PUNCHY AND BLAZEK WIN LIFETIME AWARDS

Two of Asga’s most well-known and respected personalities, Michael Punch and Michael Blazek, have been recognised with Lifetime Membership Awards.

The duo were awarded at the 2024 Currie Group National Sign & Graphics Awards, which were held at Daltone House in Sydney.

Michael Punch, more commonly known as ‘Punchy’, retired from his role with Asga after 18 years, initially as general manager and, more recently, membership & 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, Asga president Mick Harrold, said Michael Punch’s journey was ‘that of a true leader and visionary.’

“In 2006, after an illustrious career in education, Michael took on a new challenge when he became the inaugural general manager of the Australian Sign & Graphics Association,” Mick recounted.

“He immediately immersed himself in this unfamiliar industry, bringing with him the same passion and dedication that had marked his previous career. For the first ten years, Michael ran a one-person office, tirelessly establishing member benefits and significantly increasing membership. He connected with members across the country, sharing ideas, discussing important issues, and strengthening industry networks.

“Michael’s background in education fuelled his desire to promote the signage industry to senior students considering their career paths. His involvement in Trade and School Expos over the years has inspired many young people to join our industry, ensuring its vibrant future.

“As an events manager, Michael has a talent for bringing people together. The Sign & Print Golf events he organised in Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne have become legendary, fostering camaraderie and connection among industry professionals. The National Sign & Graphics Awards, including tonight’s event, are a testament to his meticulous planning and commitment to recognising excellence within our sector.

“On a personal note, I first met Punchy in 2008 at an awards night like this one, where I was a lot younger and much less confident. In a room full of strangers, he made me feel at home, encouraging me and taking the time to connect despite the fact that he was busy running the event.

“From that night on, he kept in touch with me at regular intervals, offering support and guidance. It is because of him that I got involved with the National Executive in about 2013. As my involvement grew, so did my interactions with Michael. He became a source of great knowledge, encouragement, and support—not just to me, but to all of us on the Board.

“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.

“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 in the 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.

Expecting to be a ‘natural’, he admits that, when he first started, there was ‘nothing he liked’ about the process. Fortunately, repetition and practice eventually worked their magic, however, and eventually the bending became ‘like tai chi with fire’ to him – and the foundations for his masterful career were set.

As a young man, he decided to spread his wings and travel, a life-changing adventure that would take him to the other side of the world, first to New Zealand and then, through his work with a local neon sign manufacturer, to Sydney.

After a few years working in Sydney, he headed back to the US, where he ran his own trade neon business and became involved in the Seattle glass art scene. In 1989, travel once again intervened with a visit to see friend and fellow glass-bender, Duncan Read. This led to a now famous partnership, which saw Michael move permanently to Brisbane in 1990 to join Read in founding Neon Signs Australia.

Over 30 years in that business, he continued to inspire with his passion for signs, his excitement at the impact they made, and his simple joy in the process of glass bending and solving challenges to create amazing neon solutions.

Like his dad, Blazek also had the desire to help build the industry, collaborate with his peers, and pass on his knowledge. He is passionate about attracting young people into the industry and it was this motivation which was the catalyst to him supporting the Queensland Sign Association – which would later become part of Asga.

Connecting with fellow sign-makers, first as president in Queensland, and then as vice-president, treasurer and later president of the Asga, saw him collaborating with industry legends like David Hay, John Hadfield and Michael Punch, who shared his passion for the industry.

Working with them, Blazek has been pivotal to Asga’s efforts to promote the industry, guide and reform the education and training curriculum, attract and inspire apprentices, educate members, support the sector with a greater voice to State and Federal Governments, and to bring the industry together through events.

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 30 years.

Nielsen said, “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.

“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.”