Printing Industries Queensland has successfully secured funding from the Queensland Government for an O&HS induction manual. Funding will cover the development, production and distribution of the manual. The manual will introduce new employees in our industry to the key safety issues they must be aware of. We have been working on content with an OH&S expert from Workplace Health & Safety Queensland and expect to launch the manual in Brisbane and all provincial centres in September. It is our objective to ensure every business in our industry receives a copy. Email Neal McLary for more details.

We are well advanced with the planning process for PICA Queensland 2006. You will receive your Call for Entries invitation on or around 10 July with entries now closing on Friday 1 September. Now is the time to start setting aside those jobs that you think would be worthy of a medal. The Awards Dinner is on Friday 24 November at the Brisbane Sofitel Hotel. Booking and enquiries contact Dawn Street on (07) 3356 0022 or email here.

Recent research undertaken by the ANZ Bank shows that Queensland continues to perform well on most indicators, however the demands placed upon the state's financial performance and infrastructure continues to be sorely tested by its population growth. Full Story.

Any member wishing to participate in this pilot programme for a fast tracked apprenticeship in Print Finishing (Binding and Finishing) should contact Neal McLary on (07) 3356 0022 or nmclary@printnet.com.au Only one place remains in this pilot. Click here for more details.

The Chinese government plans to intensively develop the country's print industry over the next five years. Printing Industries, CEO, Philip Andersen comments on what it means for our industry. Full Story.