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support /səˈpɔːt/

1. bear all or part of the weight of; hold up.

2. give assistance to.

Support, as a verb, becomes an action we take to assist each other throughout our professional journeys. Across a community such as Women in Print, a commitment from us all to offer support where we can, delivers a powerful network to assist us all in achieving our very best. Supporting each other with friendship, laughter, insights, advice and experience is key to the strength of our industry.

about

Women in Print is fifteen years young, with Susan Heaney, our Queensland Patron, one of the original founding Patrons (a shout out to that commitment!). Karen Goldsmith, originally under GAMAA and later Visual Connections, from the founding of the organisation led the charge of Women in Print for more than a decade before stepping down and handing the reigns to Sarah Moore, Visual Connections over the past two years. Under the Visual Connections’ management, the Women in Print Breakfast series achieved year on year record attendance, increased engagement and a growing movement that forms the new Women in Print community today.

In 2020, the Patrons have built a stronger than ever focus to continue the Women in Print journey, partnering with The Real Media Collective who has stepped into the fold, offering secretariat support and management to drive a refreshed brand and new positioning to provide a strong Community, enriched with Knowledge and Support for all women across our broad industry and inclusive Network.

Susan Heaney
chair
QLD Patron
Managing Director, 
Heaney’s Performers in Print
read bio
Sandy Aspinall
deputy chair
SA Patron

Managing Director,
Creative Juice SA Recruitment

read bio
Lisa Blachut
WA Patron
Account & Design Manager,
Advance Press
read bio
Debbie Burgess
NSW Patron

Managing Director,
Bright Print Group

read bio
Sarah Moore
Treasurer

Business Development Manager,
Visual Connections

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Kellie Northwood
Secretary
Chief Executive Officer,
The Real Media Collective
read bio
Kirsten Taylor
VIC Patron
Creative Print Director,
Taylor’d Press
read bio

supporters

Susan Heaney

Managing Director,
Heaney's Performers in Print​

Susan has been involved in print and superannuation industries for 30 years. She started her career in administration and travel before transitioning into the print sector in the late 80’s. Since then, along with managing her own nationally recognised printing company, Susan has also been the chair of the National Print Association, Co-founder and current Queensland patron of Women in Print, and is currently serving as the Deputy Chair of Media Super. Susan has always been a believer in giving it her all and is a passionate champion for all those involved in the sector.

Sandy Aspinall

Managing Director,
Creative Juice SA Recruitment​

With over 25 years’ experience working within the creative, advertising, marketing and printing industries and with many of her prior management roles incorporating staff recruitment and freelance coordination, Sandy decided to launch Creative Juice SA, having the distinct advantage of being able to draw upon her substantial knowledge and in-depth understanding of the industry, Sandy provides a fresh approach to the recruitment process offering specialist advice and expertise not just in SA, but nationally. Loving being involved as one of the SA Patrons for Women in Print for the past 3 years and now as Deputy Chair, and excited for their new direction and focus offering more support and mentorship opportunities for ladies who have been in the industry long term or who are fresh faces just starting their careers.

Lisa Blachut

Account & Design Manager,
Advance Press​

With 30 years’ experience in the design, print and publishing industry, Lisa’s career has covered all aspects of design and production and her expertise includes creative direction, brand management, marketing, publications, project and print management. For the past 10 years, Lisa has worked with Advance Press and is passionate about achieving consistent, high level design and print outcomes.

Lisa has been the Women in Print WA Patron for the last three years and sees the next chapter of WIP as exciting times ahead. She looks forward to expanding the WA network, providing support and developing mentorship opportunities for women in the design, communications and print industries.

Debbie Burgess

Managing Director
Bright Print Group

Debbie Burgess is the joint Managing Director of Bright Print Group, a 3rd generation family business which employs over 110 staff at two sites in Wetherill Park and Newcastle. 2020 is her 31st year with the organization.  Together with her brother, John Bright, they have grown and transformed the Bright Print Group into one of Australia’s most highly awarded and certified print and related services companies.

Debbie studied for an Associate Diploma in Accounting (honours) in her early years, after starting Law, and became a Member of the Institute of Professional Accountants. Debbie later went on to achieve a Master’s Degree in Business from MGSM and is a graduate of the Institute of Company Directors.

Debbie has sat on numerous industry and community boards over the last 20 years including steering committees for workers compensation and Workcover reforms. In 2016, Debbie was awarded the Western Sydney University’s Women of the West Award for her contribution to business in Western Sydney along with her philanthropic work.

Sarah Moore

Business Development Manager,
Visual Connection​

Sarah has over twenty years’ experience in Event Management related roles across a variety of industries including printing and signage, not-for-profit, associations and marketing. She has proven performance in successful planning and delivery of events resulting in attendance, sales, high performing team delivery and positive relationships with stakeholders. Key strengths in facilitating strategic development and program delivery for associations aiming to improve participation, growth and visibility in line with the organisation vision.

Kellie Northwood

Chief Executive Officer,
The Real Media Collective​

Kellie Northwood is the Chief Executive Officer of The Real Media Collective, an industry Association representing the paper, print, mail, publishing and distribution sectors across Australia and New Zealand. She has worked within the print industry for 20 years and held many senior roles in that time, most recently Executive Director, TSA Limited and the Chief Executive Officer of the Australasian Catalogue Association. She sits on many Boards and Industry Working Groups in an advisory capacity and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications (majoring in Journalism) and post-graduate studies in Education and Sustainability.

Kirsten Taylor

Creative Print Director,
Taylor'd Press​

Kirsten is Co-owner of Taylor’d Press with her husband James. She works as the Creative Print Director, offering advice and guidance in relation to production methods for clients that best suit their projects. She is a qualified offset printer and when needed she is hands on deck. Their company is an award winning business, which as National Gold Medal winner, has seen her attend Print to Parliament, an event that shares the importance of print in Australia. She currently volunteers as patron for Women in Print – Victoria and also represents the Printing and Visual Communications Association as a board member for PacPrint and PrintEx in collaborating with the organisation of these trade shows.