At its final Board meeting of 2025, the Women in Print Australia Board voted unanimously to bestow inaugural Honorary Memberships on three long-standing supporters whose impact has shaped the organisation’s legacy and future: Susan Heaney, Debbie Burgess, and Lisa Blachut.
Pictured at PacPrint 2022 (L-R) Debbie Burgess, Susan Heaney, Lisa Blachut, Rita Karagiannis, Sandy Aspinall and Kellie Northwood.
Stephanie Gaddin, Chair of the Board, says: “These first three honourees are an integral part of our foundations as an association: they have contributed immeasurably to making Women in Print what it is today. They built the network, held the line, mentored, fundraised, wrangled venues, and collaborated remotely to build a community, often doing the invisible work that keeps the forward momentum.”
“We are standing on the foundation they laid, and we don’t take that lightly.”
Recognised as the founder of Women in Print and the former Managing Director of Heaney’s Performers in Print, Susan Heaney has spent over 30 years building a respected business and leading change across the superannuation and manufacturing sectors. She was Women in Print’s first Queensland Patron and the organisation’s founding visionary. Susan was also the first woman President of the Printing Industries Association of Australia (now the Visual Media Association) in its 124-year history and chaired the Media Super Board. Her early leadership and ongoing support have been central to the growth of Women in Print into a national network that empowers women across all levels of the industry.
Gaddin adds: “Susan built something enduring from the ground up. Women in Print exists because she believed there was a need for it. That legacy; of making space, holding space, and defending space; echoes in everything we do. It’s not just our history, it’s our foundation.”
Also receiving Honorary Membership is Debbie Burgess, who stepped down at the end of 2024, as NSW Patron after many years of service on the Women in Print Board. Debbie’s steady leadership and tireless commitment to connection, growth, and inclusion have helped to expand and sustain Women in Print’s community throughout New South Wales and beyond.
Lisa Blachut served as WA Patron for nearly seven years and her Honorary Membership is a direct acknowledgement of the significant role she played in strengthening the Western Australian network and championing mentorship opportunities for women across the design, communications, and print sectors. With more than 30 years’ experience in creative direction, project management, and production, Lisa has contributed deeply to building a connected and professional community in WA, while supporting national initiatives through her long-standing involvement.
Going forward, Honorary Membership nominations will be voted on by the Women in Print Board at its final meeting each year. While there are no formal nomination criteria, this recognition is intended for individuals whose sustained contribution reflects the mission, values, and heart of the association.
