More than 300 industry identities recently gathered at Daltone House in Sydney to celebrate the achievement of excellence in the sign, display and graphics industry at the 2024 Currie Group National Sign & Graphics Awards Gala Presentation Dinner.
The event was hosted by the Australian Sign & Graphics Association (ASGA) and recognises the work of the industry across all aspects of sign, display, graphics and print applications. This year, the competition attracted over 450 entries from a total of 61 companies across Australia and New Zealand, 18 of whom entered for the first time.
Super Creative won the Best in Show Award, while Liberty Signs won the People’s Choice Award. Two of the other biggest winners of the night were Brisbane Signs & Engraving, which took home three gold awards and Cactus Imaging, which won two gold awards.
The full list of gold winners are as follows:
Super Creative – BEST IN SHOW Award – MECCA x Charlotte Tilbury – Leyland Titan job
Liberty Signs – People’s Choice Award – Who Gives a Crap? job
Brisbane Signs & Engraving – Engraved Signs Award – Borrol Lookout Interpretive Signs job
Brisbane Signs & Engraving – Fabrication – General Signage Award – Shoreline Entry Statement job
National Sign Build – Fabrication – Sculptural Award – Nepean Looking Glass job
Bentleigh Group – Fabrication – Large Pylons & Skysigns Award – Chevron Sky Sign – Perth CBD – South & East Elevation job
Signs & Lines – Directional & Wayfinding Signs Award – BHP Office Fitout with Innovative Resin Signage job
OMG.CO – Digital Media (LED&LCD) Award – Art Gallery NSW job
Comcut Group – Illumination – LEDs Award – City of Lights job
Neon Signs Australia – Illumination – Neon Award – Ann Street Foyer Neon job
Comcut Group – Installation Award – Shine – Nepean Hospital job
Grafico Group – Large Format Digital Print Award – Camilla – Melbourne Airport job
SS Signs – Original In-house Design Concept Award – Tooth Fairy & Co – Space Room job
Cactus Imaging – Printed Fabrics & Textiles/T-shirts & Garments Award – Asean Fabric job
Ecept – Retail Sign Package – Total Building/ Shop Fitout Award – Flinders University Health And Medical Research Building job
Brisbane Signs & Engraving – Router Output Award – Row of Memory job
Signco Manufacturing – Small Signs Business Award – Selection of Work From 2022 To 2024 jobs
Magnum Signs – Traditional Signcraft Skills/Airbrushing or Hand Painted Murals Award – Hand Painted Vehicles job
Super Creative – Vehicle Wraps – Full Vehicle Award – MECCA x Charlotte Tilbury – Leyland Titan job
Grafico Group – Vinyl Award – Camilla – Melbourne Airport job
Victoria University – Training Innovation Award – Crafting Excellence: A Journey To Worldskills Victory job
Victoria University – Young Star Award – Jordyn Mcconchie – First Year Fabrication Superstar
Lettertech Australia – Innovation Award – 3D Fabrication
Cactus Imaging – Sustainability Award – Cactus Imaging – Eco Banner
Signs & Lines – Project Management Award – Digitals Underground – Tunnel Signage for Forrestfield Airport Link job
Click here to see the full list of award winners.
ASGA president Mick Harrold was one of the 29 judges involved over a two-stage judging process and said the process was as challenging as it has ever been, with the standard of projects submitted this year as good, if not better, than it has ever been.
“The quality across all categories in this year’s Awards was exceptional, a true testament to the skill and passion that you all bring to your work every day. And the experience of judging certainly reminded me how challenging it can be to select winners when so many entries deserve recognition,” he said.
ASGA Lifetime Awards to Michael Punch & Michael Blazek
Two of the ASGA’s most well-known and respected personalities, Michael Punch and Michael Blazek, were also recognised with Lifetime Membership Awards at the 2024 Currie Group National Sign & Graphics Awards.
Michael Punch, more commonly known as ‘Punchy’, retired from his role with ASGA after 18 years, initially as general manager and, more recently, membership and events manager. During his tenure, he has built the association from small beginnings to the strong position it enjoys today, becoming one of the most well-known and well-respected figures in the sector.
Presenting the award, Harrold said Punch’s journey was “that of a true leader and visionary”.
“Michael has been the steady hand that kept the ship afloat when our time didn’t permit us to do more. He has an uncanny ability to know when to push us and when to step in and help. Through it all, he’s not just been a colleague; I call him a friend,” he said.
“Michael, your journey with the ASGA has been nothing short of extraordinary. You have been a mentor, a leader, and a friend to so many of us, and your contributions have left an indelible mark on our industry. It is with the greatest respect and admiration that we induct you as a Life Member of the Australian Sign and Graphics Association.
“On behalf of everyone here tonight, thank you for your unwavering dedication, your leadership and the lasting legacy you have created. We wish you all the best in your well-deserved retirement, and look forward to your continued presence in our community.”
The second Lifetime Membership was made to Michael Blazek, a leader in his field, who has been a major influence in the Australian sign and display industry and has helped advance the sign and display trade, campaign for its future, and continue a legacy that started for him on the other side of the world.
Originally from Wisconsin US, Blazek learned the art of shaping and bending delicate glass tubing for neon signs at the knee of his father, a professional neon sign maker. In 1989, a visit to see his friend and fellow glass-bender, Duncan Read, led to a now famous partnership and the founding of Neon Signs Australia.
In presenting Blazek with his Lifetime Membership Award, ASGA vice-president Damian Nielsen said he had become a transformative figure in the Australian sign and display industry, which has been fortunate to benefit from his passion and commitment and insight for more than 30 years.
“Michael, we recognise you tonight for your leadership, your success in advancing the sign and display trade and campaigning for its future, and your tireless commitment to our industry over more than three decades,” Nielsen said.
“As we honour your enormous legacy – one that started on the other side of the world, but which, so fortunately for us, found a home here in Australia – we hope you will continue to stay in touch with the industry you love, and which has come to love you.
“Your passion for neon’s rich glow and its timeless appeal has left an indelible mark on the industry here. As you close this chapter, your legacy will endure and we know you will undoubtedly continue blowing glass and delighting all who witness.”
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