FEBRUARY 2026
SPONSORED BY
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HAPPY NEW YEAR...AND WELCOME BACK!
Happy New Year - and welcome back to what is already shaping up as a busy and exciting year for ASGA. The ASGA National Sign & Graphics Awards are back for 2026, with the competition opening for entries on 9 February. The Gala Dinner & Awards Presentation will be held on Thursday 3 September in Sydney, during Visual Impact. Our popular Golf Days and Social Bowls events will also return this year, and we have lots more in the pipeline, including new online learning resources for Members and more. Watch this space! |
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NEW STANDARDS APPLY FOR VISION STRIPS
The requirements for vision strips have been updated, with
the key requirements now covered by AS 1428.1–2021. These standards cover
placement heights, width, contrast, continuity, visibility and application. If
you install vision strips, please click through to read the article and
familiarise yourself with the updated standards.
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ASGA 2026 SIGN & GRAPHICS AWARDS
Entries for the 2026 ASGA Sign & Graphics Awards - proudly supported by Gold Sponsors Spandex, ORAFOL Australia and Avery Dennison and Bronze Sponsor Currie Group - open in just a couple of weeks on Monday 16 February, 2026. That means it's time to identify your best work completed between 1 June 2024 and 23 July 2026, and gather photos, technical and production details, ready to enter. 2026 Award Categories and Entry Criteria will be released soon, so keep an eye on your emails, or click below to check the latest any time. Interested in joining our sponsors to support the 2026 Awards? Download the Sponsorship Prospectus here, and contact admin@signs.org.au to lock it in.
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LOOKING FOR NEW STAFF?
If you're looking to boost team numbers in 2026, don't forget that ASGA Members can list jobs FREE on the ASGA website, with cross-promotion in this newsletter. To post a job, simply login and select My Jobs from the menu. If you're interested in employing an apprentice, please email mande@signs.org.au or fill out the expression of interest on the Apprenticeships page of our website, as we get regular enquiries and will happily pass on your details to prospective trainees in your area. |
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USE YOUR WORKPLACE ADVICE LINE
One of the most valuable benefits of ASGA membership is FREE access to the ASGA Workplace Advice Line. Connect directly with the workplace relations and employment law specialists at Australian Business Lawyers & Advisors (ABLA) to get answers to your questions and general advice on minimising legal risks and managing your legal obligations. Whether it's disciplinary procedures, leave entitlements, redundancies and terminations, award rates, contracts or other important issues, the right advice is vital - so make sure you take advantage of this great Member benefit! Login to the ASGA Member Portal to access all the details.
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SAVE THE DATE - VISUAL IMPACT 2026
Visual Impact is back for 2026, with the industry's leading show now featuring a co-located Conference and incorporating the 10th ASGA National Sign & Graphics Awards. The show will run from 2-4 September at the Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park and is supported by Gold Sponsors Avery Dennison, ORAFOL and , and will be a showcase of the very latest technologies, innovations, services and supports for businesses across the entire signage, digital print, display and graphics sector, brought to you |
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MORE WORKPLACE LAW CHANGES COMING
Significant reformsa re on the horizon for Australian workplaces. From a review into the National Employment Standards (NES) to upcoming bans on non-compete clauses, new payday super requirements, and restrictions on non-disclosure agreements in sexual harassment cases, these changes will impact employment contracts, payroll processes and workplace policies. Find out more about the changes, and what they mean for your business, in this article by the experts at Australian Business Lawyers & Advisors (ABLA). |
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BOOK NOW FOR FESPA BBQ BY THE YARRA
FESPA Australia's BBQ by the Yarra is always a great night, and this year industry identities will once again gather at the Richmond Rowing Club for a BBQ dinner and drinks while enjoying views over the Melbourne city skyline. The popular event will be held on Thursday 12 February, kicking off at 6:00PM. Don't miss this chance to catch up with friends and colleagues - click below to buy your tickets now! |
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SIGN CHINA SET FOR SHENZHEN IN MARCH
The Spring edition of SIGN CHINA will be held in Shenzhen from 1-3 March 2026, once again co-locating with LED China, Digital Signage China and Digital Printing China. Held in 'China's Silicon Valley' the expo promises to showcase the very latest technologies for digital and textile printing, laser engraving and cutting, fabricated letters, illuminated, LED and digital signage, display and POP, media and substrates, and more. |
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ASGA MEMBERSHIP: REVIEW THE BENEFITS!
ASGA Membership offers you the opportunity to grow, protect and future-proof your sign business in 2026 - all for the very affordable annual investment of $590 + GST. With benefits including HR, employment, IR and WHS Support; technical & compliance expertise you can trust; legal documents designed especially for the signage sector; workforce, training and business growth support; sustainability and insurance advantages; plus exclusive access to events, higher visibility and stronger industry connection, ASGA Membership offers literally thousands of dollars in value...all for less than $12 a week! Interested? Download our new Membership Benefits Summary here, then email membership@signs.org.au or click below to join. |
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FREE VISUAL IMPACT MAGAZINE
If you're an ASGA Member, don't miss your FREE subscription to Visual Impact Magazine, the leading magazine for the sign, print, and graphics sector. With information and insights on everything from industry trends to business strategy, it's your go-to source to stay up to date...and grow your business success. Register for your subscription by sending an email with your contact details to sales@visualconnections.org.au and the subscription team will add you to the list - or, click here to read recent issues online anytime. |
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DON'T MISS DIGITAL IMAGE MAGAZINE
The latest issue of Digital Image Magazine, the authority on the signage, wide format and textile printing sectors, is out now. Stay at the forefront of your industry with the latest news, products, expert insights, trends and strategies to improve your business. Don't miss all the latest industry news with your free subscription - click below to subscribe to Digital Image and its sister publication, Textile, today! SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL IMAGE MAGAZINE |
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WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS!
Kevin Cornwall - WA Central Signs (General Member) Syd Gust - Trade Services Sign Installations (General Member) Jason Hiam - JRH Signs Pty Ltd (General Member) Scott Mitchell - Lawki Pty Ltd (General Member) Jason Van Der Torre - Encore Alliance Pty Ltd (General Member) |
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MEMBER DIRECTORY | CHECK YOUR LISTING TODAY!
As an ASGA Member, you are entitled to a listing in our online directory You can check or edit your listing, including adding your website, by logging in to your account and updating your details in the member portal. Not yet a member? Apply for a listing here. |
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2026 EVENTS | FOR YOUR DIARY! We are well on the way to confirming dates for our most popular events in 2026, including Golf Days, Social Bowls Events, exhibitions, webinars and other initiatives. We'll be adding more dates as plans are confirmed, but please mark the dates below in your diary, and watch this space for more detail! You can also go to our Current Events page at any time to check details of the latest ASGA events. |
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2026
12 February 2026 26 February 2026 1-3 March 2026 2-4 September 2026 3 September 2026 |
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ASGA EVENTS | CHECK THE CALENDAR! If you've not already bookmarked it, the ASGA Calendar on our website is the best place to go to make sure you never miss an ASGA networking event, webinar or other important occasion. Events are posted there as soon as details are available, so make sure you check back regularly to stay up to date. If you would like more information about sponsoring or attending any of our events, just contact Damian Nielsen at mande@signs.org.au |
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ASGA WORKPLACE ADVICE LINE
Managing issues around issues like training, pay and penalty rates, workplace relationships, performance management and terminations can be a minefield. The ASGA Workplace Advice Line is designed to help you manage and minimise risk, by putting you directly in touch with the experts from Australian Business Lawyers & Advisors - and it's completely FREE for ASGA Members. Log in to the Member Area at signs.org.au to find out more about this, and our many other Member benefits.
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LEGAL RESOURCES FOR ASGA MEMBERS
ASGA Membership provides access to a suite of Legal Resources including information on Enterprise Agreements, legal documents including a Terms of Trade template, Cease and Desist letter, Credit Application, PPSR and Copyright documentation, and information and templates for Modern Slavery policies. These are in addition to a wide range of HR, WH&S, Employment, Contractor and Supplier templates and documentation, regulation and technical support...and more. Log in to explore these resources - and, if you're not yet a member, contact Damian Nielsen. |
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WH&S RESOURCES FOR MEMBERS
ASGA has released a comprehensive range of WH&S resources making it easier for ASGA Members to ensure they comply with the latest regulations and safety protocols. They are sourced from safety specialists, ASSA, who will also staff a new WH&S hotline. WH&S is a complex and ever-changing area, and it’s vital to stay across the latest changes to guidelines and regulations, and to have robust protocols and practices in place. These new resources will make it easy for businesses to assemble the documentation they require, to understand and comply with industry-standard policies and procedures, and of course to ensure that workers are protected. To find out more, log in by clicking below, or contact Damian Nielsen |
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IS YOUR INSURANCE UP TO DATE?
SMIB is our preferred and recommended insurance broker, and will be happy to help you protect yourself and your business by making sure you get the right advice and cover. For more information, contact Damian Nielsen |
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METAMARK MiA: SUSTAINABLE, FAST & PROFITABLE INTERIOR TRANSFORMATION
Metamark MiA Architectural Interior Application films offer sign and graphics professionals a smarter way to transform interior spaces. Applied directly over existing surfaces, MiA reduces waste, avoids landfill, and supports sustainable refurbishment while enabling fast installations with minimal disruption to retail, office, hospitality, and healthcare environments. With finishes ranging from wood and stone to metal, textiles, and soft matt colours, MiA delivers premium results across a variety of substrates. At Ball & Doggett, we are also in the final countdown of the Metamark Passport competition and here’s some extra motivation: purchase any MiA product before 13 February and earn double points! To experience the range firsthand, contact Ball & Doggett to arrange a swatch chart review or visit our website for full product details. Here’s to a successful and inspiring 2026! |
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WHY INK COSTS MATTER MORE THAN YOU THINK WHEN BUYING A WIDE-FORMAT PRINTER
When investing in a wide-format digital printer, purchasing
decisions are often driven by the upfront equipment price. While this initial
outlay is important, it represents only a fraction of the true long-term cost
of production.
Take a typical solvent printer as an example. An initial
purchase price of $30,000 may appear to be the primary investment, yet in
real-world environments, ink is one of the largest ongoing operating expenses.
Average ink costs can reach $10,000 per year, adding up to $50,000 over five
years, significantly exceeding the cost of the printer itself.
This reality is prompting businesses to shift their focus
toward total cost of investment (TCI), which considers both hardware costs and
long-term ink consumption, rather than upfront price alone.
So how can print businesses reduce ink costs without
compromising print quality or productivity?
Mimaki addresses this challenge through RasterLink 7, its
RIP software features a standard Ink Save Mode. This intelligent function
reduces ink consumption while maintaining the visual quality required for sign,
graphics and print applications.
Key considerations for buyers:
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Ink costs can exceed the printer’s purchase
price over time
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Evaluating TCI provides a more accurate view of
long-term value
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RasterLink 7’s Ink Save Mode helps reduce ink
usage without sacrificing quality
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Using Ink Save Mode Level 3 at 2.5 litres per
month can save approximately $3,000 per year
To find out more or for further help choosing the right
printer or workflow solution, get in touch with a Mimaki Specialist.
‘Click to Find Out More About Saving Ink Costs’ Banner link
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HVG GRAPHICS LAUNCHES THE NEW REVolution™ 4200 Series
HVG Graphics has expanded its premium digital print media range with the launch of the REVolution™ 4200 Series — a high-quality polymeric vinyl developed to meet the expectations of Australia’s sign and graphics professionals.
Designed and manufactured in Europe, the REVolution™ 4200 Series is engineered for consistent, high-quality print performance and long-term reliability. The range features an 80 micron polymeric PVC film with excellent dimensional stability, making it suitable for a wide variety of internal and external applications. It is compatible with major digital print technologies, including UV, eco-solvent and latex inks.
From launch, the 4200 Series was an instant hit with customers seeking a dependable, premium vinyl that delivers the performance they have come to expect from the trusted REVolution™ range. Featuring a solvent-free, water-based permanent adhesive, the series also aligns with HVG Graphics’ commitment to responsible and sustainable product solutions.
To mark the launch of the brand new REVolution™ 4201 and 4207 print films, HVG Graphics is currently offering fantastic bundle deals when paired with the matching 4208 overlaminate. These offers are available until the end of April, providing customers with exceptional value on a high-performance print and protection solution.
For more information, samples or to secure the offer, reach out to the HVG Graphics team today.
Visit www.hvggraphics.com.au or contact the team via email at graphics@hvg.net.au. |
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DTF PRINTING FOR REAL PRODUCTION - TY-300
We’ve announced a series of
engineering and performance enhancements to the TY-300 Direct-to-Film printer,
reinforcing its position as one of the most efficient and reliable DTF printers
in its class. The updates focus on real-world production demands, with
increased ink system capacity, improved white-ink stability and workflow
optimisations that deliver more consistent output and longer uninterrupted
runs.
For print businesses, the
benefits are immediate and measurable. Four white ink channels reduce
changeovers, while improved colour reproduction delivers sharper detail. New
print profiles expand compatibility with a wider range of third-party films,
and High-speed mode reaches up to 17.48 m²/h - up to 45% faster than comparable
DTF printers tested. Enhanced wash durability shows no fading or cracking after
50 washes, and the TY-300 is now backed by a 2-Year Heads N’ All Warranty, with
the option to extend to four years.
Head straight to the TY-300 product page for full details and to book a demonstration.
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With HP Latex, you’re not just printing. You’re
crafting. Creating. Transforming how you grow. From bold ideas to stunning prints, HP Latex empowers
you to reshape spaces, elevate brands, and drive business forward. |
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BECOME AN ASGA MEMBER! There are a host of benefits to becoming an ASGA Member, with resources, information, discounts and special offers to support your business success. Click here for more details, or contact Damian Nielsen to discuss how membership can benefit you! |
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SUPPORT THE COMPANIES THAT SUPPORT YOUR ASSOCIATION |
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HERE'S WHAT SOME OF OUR CURRENT MEMBERS SAY...
Our ASGA membership not only gives us access to important resources and expertise, it connects us to a network of like-minded businesses who can help to provide the understanding and support which can be so valuable when you are running a business. - Ben Kemp - Sign Effects, Wodonga & Wangaratta In my opinion membership of ASGA is a must. We’ve been part of the Association since Day One, and have used the member benefits on many occasions. In particular, having professional legal and workplace advice and counsel there when we need it is worth way more than the membership fee we pay. Money well spent for sure!”
– Dave, Signarama Redlands.
Amongst everything you are going through, we think you are doing an absolutely brilliant job and we are so grateful to be a part of this organisation, led by you and your team. Thank you for all you do.
- Sue, QLD
Just wanted to say a big thank you to you and team for all the general advice and updates throughout this year. If this isn’t a testament to being a ASGA member I don’t what is.
- Justin, VIC |
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ARE YOU LISTED? If you are a member and your details are missing, or would like to edit your listing, log in to your account and update your details. If you are not an ASGA member and would like to list your business, click here. |
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