Page 74 - Print21 Jan-Feb 2020

People in Print
the OVERflow
NGovernor lauds LIA Visual Connections prizewinner
icole Danger, the a real honour to represent our Accolades: Nicole Danger,
winner of this industry, and in particular its year’s LIA National women, at this event. Graduate Scholarship “In an industry which is
Chapel Press (left) and Linda Dessau, Governor of Victoria
Prize, has been recognised by still quite male-dominated – of the operator, it’s always a
The Honourable Linda Dessau AC, Governor of Victoria; and Anthony Howard AM QC, at a reception at Government House in Melbourne, convened to celebrate Women in Trades.
The invitation to attend
the celebration was extended following the recognition of Danger’s achievements at the LIA Awards, where she awarded the Visual Connections LIA National Graduate Scholarship Prize. She will use the $5,000 study grant to travel to Packaging Premier, Milan, and Luxe Pack, Paris, in May.
Danger is keen to contribute to the promotion of trades, and in particular print, to other young women. She said, “It is
although print is now far more evenly balanced than many sectors – recognition from the governor for women in trades is an important step towards raising the profile, not only of trades as a viable and exciting career option for women, but of the breadth of opportunities in the print sector.”
A press operator at multi- award winning Chapel Press, a leading letterpress print shop known for its focus on quality craftsmanship, Danger is passionate about print and the career opportunities it offers, particularly for women.
“When I was at high school, print was never even mentioned as an option – it simply wasn’t
on the radar, particularly for girls,” she says.
“Once I discovered the industry, though, I was instantly drawn to the potential of letterpress to provide beautiful solutions
for short-run, high-end work. When people see, touch and feel a superbly crafted job, it literally leaves them speechless; that’s something special. And, because so much of the quality of the work in letterpress comes down to the skill and craft
challenge to achieve excellence. I take real pride in that.”
Danger is well down the road of planning her big trip next year, courtesy of the $5000 prize from suppliers association Visual Connections and the Lithographic Institute of Australia.
She said, “I am already finalising my travel plans for the shows, and looking into site tours and work experience to further my knowledge and expand my skill set.
“Some of the companies I am talking to produce multi-level embossing and other absolutely stunning work, and I can’t
wait to bring new ideas and techniques back to Australia to create interest,” she said. 21
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GJI acquires Signpac in growth move
Diversified print and marketing services company GJI Group has acquired school
signage producer Signpac, adding it to its growing portfolio of businesses.
Signpac will join GJI Group’s existing brands Customology, Colourcorp, Little Big Designs, and Conversify.
According to Marcus Emery, group general manager at GJI, the acquisition of Signpac is part of the group’s active search for new acquisitions to boost its skill set.
“The Signpac acquisition is strategically important to the GJI Group. Our existing clients are now able to benefit from Signpac’s leading edge digital display technology,” he said
Based in Hornsby, NSW, the Australian-owned and operated Signpac has been providing school signs for more than two decades, and specialises in signage incorporating digital media.
Larry Wainstein, founder and general manager of Signpac,
Win-win for everyone: Larry Wainstein, Signpac
said he and his staff are excited to join GJI, as it will give Signpac’s products and services a bright and scalable future.
“An opportunity came along to be acquired by a reputable group. We explored the options, and it worked out for everyone.
The Signpac technology and innovation allows our clients to leverage the best from static and variable display benefits,” he said. 21