Women in Print appoint two new patrons

 Women in Print has announced the appointment of two new Patrons to a record crowd at its Sydney Print & Prosecco, the final event in the 2024 series.

The event, held at the Boulevard Brasserie in the Novotel at Sydney Olympic Park, attracted 31 of the industry’s women for a night of connection and networking.

The group took part in “The Great Australian Women’s Quiz,” run by departing Patron Debbie Burgess. The event served canapés, prosecco, and other drinks, with attendees making new connections and renewing old friendships.

Donations were also accepted for Share the Dignity’s ‘It’s in the Bag’ campaign, which caps off a year of support for the charity, which supports girls and women experiencing period poverty.
The event also allowed the announcement of two new Women in Print Patrons, following the organisation’s call-out for applications to fill vacancies in Queensland and New South Wales.

Karen Lawler, Business Development Manager for industry-leading grand-format printing company Cactus Imaging, was named the new Patron for NSW, replacing Debbie Burgess.

Kerry-Anne ‘KA’ Boyd, co-owner of Signright Australia, formerly FireWorks Digital, will bring her talents and well-documented determination to the Queensland role, which Morag Pugh previously held from QLM Labels.

“Our two new Patrons add solid wide-format, and signs & graphics credentials to the Board, ensuring Women in Print can continue to champion the next wave of women in print, packaging, signage and broader visual media industry,” says Women in Print Chair, Stephanie Gaddin.

In welcoming Karen to the role for NSW, outgoing NSW Patron Debbie Burgess said her time as Patron had been ‘a pleasure and a privilege’. “I wish Women in Print nothing but the best and know it is in supremely good hands,” she said.

Gaddin, based in Melbourne, ensured that Burgess was thanked for her outstanding contribution to the role with a message that was read to the group by Sarah Moore of Visual Connections. “You have led the NSW chapter of Women in Print with purpose and passion, helping us to drive meaningful change within our sector and connecting with so many among our membership,” Gaddin’s message read.

“We will miss you in this role but are definitely the better for your time in leadership. I know you will continue to champion the cause of the industry’s women and I hope very much that we will continue to see you at Women in Print events.”  

Welcoming Lawler and Boyd, Gaddin said both brought experience, passion, and dedication to their Patron roles. “Karen and KA embody the mission of Women in Print to empower and uplift women in our industry,” she said. “They led a field of impressive applicants who threw their hat in the ring for these positions, a response which speaks to the enthusiasm and commitment of women within our sector.
 
“We welcome KA and Karen to the Women in Print executive and are looking forward to their contribution. With them and our other amazing committee members, sponsors and supporters, I am confident that 2025 will build on our momentum, fostering an environment that creates tangible benefits for our members and delivers even more value to our community in the coming year.”

Women in Print events, including the Print & Prosecco evenings around the country, are made possible by the hard work of volunteer committees in each State, Women in Print Allies,  Cactus Imaging, Media Super and Ricoh Australia, and supporters including Ball & Doggett, FramptonPR, IVE Group, NJ Creative, Rocking Rose, Southern Impact and Total Digital Solutions, ASGA, Visual Connections and Visual Media Association.

Image Magazines is a proud media partner of Women in Print.