The Heaneys Performers in Print managing director was crowned the first-ever Female Manufacturer of the Year.

She told ProPrint that the organisers had highlighted the work she had done during her 23 years with the company and her service to the industry as the reasons for the award.

Heaney’s submission mentioned that she had become president of the Printing Industries Association of Australia (PIAA) in 2011 and been involved with the trade body since 2003.

It also mentioned her work as a Women in Print organiser, her time on the exhibition boards of PacPrint and PrintEx and the company’s haul of four gold medals at last year’s Printing Industries Craftsmanship Awards.

Heaney was one of five speakers at the Women in Print event at Drupa last month.

The annual Endeavour Awards has been held since 2003 but this was the first time a female manufacturer category was included.

Heaney said her Gold Coast-based company had previously been a finalist in the environmental section.

“As always, people are my key asset, and I am fortunate to work with the best in the business. In my business, as with most, it is very much a case of innovate or wilt on the vine,” she said.

“It is great that Australia is recognising that women in the workplace have the drive and talent to do the business, the business of running a quality business. After 23 years in this one, I still learn, every day, and that in some part is the key to my success.”

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