greg Grace, this was one of the most closely fought awards races that he had been involved with.

“It was very difficult to separate this group. We have a scientific selection process with four interviewers filling out a marking scale. At the end, the marks were all so close,” says Grace.

“We as an industry should be very proud to have such talent coming through. They are a credit to their families and the companies they work for and they will be a great asset to the industry.”

The LIA also took the opportunity to award Heidelberg for its longstanding involvement with the Association, as well as announce a number of new appointments that have taken place. AE Hudson managing director Grant Churchill was appointed LIA senior vice president; JS McMillan production manager Nyryn Norris was named junior vice president; TAFE School of Graphic Arts’ Allan Wetherall was appointed honourable secretary; and Ink Solutions sales representative Mike Williams was nominated honourable treasure. Prolith International director George Williams and AE Hudson general manager for sales Richard Todd were both inducted as life members.

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