Laura Burgett wins NSW LIA graduate award

Laura Burgett of Spatial Services is the winner of the LIA-Heidelberg NSW Graduate Award, having beaten Dominic Holgate of Look Printing, Jake Tompsett of Offset Alpine, Shane Ippaviz of Integrated Packaging, and Adrian Xuereb of Blue Star Group.

Burgett is now in the running for the LIA-Visual Connections National Graduate Award, held biannually, which includes a $15,000 prize to be used on travel and education, for the winning graduate to gain knowledge and bring it back to Australia.

Press giant Heidelberg sponsors the state awards, while Visual Connections – the suppliers association – sponsors the national award.

Burget most recently studied a Certificate III in Print Communications, having also completed multiple graphic design, marketing, and business courses. Burgett works with Spatial Services, having found employment with Skillset Workforce, and is also certified in 3D modelling.

Burgett says, “Although I had previously studied graphic design, studying prepress and working in a full scale printery that completes all stages of the printing process from design to print finishing has given me a well rounded knowledge of the industry.”

She thanked her teachers and employers on the night.

The awards were held at Carnarvon Golf Club, Lidcombe, and featured industry heavyweights in attendance including speakers Andrew Macaulay of Printing Industries, Richard Timson of Heidelberg, and Mitch Mulligan of Visual Connections.

Macaulay discussed the accomplishments of PIAA in his 12 months as CEO, noting that Printing Industries is now consulted by members of government regarding how policy is affecting industry. He also shared how Australia Post has hurt printers, and foreshadowed a new Printing Industries’ initiative, which will aim to set industry standards by providing certifications.

Heidelberg ANZ CEO Richard Timson noted that while the print industry is shrinking in personnel and size, the remaining players are left with a bigger piece. “The cake is not getting much bigger, but the slices are,” says Timson.

Mitch Mulligan reiterated Visual Connection’s commitment to providing a platform for the industry to understand and be aware of the latest technological innovations.

Keynote speaker Professor Paul Dastoor gave a charismatic talk on the applications and creation of his solar ink, pitching it to the audience as the future of print manufacturing. Printers will be able to see the opportunity – which was featured on the primetime Channel 7 News – for themselves at PacPrint next week.

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