Paul Plunkett, flexographic printer from Pakaflex, has been named LIA Victoria’s 2022 Graduate of the year, with Jacinta Allen who works in prepress at Breen Printing as this year’s runner up.
The awards were presented at the association’s recent final meeting for 2022.
The gathering at Fujifilm Business Innovation in Burnley, Victoria attracted more than 30 people including Plunkett, Allen, and this year’s other finalists Rajiv Kumar from Schur Star Systems, Tan Pham from Andrew Kohn, Paul Plunkett and Joshua McCormick from Pakaflex and Zac Soutar from Adams Print.
Plunkett received a study and career development grant of $3,000 and will compete for the National title at the biennial Awards in Sydney next year. Allen received a grant of $2,000 to help them further her education.
In presenting the awards, David Galbraith from LIA Victoria highlighted the diversity of this year’s pool, and said the decision for the judging committee had been tougher than ever, with the talent, passion, enthusiasm and professionalism of this year’s graduates as good as any he had ever seen.
Lindsay Banks, who heads the LIA Graduate of the Year Judging, echoed that, saying the judge’s approach was to imagine each of the candidates was applying for a job with their business.
“I can only imagine what a dynamic and successful business it would be if these six graduates were part of the team,” he said.
The meeting also honoured three of the association’s former presidents and long-term supporters.
Harry Prius, was admitted as a Fellow of the LIA Victoria, while dynamic husband and wife team Robert and Meredith Chesney – who met through the LIA and have both held terms as president independently – were honoured with Life Memberships.
LIA Victoria president Robert Black said the awards made on the night perfectly illustrated the value and diversity of the organisation, which he emphasised was ‘for all people in print’.
“Events like tonight, where we can encourage and support the very newest members of our industry, and recognise some of those who have already contributed a lifetime of service, really illustrate the value of what we do,” he said.
“Our membership welcomes everyone from apprentices and admin staff, through to independent business owners and the most senior management of larger organisations – a hugely diverse group, who nevertheless share a passion and commitment to this wonderful industry.”
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