All the winners were automatically entered in the NPA after taking out the premier awards at their local State competition. Although the number of medals awarded this year is lower than in previous years, this is no reflection of quality, according to organisers.

Rod Urquhart, NPA Chairman of Judges says this is the first NPA in the new best of the best format, which consolidates them as premium craftsmanship awards in the industry.

He says, “2008-09 is a transitional year for the Awards. It was not possible to fully align competition categories and dates across all States and Territories in one NPA year. This means we did not get a full complement of entries from some areas, but now that the new format is fully in place, categories in all State PICA’s will be coordinated by next year.”

Urquhart continues, “This year’s entries represent the best produced in each State and Territory during the competition year.”

According to organisers, overall, quality standards continue to improve while the number of flaws decreases, adding that often the final selection comes down to the tiniest detail.

Winners of will be presented with their awards at a presentation dinner, to be held on May 29 at Melbourne’s Crown Casino. Record numbers are expected at this year’s event, which coincides with PacPrint 09.

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