Above: Women in Print founder Susan Heaney
Women in Print, founded by industry stalwart Susan Heaney, has announced its Board for 2024 following a successful Annual General Meeting (AGM) in November 2023.
The new leadership team features an independent office bearer, for the first time in the association’s history. Incumbent treasurer Stephanie Gaddin was unanimously voted in as the new chair, with recently appointed Tasmanian patron Sam Dobie stepping up as deputy chair.
Commenting on the inaugural events in Tasmania, Dobie said: “2024 is shaping up to be a very exciting year for us. In the few short month we have been operational in Tasmania, interest has been enthusiastic across the board, from both women and men, from executive levels through to those on ‘the tools’. This tells me we are creating opportunities and events with value that resonate with everyone, and ultimately that’s what this is all about; being passionate industry leaders, doing things that benefit all of us.”
Women in Print also welcomed two new appointees to the dynamic group of state and territory patrons who play pivotal roles in advancing industry networks and opportunities for women in their states in the broader visual media and graphics industries.
Total Digital Solutions general manager Kimberley Skinner is the new West Australian patron, with Diana Nikolic from Ball & Doggett taking the reins for the South Australian community.
Negotiations are currently underway to appoint a patron for the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), with plans to include the Northern Territory in the future. This expansion reflects Women in Print’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and support for women and other diverse communities nationwide.
Irene Daws, industry veteran with over 20 years in various printing companies, and most recently at Image Nation Print in Melbourne, has been appointe secretary. Daws expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming year: “I am thrilled to take on the role of secretary and contribute to Women in Print’s ongoing success. The dedication of our Board and patrons is a testament to the strength of our community.”
Hina Chadha from Bendigo Adelaide Bank makes history as the associations first independent, non-industry board officer and treasurer, after a rigorous recruitment process, executed by the Hiring Committee formed for this purpose.
“I am so excited to be joining the Board, and very grateful for the opportunity to participate in the empowerment of women in the printing industry. I look forward to learning about industry from my fellow board members and the community members at the events in 2024,” said Chadha, who brings over 10 years’ experience in the banking sector and a broad philanthropic network as a co-founder of TheChangeMakers.
Gaddin shared her vision for the organisation by saying, “I am honoured to lead Women in Print into this exciting new chapter. Together with our diverse and talented team for 2024, we are committed to creating an inclusive environment that empowers women across all facets of industry and fosters not only leadership growth but encourages participation in our industry at all levels.”
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