Reconstructed around the theme “into the new . . .” Queensland’s new look PICA broke new ground with a 60 per cent increase in attendees over 2013 and a 40 per cent increase in entries which topped out at 309.
Although less categories, the new break-up into Graphic Design and Printing, an Environmental Management Award, the LIA Apprentice of the Year and the new Progressive Trophy resonated well. A total of 23 Gold medals were awarded with Greenridge Press winning five Gold medals including two for best regional small business.
Platypus Graphics was awarded four gold medals, the Judges Commendation (second place) and Judges Choice award. The Queensland LIA Apprentice of the Year Award was won by Greenridge print machining apprentice Paul Talbot, while the new Progressive Trophy was awarded to Claire Hamilton of Filter Studio.
Queensland PICA chairperson, Susan Heaney, said that the printing marketplace had changed significantly since letterpress evolved into offset printing and digital now played a major role in the production process.
She said the keys to the success of the Queensland PICA in 2014 were change, collaboration and unity with extensive changes made to categories to ensure the awards remain a relevant part of the future of the industry. This involved recognising both printing craftsmanship, graphic design excellence and future industry leaders through engagement of apprentices and students.
"This is a fantastic community to be a part of. It was obvious this year, with the increased number of attendees and entries that we are all still very enthusiastic about the future of our industry," Ms Heaney said. "By embracing new technologies, acknowledging and collaborating with other contributors to our industry, and celebrating our achievements together, we can continue to get our message across that print is a viable and sustainable communication medium.
"The fact is, print is no longer just ‘ink on paper’. Our industry is about sending the best possible communication out for our clients in the most effective way."
Ms Heaney said the Printing Industries Association of Australia wanted to continue to support and rally for the industry. "This year with the support of the Australian Federal Government, Future Print and Media Super we have launched an exciting initiative with the Transformation Project to assist businesses in growth and innovation, and to be able to create more accurate benchmarks for the industry.
"Media Super has also continued to be a major sponsor of the PICAs in Queensland, support we greatly appreciate. We also want to take the opportunity to thank our regular sponsors that have continued to support us over the years, as well as the new ‘local’ sponsors of this event. Without this support, a celebration such as this would not be able to continue."
Ms Heaney also commended the endorsement and participation of PICA by other industry associations – AGDA (Australian Graphic Design Association), DIA (Design Institute of Australia) and LIA (Lithographic Institute of Australia). "With their support, enthusiasm and collaboration we have been able to reach a wider audience and bring about the awareness of change and cooperation required to successfully embrace the future of this industry.
"We thank each and every one of you that entered, attended and celebrated this event. It is because of you that our industry will continue to sustain, evolve and re-invent itself into the future," she concluded.
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