Debbie Burgess

Deborah (Debbie) Burgess, Joint Managing Director of Bright Print Group, is a well-respected leader in the Australian print industry. Her career reflects a deep commitment to advancing gender equality, fostering community connections, and promoting sustainability. Debbie’s work has touched lives across the industry and beyond, leaving a legacy of excellence and advocacy.

Industry Leadership
At the helm of Bright Print Group, Debbie has co-led the family-owned enterprise, along with her brother John Bright, to become a standout in the industry. Known for its environmental responsibility and innovative practices, the company thrives under her guidance, earning numerous awards and accolades.

Advocacy Through Women in Print
As the NSW Patron for Women in Print, Debbie has fostered vital connections among women in the print and graphic arts industries. Her significant contributions include hosting incredibly well attended events from the Breakfast Series to the new Print & Prosecco Nights, creating networking opportunities hundreds of professionals.

Philanthropic Contributions
Debbie’s commitment extends far beyond business, with a focus on making a tangible difference in the community through both her professional and personal efforts. At Ronald McDonald House Newcastle, she has led initiatives like Meals from the Heart, where she and her team prepared meals for families with children undergoing medical treatment. Her participation in the 2023 CEO Walk in My Shoes initiative raised awareness and support for Ronald McDonald House Charities, highlighting her dedication to causes that support families in need. Debbie also led the Bright Print team in the Shoalhaven Superheroes – Premier’s Cup Golf Charity Tournament 2023, helping to raise vital funds for the Shoalhaven Superheroes Foundation. Beyond these efforts, she has shown her unwavering support for domestic violence survivors by participating in the Zen Tea Lounge Foundation Annual Fundraising Event, demonstrating her passion for uplifting those in vulnerable situations.

Awards and Accolades
Debbie’s leadership at Bright Print Group have earned her, and the company consistent recognition over the years:
🏅2022 PICA Gold Award: NCP, a subsidiary of Bright Print won Printer of the Year in Packaging for its work on Matthews Jewellers’ Champagne & Ring Presentation Box.
🏅ProPrint Power 50 Rankings: Recognised multiple times, including 5th place in 2019 and 2020, 9th in 2021, and 2nd in the 2022 ProPrint Printer 50 category alongside her brother and co-Director of Bright Print, John Bright.
🏅2024 ProPrint Awards Printer 50: A finalist, reflecting ongoing industry leadership.

Legacy and Impact
In 2016, Debbie was awarded the Women of the West Award from Western Sydney University for her philanthropic efforts, including fundraising for the Children’s Hospital at Westmead and Youth Off the Street. She remains a tireless advocate for women, diversity across multiple dimensions, in addition to championing innovation in the printing sector.

Debbie Burgess is a well-respected, much loved icon of the Australian printing industry.

Her leadership, which transcends professional boundaries, passion for community, advocacy for equality, and industry advancement makes her our December Homepage Hero.