The Visual Media Association (VMA) has announced the categories for the 2025 National Print Awards.

The awards, with the theme “Elevate + Celebrate”, aim to honour the innovation, craftsmanship, and achievements that continue to define the Australian print industry.

Officially relaunched last month, the awards will recognise excellence across a diverse range of sectors, including commercial print, packaging and labels, sales and marketing, and design and prepress.

According to the VMA, the decision to modernise the marquee awards event was driven by feedback from industry members, who, through comprehensive surveys and key stakeholders’ meetings, expressed a strong desire for a revitalised event that celebrates the dynamic nature of print in a modern era.

Among the highlights of the awards is the ‘Major Awards’, which celebrate leadership and exceptional contributions to diversity, workplace wellbeing, and environmental sustainability are the print and visual media industries.

The categories highlight both technical expertise and creative brilliance, with specific attention to emerging talent and sustainable practices.

The full list of categories include:

• Commercial Print: Book printing to leaflets, flyers, and magazines
• Digital Print: Sign and display to publishing and embellishment
• Packaging and Labels: Recognising innovation in both sectors.
• Sales and Marketing: Honouring standout promotional campaigns, small business success and regional excellence.
• Design and Prepress: Highlighting creative design, branding, and multi-channel campaigns
• Judges Awards: Celebrating excellence in craft and ‘Judge’s Choice’
• Major Awards: including categories such as Workplace Culture & Wellbeing, Industry Employee of the Year, Graduate and Future Leader of the Year, and Printer of the Year

“Printers do the vital work of elevating their clients’ brands, and through these awards, we celebrate their exceptional achievements,” said Kellie Northwood, CEO of the VMA.

“The National Print Awards are an opportunity to showcase the best of what the industry offers and to reflect on the creativity, skill, and innovation that drive it forward.”

The Major Awards focus on excellence in areas such as diversity, wellbeing, and environmental sustainability. These categories aim to recognise industry leaders who are driving positive change while maintaining the highest standards of quality and innovation.

Continuing the commitment to the industry’s history the partnership continues with the inclusion of Graduate, Future Leader and Employee Awards, as well as reinstating the Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising industry leaders who have dedicated to the industry over their careers and inducting the recipient into the Hall of Fame.

VMA is offering a range of sponsorship opportunities to support the event, with Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze sponsorship levels available. Additionally, businesses can sponsor individual award categories.

“This year’s awards represent a celebration not only of the winners but of everyone involved in raising the standards of our industry, endorsed and judged by the peak industry association,” said Northwood.

“Sponsors play a vital role in making this possible, and their support underscores their commitment to the future of print and visual media in Australia.”

The National Print Awards will take place in Sydney on May 22, 2025. For more information, visit: Visual Media Association/NPAs.

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