LIA Victoria Graduate of the Year Special Distinction Award Winner, Daravuth Chhay (L) and Winner Jason Girling.

CMYKhub hosted the latest LIA Victoria event last night at their new Melbourne headquarters, where some 45 guests enjoyed a tour of the company’s comprehensive trade printing plant before joining in the celebration of this year’s LIA Victoria Graduate of the Year Awards presentation.

 The impressive facility, which opened last November, proved a strong attraction, with a record number of guests registering for their opportunity for a ‘behind the scenes’ look at the plant, which offers trade services in everything from business cards to banners, and from books to DTF films. 

The hour-long tour, hosted by CMYKhub staff, was followed by the announcement of finalists and winners in this year’s LIA Victoria Graduate of the Year Awards. The presentation was introduced by 2025 Victorian and National winner, Jackson Young, who reflected on the impact the Awards, and the process, had made to his career, before LIA Victoria awards convenors, Lindsay Banks and David Galbraith announced the finalists and winners. 

Six graduates were nominated as finalists:

• Daniel Angerosa – Graphic Packaging International - Certificate III in Printing (Litho) Holmesglen TAFE
• Daravuth Chhay – MCC Melbourne – Certificate III in Printing (Flexo), MCC Labels 
• Jason Girling – Placard – Certificate III in Printing (Litho) – Holmesglen TAFE
• Sithara (Sam) Govinnage – MCC Melbourne – Certificate III in Printing (Flexo) – MCC Labels 
• Jesse Romano Lizama – Filton Packaging – Certificate III in Printing (Flexo) – Holmesglen TAFE
• Jake Slaven – MCC Global IML – Certificate III in Printing (Litho) – MCC Labels

LIA’s David Galbraith introduced all six, five of whom were in attendance, detailing the career paths and ambitions which contributed to their nomination. He highlighted the fact that most were mature-age apprentices, bringing a range of talents, experience and insight to their roles. 

“All these candidates are super-motivated, ambitious people who love their print careers,” he said. “It is genuinely pleasing to hear their stories and to see their interest in further training in leadership and management, as they seek to improve themselves and create opportunities to step up when the opportunity presents itself.”

Lindsay Banks, Chair of the LIA graduate committee, then announced the winners – Winner Jason Girling, and Special Distinction recipient, Daravuth Chaay – saying the judging process was one of the most challenging ever, going well into the night due to the calibre of the clients. Jason received a $3,000 grant towards further training, travel or resources to further his career, while Daravuth received a $1,000 grant.  

“These Award winners joined generations of graduates who had been supported in their career development through the LIA Awards, which have been sponsored by Heidelberg Australia (formerly Seligson & Clare Australia) since 1972, and by supplier association, Visual Connections,” he added. 

Dierk Wissmann, National Sales Manager at Heidelberg Australia, presented the Awards to Jason and Daravuth, reiterating the commitment of his company to supporting the development of industry professionals. He also presented a plaque to Placard’s Tim Messenger, who attended on behalf of the employer. 

Robyn Frampton, LIA Victoria President, concluded proceedings by highlighting the quality of new talent in the sector, and the responsibility of the industry at large to do what they can to support opportunity and career growth.

"It is always amazing to see the quality of people coming into our sector, and to see the passion they have for their work, and the effort they put into their career development,” she said.

“It is on all of us to make sure we continue to encourage those who are new to our sector, and ensure they have the support and opportunities to continue to develop their skills and build their careers.”

The night concluded with the customary social gathering over drinks and nibbles, with guests universally thankful for the opportunity to visit the world-class facility and buoyed by the opportunity to meet what are undoubtedly our industry’s ‘leaders of the future’. 

2026 LIA Victoria Graduate of the Year Finalists (L-R): Jake Slaven, Sam Govinnage, Jason Girling, Daravuth Chhay and Daniel Angerosa, with Lindsay Banks, Chair of LIA Victoria Graduate Awards committee. 

Winner Jason Girling with Tim Messenger from Placard.

Nearly 50 people took the opportunity to tour CMYKhub’s impressive new trade printing facility in Keilor Park (two photos)