The Victorian chapter of the LIA (Lithographic Institute of Australia), the association for all people in print, held elections at a special general meeting, to put in place its committee and office-bearers for the next 12 months.It's encouraging to see some fresh young faces getting involved.
LIA Victoria held a successful site visit to Note Printing Australia in 2023
Robyn Frampton, who manages the marketing and communications for industry associations Visual Connections and the Australian Sign & Graphics Association, was elected President with former LIA Graduate of the Year finalist Jacinta (Jaz) Allen, Graphic Prepress Coordinator at Breen Printing stepping up as Vice President.
Dean McGrath, Chief Technical Officer at Note Printing Australia was appointed Treasurer, while Jenny Berry, Regional Manager – Victoria for Australian Industry Group, was re-appointed as Secretary. They will be supported by general committee members David Galbraith of JDA Print Recruitment, Brett Maishman of Fujifilm and also stalwarts Lindsay Banks and Robert Black. 
Robyn Frampton
According to Robyn Frampton, the new-look group brings a mix of experience and fresh ideas, to help take the Victorian chapter forward: “Over the past three years, we have worked hard to re-establish the LIA as a force within the sector, reintroducing our popular technical events, holding both State and National Graduate of the Year Awards, and rebuilding our membership base,” she says, adding: “We have been particularly pleased in the past 12 months or so to welcome Jaz and Dean onto the committee alongside our longer-term members, and are delighted they have agreed to step up into these leadership roles.”
Acknowledging Robert Black
This week’s election was brought on by the resignation of long-term President and Treasurer, Robert Black, who Frampton says has been pivotal in re-establishing the LIA in Victoria over the past three years.
Robert Black (R) presents the 2023 Graduate of the Year award to Angus McGrath“Robert is well-known in the industry not only for his stellar career in training and apprenticeships but also for his ‘over and above’ commitment to the sector, which has included many years’ involvement with the LIA and other associations,” she says.
“He has brought real energy, credibility and strength to the LIA here in Victoria, and on a national basis, particularly to our graduate program, and has helped secure some important sponsorships and support, without which we would not have been able to rebuild here in Victoria. We thank him most sincerely for all he has given to the role, and are so pleased that he has agreed to stay on the committee so that we can benefit from his expertise and connections.”
Already, the committee is planning a technical visit to the impressive IVE facility at Sunshine in April, and will also be supporting the Visual Connections Post-drupa Dinner in Melbourne in June, at which the 2024 LIA Victoria Graduate of the Year Awards will be presented.
For those keen on joining the LIA Victorian chapter, please email: vic@lia.com.au
For more information about the LIA go to www.lia.com.au
