While the available medals for heatset printing were shared between local rivals, last week’s Queensland PICA awards were a thin time for coldset and other web categories.

PMP Print won a gold medal and two bronze in the heatset web category, with IPMG site Inprint Brisbane winning silver and bronze.

PMP Print also won gold in innovation for a multipart catalogue for Price Attack (pictured).

But no awards were made in coldset web printing, for for web entries with a cover price.

The traditional Printing Industry Craftsmanship Awards event had been brought forward from November to the start of this month, in a response to the crowded pre-Christmas calendar, and was rewarded with 250 guests.

PICA organising committee chair Susan Heaney acknowledged the difficulties of “sidestepping the challenges of running and managing a printing business and have some fun” in tough economic times. "One of the reasons why we moved the date was to capitalise on the feelings which are synonymous with spring – a fresh start, blossoms, longer days and balmy nights," she said.

"And the change proved to be successful We had a great night, full of great competition, recognition of the best we can offer in print and lots of laughter and fun".

Printing Industries state manager Neal McLary said that an essential element of the PICAs was recognition of the 'up and coming' within the industry - the apprentices. "Emma Nugent from IPG Print was awarded the Printing Industries Southbank Institute of Technology Apprentice of the Year and Jarrod Smith from Geon Print and Communication Solutions received a gold award for his entry into the category for work produced by an apprentice," he said.

"These are exceptional young people who justifiably deserve the accolades they have received for their consistent work. They are outstanding examples of the kind of people being nurtured by our member companies."