FPLMA has named the individual award winners at the recent FPLMA Technical Forum and Awards, with Matilda Milligan winning Apprentice of the Year, Robert Elmer winning the Chairman’s Award for Excellence within the Print Industry, Yvonne Hackett winning the Lifetime Achievement Award, and James Luttick being inducted into the Hall of Fame.

FPLMA president Vince Sedunary said the Apprentice of the Year Award represents the future of our industry as without the apprentices or the traineeships, this industry would not be here in 10 or 20 years.

“We are a very relevant industry and it has provided a lot of people with careers and opportunities. During the interview process for the 2021 FPLMA Apprentice of the Year Award we had five judges and we had 11 apprentices to interview,” he said.

“Half were face to face and half were via Teams or Zoom meetings due to the restrictions that we had. During the process all of the judges commented that there was an unbelievable selection of apprentices – it was very hard to choose. The second, third and fourth were so close and we don’t reveal these placings.

“However the winner was an absolute stand-out. This apprentice is that smart and that passionate and that committed – you would welcome her into any business and place her into the position of CEO or COO, director. I was gobsmacked at the knowledge and the ability of her communication. We had to pick our jaws up after the interview – we simply could not believe it. I wish this individual great success.”

Milligan, who is a staff member at Fildes, said, “I would like say thank you to Holmesglen – Andrew and Frank and everyone who has taught me what I know now. I would like to say thank you to the people at Fildes Manufacturing – Bruce Scott, Mark Reid, Luke Fildes as well as Jurgen White who taught me most of what I know on pre-press. I bleed pre-press. I hope to be in the industry forever – I love it. Thank you for the award.”

Elmer, who won the Chairman’s Award for Excellence within the Print Industry, thanked the association for the honour.

“I was talking tonight to my boss Richard Kemp and I think I attended this event on the third time it was held when it was the AFTA forum in Sydney and it is now the 35th awards night. I have been in this industry all of my life and I have met some great people – and a lot of those people are here tonight,” he said.

“I have formed a lot of great friendships and I hope that continues. Well done to everyone for surviving the last couple of years – we all know how difficult it has been. Thank you very much for this award it is sincerely appreciated.”

The Chairman’s Award for Excellence within the Print Industry will be an annual FPLMA  award moving forward.

Hackett, who is managing director at Catalyst Chemicals and who won the Lifetime Achievement Award said, “Tony Dalleore – you get everyone to go that extra country mile for you. You are a gorgeous industry and yes – we are going to do this tonight. Thank you Vince.”