South Australians celebrated Peter Lane’s 30 years of service, commitment and dedication to both the state and national print industries at a cocktail function in Adelaide.

Australian Printer has a gallery of the event, which you can view here: http://australianprinter.com.au/Gallery/21093,peter-lane-piaa-retirement-party.aspx/1

Peter Lane retired from the Board of the Printing Industries Association of Australia at the end of 2017, ending his 30 years of Association Board membership.  

Lane says, “One year went by, then another, I never really sat and counted them until the end.

“I was humbled and honoured that so many people took time out to have a few drinks with me. There were a lot of people I have not seen in a long time.

“I have always represented South Australia on the board, and worked closely with the people sitting around, particularly in the previous structure where there were regional councils, I was encouraged to keep participating and chose to do so, while the company behind me was supportive.

The private event was organised by former print industry employees, Peter Mansfield and Mary Jo Fisher, with 70 turning up on Thursday to celebrate.

Fisher says, “Peter’s 30 years of Board membership is a record term, during which he served two stints as National President.”

“The South Australian industry wanted to recognise and applaud Peter’s amazing contribution.  Almost 100 South Australians in the industry did so, with many apologies beyond the 70 or so who were able to attend the event.

Lane says, “It was interesting having discussions with guests on Thursday night. They are finding that within their own business cycles they are bullish about the industry. I am sure everybody would love to charge more and do less, but significantly all could see a positive future for the businesses and areas in which they operate.”

Fisher noted that several of SA’s country printers came along, some travelling a six-hour round trip just to attend the event and drive home right afterwards.

Don Woolman, former National and SA President of label and tag association LATMA was the guest speaker. Now retired, Woolman notes that in their official roles, he and Lane were never shy of having vigorous public debates on industry issues.

“We often got grumpy with one another, but never lost mutual respect for the other’s unwavering advocacy for the industry”, says Woolman.

Fisher says, “Peter Lane’s office-bearing journey with the Association started in 1985. Lane Print Group was resigning from the Association, because the Association had negotiated a 35-hour week with the union.  Of course, the Industrial Relations Commission subsequently refused to ratify the deal. The then-SA President and SA Manager of the Association both visited Peter. They suggested that rather than resign, Peter should join the Association’s Regional Council to experience and understand the Association’s workings.  The rest, as they say, is history.”

Local entertainer Nick Catalano got guests singing along to his piano accordion renditions.

Fisher says, “In my time helping the industry, the maximum audience we could get to any local event (other than PICAs) was just over 30. And that used to take real work. Beyond the 70 or so guests were many who couldn’t attend and sent Peter congratulatory messages. That’s easy testimony to the regard in which he is held.

“I expect that there would be many people nationally who would like a similar opportunity to celebrate Peter’s unequalled industry contribution,” said Fisher.

Fisher says, “From my knowledge of the expertise of the Association’s Board members, together with my experience in the governance of industry organisations and compliance with workplace relations laws, I think it will take quite some time for the Association to find or help a current Board member to replace Peter’s extensive skills and experience. I trust the Association has that work in progress.

“Please may the industry have another Peter Lane."

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