The seven finalists of the Lithographic Institute of Australia Victorian Graduate of the Year Awards 2005, winner Mathew Annesley in the centre
The Victorian division of the Lithographic Institute of Australia held its 2005 LIA/Heidelberg Victorian Graduate of the Year Awards at RMIT, Brunswick campus. On Wednesday May 24, 2006, some 60 people came to support the seven finalists in their quest to be named Graduate of the Year. The winner was Matthew Annesley, who represented Placard when nominated for this award. Lindsay Banks, chairperson of the awards panel, said Annesley was a very worthy winner whose interview preparation was excellent. He said that security printing on plastic was a very challenging task, but the examples he presented were of very high quality.
Heidelberg Australia is the main sponsor of this award. They have commendably supported this awards night for many years. The LIA rely on this support to continue their great work in encouraging the up-and-coming future leaders to further their careers. Peter Roach, who is also a current committee member, represented Heidelberg.
DIC ink and chemicals, Kodak and Bottcher Australia all donated prize money as encouragement to three of the finalists. The prize money was presented to Mark Foggie (Wadepack), Gavin Lawry (Kwik Kopy) and Amanda Bishop (Hallmark Cards), all of whom came a close second to the winner, Annesley.
One of the guest speakers on the night was Don Elgin, a young Australia Paralympian and a world champion. He gave an inspiring talk on how he overcame great odds after being born without the lower portion of his left leg. He spoke of the trials and tribulations he encountered on his quest to become a world champion and that the setbacks were all surmounted. His focus was clear and he sacrificed a great deal to succeed in his chosen career.
The other speaker was previous national Graduate of the Year recipient Matt Ellis, who has recently returned from his overseas study tour.
He visited Ipex and Sun Chemicals, the KBA press manufacturing plant and Bottcher Australia, to view roller making and the manufacturing of their rubber compound.
Ellis made a strong point in that he realises how small a market we are in Australia. The size of the print halls and how the machinery is made really astounded him. He was most appreciative of this opportunity and told the finalists how much they will benefit from such an accolade.
Victorian president Mark George says it was heartening to see such a great attendance for this evening. With future events that include Digital FX at Fuji Xerox and RMIT ‘Education and Training’ to follow, there is a great building process to emphasise the important role that the LIA has in this wonderful industry.
The seven finalists were Gavin Lawry (Kwik Kopy), Bud Owen (CV Binders), Alex Venville (Speedmag), Matthew Annesley (Placard), Mark Foggie (Wadepack), David Francisco (Amcor Flexibles) and Amanda Bishop (Hallmark Cards).
