The 2018 LIA-Heidelberg Graduate of the Year Awards & LIA QLD Early Stage Apprenticeship Awards saw 120 people descend on South Bank in Brisbane, as the state’s best young printers were recognised.
The night showcased the best talent the Queensland printing industry has to offer, with awards presented to Stage 1, 2 & 3 apprentices and the LIA Graduate of the Year.
There were 17 candidates across the four stages were nominated out of approximately 120 apprentices that are currently registered in Queensland doing a print qualification. The LIA says this year saw a new nomination process to assist in the judging becoming more transparent.
The Stage 1 Award is sponsored by Visual Impact, with Michael Hill of APN Print Rockhampton taking the win, with Charlotte Fountain of Kuhn Corp as the runner up.
The Stage 2 Award winner was Ashleigh Knight of LEP Colour Printers, with Rachel Roberts of BB Print taking runner up, and Spicers sponsoring the award.
The Stage 3 Award, sponsored by Currie, saw Matthew Volpe of Colorcorp as the winner, with Kyle Ragh of APN Print Warwick as the runner up.
Andrew Flett of PMP will be the Queensland competitor at the biennial National Graduate of the Year awards, last won by Chloe Rudd of Print DNA in 2017.
Matthew Davey of Hally Labels was the runner up, with Kristy Boyce, and David Ey of APN Print Warwick, along with Jack Kelly from Southport Printing and Claire Crossman of Creed Lang rounding out the finalists.
Brendan Pearce, president, LIA QLD, says, “The judging process is always a difficult one. With so many talented young people coming into the industry, it gives you great confidence in our future leaders.”
The Gary Bender – Industry Contribution Award, named in honor of long time industry and LIA contributor, Gary Bender, was awarded to BB Print from Mackay for extraordinary commitment to the industry and their community.
Bender presented the the trophy to Kathy Farren-Price and Gary Bye of BB Print.
Mel Ireland, federal president, LIA, says, “To you the employers of these apprentices, thank you for continuing to invest in our industry’s future. Without you giving support to these apprentices and ongoing training commitments, we will not continue thrive and transform.”
On the night, Kellie Northwood presented on the positive medium that print is; telling the audience why it is still such an important and effective communication channel in a world of increased digital messaging.
Clyde Lewis, gold medal winner in the 400 metre individual medley at the 2018 Commonwealth Games also talked to the audience, highlighting his achievements, sacrifices and ongoing commitment to his goals.
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