The Visual Media Association (VMA) has announced the appointment of Marker representatives in each State for its emerging talent program, supported by Platinum Sponsor, Konica Minolta Australia.
LtoR: Yohei Konaka, Konica Minolta Australia Chairman & Managing Director, Dean Hosking, Konica Minolta Australia Chief Sales Officer with Markers Trent Bowes, Stella Chau, Melissa Foord, Angas Adcroft, Isobel Clark and Kellie Northwood, VMA CEO, Andrew Cocker, Konica Minolta Australia General Manager and Melissa Dempsey, Konica Minolta Australia Chief Marketing Officer
Designed to spotlight and support the next generation across the paper, print, packaging, and visual media sectors, The Inkers, make your mark program showcases emerging talent across Australia and builds a bridge between industry leaders and creative youth.
“Our industry thrives when creativity is nurtured and innovation encouraged,” says Kellie Northwood, VMA CEO. “Through this program, we are identifying future leaders as well as providing them with a platform to be seen, heard, and supported by the very sectors they will one day influence.”
“The Markers are representatives of emerging talent from regional and metropolitan areas across Australia. What better voices to bring to the table to guide the future success of the program. I congratulate all who applied, the talent we have across the industry is wonderful to see. To those successfully appointed, I couldn’t be happier for you and look forward to working with you across the program development.”
The newly appointed Markers include:
NSW / Metropolitan
- Zaf Haq, Project Manager, IVE Group (and 2025 National Print Awards Emerging Talent finalist)
- Olga Plastourgos, Marketing Executive, Kyocera Document Solutions
NSW / Regional
- Jiann Mobbs, Digital Printing Apprentice, Department of Customer Service – Spatial Services
QLD
- Laila Stevens, Printing Apprentice, Eckersley Print Group
SA
- Angas Adcroft, Apprentice Printer, MCC Australia
TAS
- Isobel Clark, Director of Client Services and Marketing, Flying Colours (and the 2025 National Print Awards Emerging Talent winner)
VIC / Metropolitan
- Stella Chau, Marketing Coordinator, Direct Chemist Outlet
VIC / Regional
- Trent Bowes, Production Manager, Revolution Print
WA
- Melissa Foord, Account Manager, Scott Print
Melissa Dempsey, Chief Marketing Officer, Konica Minolta Australia, says: “Konica Minolta Australia is proud to support The Inkers, make your mark program, which plays a critical role in fostering the next generation of leaders across the print and visual media sectors. By empowering our emerging talent with the tools, networks, and opportunities they need to thrive, we are investing in a stronger, more innovative future for our industry. It is inspiring to see such passion and potential within this group of Markers and it’s a privilege to help create opportunities for young people to connect, grow and contribute their voices to an industry we’re all passionate about.”
