Visual Connections Australia

VMA announces new Board positions, thanks outgoing Board members for dedicated service

 

The Visual Media Association (VMA) is pleased to announce new appointments to itsBoard, underscoring the Association’s commitment to national industry leadership, strong state representation, and effective advocacy on behalf of Australia’s paper, paper, publishing, packaging, and distribution industry sectors.

At its most recent Board meeting, the VMA formally acknowledged and thanked Stuart Fysh, The Label Factory, and Holly Masters, Morgan Printing, for their significant service and contribution as they step down from their Board roles. Both have played instrumental roles in advancing the interests of their respective states and the wider industry.

Stuart Fysh has served as Board Officer, Honorary Secretary, and Deputy President, representing the Western Australian member cohort with distinction. Over his tenure, Stuart has been a steadfast advocate for WA members, ensuring the region’s unique challenges and opportunities are strongly represented at the national level. He has provided invaluable support through the VMA’s recent merger, playing a critical role in shaping the Association’s future strategy and negotiated the Chief Executive Officer contractual extension to support stability to the Association.

Similarly, the VMA acknowledges Holly Masters of Morgan Printing for her tenure asBoard Director and NSW representative. Holly has been a passionate voice for small business printers and brought an important perspective to the Board, especially regarding local government engagement and the unique needs of small to medium sized print businesses across New South Wales.

Kevin Pidgeon, President of the VMA, expressed his deep appreciation for both outgoing Board members, noting, “On behalf of the entire Board and membership, I sincerely thank Stuart Fysh and Holly Masters for their commitment and service. Serving on theVMA Board is a voluntary role that requires not only industry expertise but a genuine passion for our sector’s ongoing strength and evolution. Stuart, in particular, has been an outstanding Deputy President, providing strong support throughout the VMA’s merger and helping define the Association’s future strategy. Holly’s advocacy for small business printers and her connections within local government have greatly benefited our membership and remain a strategic focus for the organisation. Their contributions have made a real difference, and their efforts and contribution are highly recognised.”

Colin Lamond, Managing Director of Percival Print & Packaging, has been appointed as the new Board representative for Western Australia under the casual vacancy ruling.

With an extensive background in print and packaging, Colin is well-placed to champion the interests of WA members and contribute to the VMA’s member growth across the packaging sector. Commenting on his appointment, Colin said, “I am honoured to step onto the VMA Board and to provide a voice for Western Australia and packaging more broadly. Our industry here is dynamic, resilient, and plays a vital role in both the state and national economies. I look forward to working with my fellow Board members to ensure the unique needs of WA are heard and advanced.”

With Holly Masters’ resignation, Rodney Frost will move from his current role as SouthAustralian representative to become the NSW representative and newly appointed Deputy President, furthering his commitment as a former Honorary Treasurer and continuing his longstanding service to the Association. Rodney’s deep knowledge of the industry and dedication to member engagement will ensure a strong voice for NSW, building on the solid foundation laid by Holly. His newly elected position as DeputyPresident will lead strategic discussions to uniting the industry and bringing a common voice for all.

“I look forward to working with Kevin, Kellie and the broader team as we move forward. Our industry is full of opportunities that we all welcome. VMA are blessed with a robust strategy and a great team to serve all our stakeholders. As an industry, we work together…. One team, one dream!,” furthered Rodney Frost, Chief Executive Officer, The Lamson Group.

The VMA Board is now working closely with its South Australian membership to appoint a new state representative, ensuring continuity and robust representation for all member cohorts across Australia.

Kellie Northwood, Chief Executive Officer of the VMA, also paid tribute to Stuart and Holly, stating, “I would like to personally thank Stuart for his tireless support during the merger period and for building stronger engagement with our WA members. There was never a call unanswered, and his calm manner and willingness to roll up his sleeves has been invaluable during some of our Association’s significant transitions. Holly’s commitment to our industry’s craft and dedication to the small business printing sector have been equally important with long-lasting impact on the VMA’s programs and deliverables.”

As the VMA continues its work on behalf of members, these Board changes reinforce theAssociation’s commitment to strong state voices and effective national leadership. TheBoard remains dedicated in supporting its members, promoting the interests of the broader industry, and ensuring all member businesses have access to the resources, advocacy, and support they need to thrive.

Should any member have interest in discussion the SA Board Director position please contact Kellie Northwood, kellie@visualmediaassociaiton.org.au