After 15 years Women in Print is having a refresh and enjoying a new home.

Women in Print has long created a a vibrant networking community for the women of the industry and is now registered as its own independent entity, has a new website and a new partnership with industry association, The Real Media Collective.

The new website brings together a collection of photos dating back to 2009 of Women In Print get togethers. It also provides a platform for the organisation to explore its renewed central focus pillars: Community, Knowledge, Network and Support.

The organisation consists of six state-based Patrons with Susan Heaney representing Queensland, Sandy Aspinall and Marisa Symrneos representing South Australia, Natalie Taylor in New South Wales, Kirsten Taylor in Victoria and Lisa Blachut representing Western Australia.

There are also two industry partners: Kellie Northwood of The Real Media Collective and Sarah Moore of Visual Connections.

Women In Print founder Susan Heaney, managing director of Heaney’s Performers in Print, has been appointed as Chair of the organisation. She is no stranger to leadership as a current Board member of Media Super and a former president of the former Printing Industries Association of Australia.

Sandy Aspinall has also been named Deputy Chair.

“My journey with Women in Print has been a terrific one, providing a great opportunity for many women in differing ways,” Heaney said.

“The independent entity and new focus is one I have been championing for some time now and I am thrilled to see this come to life. I want to thank Sarah, Kellie and all the Patrons for their tireless work over the recent months to build this offering for the industry and I look forward to the year ahead.”

Industry suppliers association, Visual Connections, has held the interim management of the initiative since 2018.

Business development manager at Visual Connections, Sarah Moore, said, “We have been delighted to provide support to Women in Print with administration, sponsorship coordination and event organisation, because we and our members, genuinely believe in the value of these events and opportunities.”

“We always knew, however, that this was a temporary arrangement until the Patrons found a new home where Women in Print could be passionately developed and supported into the future. With that opportunity now in place, it is time for Women in Print to move to its new home. We will remain a dedicated partner and look forward to working with the Collective and contributing to the Women in Print Board, to ensure the organisation continues to grow and evolve into the future.”

Northwood said the refreshed Women in Print will have alliances with international partners, a mentor program, additional events, resource libraries and blogs from industry stakeholders.

“As a woman working within the industry for twenty years, the opportunity to work with the Women in Print team is one I have relished,” Northwood said.

“The Collective is thrilled to be involved and grow the offering for women across the industry and also sister industries such as women working in print traffic roles in agencies, or print production roles with retailers.

“Everything we already love about Women in Print – the Breakfasts and Major industry event panels – will remain. These are the foundation of all that we are. However, we want to build from these with more regular communication, financial literacy materials to inform and empower, increased networking opportunities through the ‘Mentor Me’ program and share our knowledge through ‘It’s a Blog!’ where women from the industry can share their ideas, experiences and learnings. This is a great opportunity for Women in Print to evolve to the next level.

“We encourage anyone who hasn’t been involved to register and join the community, it’s going to be an exciting first year.”

A ‘Print & Prosecco’ evening on Zoom will kick off the first event planned for the renewed Women in Print.

To register with the Women in Print community go to – www.womeninprint.com.au/contact or follow the social channels – LinkedIn and Instagram – @womeninprintaus

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