LAWLER AND BOYD NEW WIP PATRONS

Women in Print has appointed Karen Lawler, business development manager for Cactus Imaging, and Kerry-Anne ‘KA’ Boyd, co-owner of Sign Right Australia as new patrons for NSW and QLD.

Lawler succeeds Debbie Burgess, co-owner of Bright Print Group, while Boyd steps into the role vacated by Morag Pugh from QLM Labelmakers.

The two new patrons were revealed at the final Print & Prosecco event of the year, held at the Boulevard Brasserie in the Novotel at Sydney Olympic Park, which attracted 31 of the industry’s women for a night of connection and networking.

The group enjoyed taking part in The Great Australian Women’s Quiz, while indulging in delicious canapés, prosecco and other drinks, making new connections and renewing old friendships.

Donations were also accepted for Share the Dignity’s ‘It’s in the Bag’ campaign, capping off a year of support for the charity, which supports girls and women who are experiencing period poverty.

The event also provided the perfect stage for the announcement of two new Women in Print Patrons, following the organisation’s call-out for applications to fill vacancies in Queensland and New South Wales.

According to Women in Print chair, Stephanie Gaddin, the two new patrons bring their significant talents to their new roles, and add solid wide-format, sign and graphics credentials to the patron mix, “ensuring Women in Print can continue to champion the next wave of women in print, packaging, signage and broader visual media industry.”

In welcoming Lawler to the role for NSW, outgoing NSW patron Debbie Burgess said her time as patron had been ‘a pleasure and a privilege’. “I wish Women in Print nothing but the best, and know it is in supremely good hands,” she said.

Gaddin, thanked Burgess for her outstanding contribution to the role. “You have led the NSW chapter of Women in Print with purpose and passion, helping us to drive meaningful change within our sector, and connecting with so many among our membership,” she said.

“We will miss you in this role, but are definitely the better for your time in leadership. I know you will continue to champion the cause of the industry’s women and I hope very much that we will continue to see you at Women in Print events.”

Welcoming Karen and KA, Gaddin said both brought a wealth of experience, passion, and dedication to their patron roles.

“Karen and KA embody the mission of Women in Print to empower and uplift women in our industry,” said Gaddin.

“They led a field of impressive applicants who threw their hat in the ring for these positions, a response which speaks to the enthusiasm and commitment of women within our sector.

“We welcome KA and Karen to the Women in Print executive and are looking forward to their contribution. With them, and our other amazing committee members, sponsors and supporters, I am confident that 2025 will build on our momentum, fostering an environment that creates tangible benefits for our members and deliver even more value to our community in the coming year.”

Women in Print events, including the Print & Prosecco evenings around the country, are made possible by the hard work of volunteer committees in each state, as well as Women in Print Allies who are Cactus Imaging, Media Super and Ricoh Australia, and supporters including Ball & Doggett, FramptonPR, IVE Group, NJ Creative, Rocking Rose, Southern Impact and Total Digital Solutions.