Industry group Women in Print says Debbie Burgess from Bright Print Group will become its NSW Patron for 2021, replacing Natalie Taylor who stepped down from the role last year. “The search for a replacement was critical to maintaining a strong NSW Breakfast Series and Women in Print program for the year ahead," it said.
“The process was a difficult one with solid candidates applying,” said Susan Heaney, managing director, Heaney’s Performers in Print and chair of Women in Print - a not-for-profit industry collaboration of women across the print media sector. “The Board had a very difficult decision in their hands, however, Debbie was a standout with her reputation, passion and leadership credentials. I am thrilled to have Debbie on the Board and as the NSW Patron to share ideas, support and continue to build the wonderful momentum of the Women in Print initiatives.”
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'A real honour': Debbie Burgess, MD Bright
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Burgess said: “I have had a wonderful career within the print industry and to now have the opportunity to be the NSW Patron for Women in Print, a terrific organisation that has given so much to me working in this industry, is a real honour. I am really looking forward to working with the Women in Print team and patrons.”
Debbie Burgess is the joint managing director of Bright Print Group, a 3rd generation family business which employs over 110 staff at two NSW sites in Wetherill Park and Newcastle. The company offers full commercial digital printing services including wide format, packaging and POS. Burgess has been with the business for 31 years. Together with her brother, John Bright, they have grown and transformed 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,” says a WiP press release. “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.”
In 2020, Women in Print registered as an independent entity, the new Board includes all Patrons [Susan Heaney (QLD), Sandy Aspinall (SA), Kirsten Taylor (VIC), Lisa Blachut (WA)] and Industry Partners (Kellie Northwood, The Real Media Collective and Sarah Moore, Visual Communications). Marisa Smyrneos (SA) has stepped down this year due to maternity reasons.
The Real Media Collective, has taken over management, re-launched the brand and building mentor and international alliance programs following the inaugural Breakfast Series.
“The Breakfast Series has always been the hallmark of the Women in Print offering and this year it will kick off a lot of our foundation activities, we are currently finalising our guest speaker, venues and dates,” said Kellie Northwood, CEO, The Real Media Collective. “COVID has impacted timings as venues are difficult to organise, however the Women in Print Board has already met this year and are working hard on finalising sponsors and the event logistics – any organisations who would like to support the Breakfast Series or Women in Print please do not hesitate to contact us, this is an important organisation for our industry and one we can all benefit from enriching.”
