SIGN & DISPLAY CELEBRATES EXCELLENCE
Some 300 industry identities gathered to celebrate the achievement of excellence in the sign, display and graphics industry at the 2024 Currie Group National Sign & Graphics Awards Gala Presentation Dinner.
The event, which is widely regarded as the ‘night of nights’ on the industry calendar, was hosted by the Australian Sign & Graphics Association with comedian Clint Paddison as MC.
This year, the competition attracted 450 entries from 61 companies across Australia and New Zealand, 18 of whom entered for the first time.
Entries were received across 25 categories, including traditional hand painted or airbrushed work, digital LED and LCD signs, illuminated LED and neon projects, directional and wayfinding signage, engraved, fabricated and sculptural projects, pylon and sky signs, as well as large-format digital print, including printed fabrics, textiles and garments.
Separate categories recognised excellence in installation, retail signage package, router outputs and in-house design, with special awards made for sustainability, training innovation, Small Business and the industry’s Young Star, as well as the popular People’s Choice Award, decided by the industry, which is always an Awards highlight.
The highest number of entries – 56 in all – were received in the General Signage / Fabrication category, with Full Wraps coming in second at 35 entries. Also up in numbers this year were Retail Sign Package – Shop/Building Fit-out with 34 entries, Fabrication Sculptural with 32, and Router Output with 21. Thirty industry newcomers were nominated for the Young Star Award, and 12 businesses were nominated for the Small Sign Business Category – more than double the number in 2022.
The majority of entries came from New South Wales and Victoria, with Queensland third in line. WA, SA, Tasmania and NZ were also represented. While the number of entries was slightly down on 2022, the number of entrant companies was up, as was the number of first-time entrants.
Mick Harrold, Asga president, was one of the 29 judges involved over a two-stage judging process, and says the process was as challenging as it has ever been, with the standard of projects submitted this year as good, if not better, than it has ever been.
“Each entry this year showcased the incredible talent and ingenuity that defines our industry,” Mick said, “and each of you here tonight represents the best of the best in this dynamic industry.
“Whether you’re a business owner driving innovation, a manager leading your team to new heights, or a sponsor who provides the essential tools and resources, you’re part of something much larger than just a business or a project; you’re part of an industry that leaves a lasting mark - quite literally - on every street corner, highway, and skyline.
“The quality across all categories in this year’s Awards was exceptional, a true testament to the skill and passion that you all bring to your work every day. And the experience of judging certainly reminded me how challenging it can be to select winners when so many entries deserve recognition.
“It’s a bittersweet truth that while we celebrate the outstanding achievements tonight, there are exceptional works that may not take home a trophy. But let there be no doubt—you are the best of the best from one of the largest and most impactful industries in Australia. And if you don’t win tonight, don’t worry - you still have bragging rights at the bar afterward.”
Harrold concluded by thanking the Awards sponsors: Diamond Sponsor Currie Group, Gold Sponsors Avery Dennison, Graphic Art Mart, Kwik Kopy, Orafol, Spandex and Visual Connections, Silver Sponsers Rowmark Australia, Roland, SMIB and Spicers, and Bronze Sponsors Ball & Doggett, Canon Production Printing, Celmac, HP, HVG Graphics Supplies and Pozitive Sign & Graphics Supplies.
“None of this would be possible without the strong support of our sponsors,” he said. “They do more than just supply products; they partner with us, helping to push the boundaries of what we can achieve. Whether it's the latest in high-quality materials, cutting-edge technology, or the essential services that keep our operations running smoothly, their contribution enable us to excel.
“And they, together with others beyond, generously give back to our industry by supporting ASGA’s events and initiatives. They do this because they genuinely care about our industry’s future. Without their support, events like this—and our efforts to bring people together, influence government policy, and attract the next generation to work in our companies—would not be possible.”