ROBINSON WINS INDUSTRY SERVICE AWARD

By Lindy Hughson | 30 May 2025

Marking a change from writing news, Print21 editor Wayne Robinson is himself making headlines, as he was honoured with a Major Award at the NPAs, taking out the Industry Service Award.

Print21 editor wins Industry Service Award at National Print Awards: Pictured (l-r) are, Wayne Robinson, Priont21; Craig Walmsley, HP; Mark Dawes, Currie Group; with Kellie Northwood, VMA — *Print21 editor wins Industry Service Award at National Print Awards: Pictured (l-r) are, Wayne Robinson, Print21; sponsors Craig Walmsley, HP and Mark Daws, Currie Group; with Kellie Northwood, VMA*

Robinson, who is usually reporting on the award winners, was taken by surprise at the National Print Awards, he said, “As Kellie was going through the citation for the Industry Service Award I suddenly realised she was talking about me.

“I am honoured, and deeply appreciative, to be recognised by the leaders of the industry, who I respect so much, especially as I will be retiring in July. It was a wonderful way to be sent off.”

The Industry Service Award was presented by sponsors Craig Walmsley of HP and Mark Daws from Currie Group.

Robinson began his print reporting career back in the era of very long lunches, before the recession of the early 1990s wiped them out. He also reported on the end of the typesetting sector and that of repro houses, and since then has reported on the evolution of print into the dynamic customer-focused business it is today.

An eight-drupa veteran - his first was to the 1990 event - Robinson has been editor of Print21 for the past seven years, during which time the magazine has transitioned into a multi-media platform, with the industry’s twice weekly electronic news bulletins, the weekly video news bulletin, and print’s own podcasts.

Speaking to the audience, Kellie Northwood paid tribute to Robinson's integrity and diligence in reporting for the print industry, she said, "This was particularly evident during Covid. He was on the phone almost every day, as we were dealing with a fluid situation, that differed across the states, he assisted me and the association with ensuring the industry was receiving clear communication, to keep the industry in good stead during those days.

"As someone who has dedicated his career communicating, representing, sharing our stories and being a strong media advocate for our industry, I think we can all agree that Wayne Robinson is a worthy winner of the Industry Service Award."