Derek Williamson, digital imaging manager with West Australian Newspapers, is the winner of this year’s GAMAA Industry Overseas Internship Grant. Williamson says he will use the grant, which is valued at $15,000, to explore trends in the continuous feed market. He will carry out research in the UK and Europe, with a full report and recommendations for the industry.

Derek Williamson, digital imaging manager with West Australian Newspapers, will bring back the latest on continuous feed in Europe from his research trip

Williamson says continuous feed is “a new technology that plays a crucial role for long term sustainability of print, and one that has the potential for substantial growth over coming years.” He says, “I intend on identifying companies that are using new methods of reaching their target audience and discovering how they overcame any challenges. “Learning from industry experts will strengthen my ability to identify the virtually limitless possibilities continuous feed presents for business and consumers alike.” Adrian Fleming, president of GAMAA, says the industry needs to continue to look at print in new ways and find sustainable solutions – and this year Williamson is the best candidate for the job. He says, “Derek’s experience and passion for print, combined with his well thought-out and outcomes-based proposal, resulted in a unanimous decision to award him the 2014 grant.” Williamson is excited to begin his project; he says, “Having the opportunity to analyse and identify new ideas and technologies for the web printing industry, to keep Australia consistent with current and emerging global industry trends, is an opportunity I relish. “The GAMAA Internship Grant will provide networks and direct contacts globally, to ensure Australia reaps the benefits currently enjoyed by technology specialists in overseas markets.”

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