Women in Print has awarded three long-standing supporters with its inaugural Honorary Memberships, recognising their contribution to the Association since its inception.
At its final Board meeting of 2025, Women in Print Australia voted unanimously to bestow Honorary Memberships on three women whose impact has shaped the organisation’s legacy and future: Susan Heaney, Debbie Burgess and Lisa Blachut.
Susan Heaney, Founder of Women in Print, has been awarded Honorary Membership in recognition of her decades of leadership, advocacy and service to the print industry, both nationally and internationally.
As the former Managing Director of Heaney’s Performers in Print, Susan 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 built something enduring from the ground up,” said Stephanie Gaddin, Chair of the Board. “Women in Print exists because Susan 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.”
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.
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.
“I am both honoured and grateful to be recognised in this way,” said Debbie. “Women in Print has been such an important part of my professional and personal journey, and it’s been a privilege to support the incredible women who make this industry stronger every day.”
Lisa Blachut, who served as WA Patron for nearly seven years, has also been awarded Honorary Membership for her role 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.
“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,” adds Stephanie.
“We’re proud to formally recognise their contribution, but more than that, we’re standing on the foundation they laid. And we don’t take that lightly.”
She continues, “Having served on the Board alongside all three before they each stepped down, I have immense respect for them, their contributions to Women in Print, their impact on the industry, and their unwavering drive to strengthen the industry, for everyone.”
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. It acknowledges those who have played a meaningful role in shaping Women in Print, including those who have actively championed the work, visibility, and advancement of women across the broader print and graphics communications industry.
The Board is proud to recognise Susan, Debbie and Lisa’s lasting influence, and welcomes them as the inaugural Honorary Members of the organisation.
Caption:
Pictured at PacPrint 2022 are (L-R) Debbie Burgess, Susan Heaney and Lisa Blachut