Kellie Northwood joins Two Sides Australia

Ms Northwood will work on a part-time basis to co-ordinate the efforts of the industry Advisory Board, Steering Group, Working Committees and integrate the profile of Two Sides Australia. She will implement a plan to attract membership and industry support which will be crucial in delivering the benefits of the movement. Ms Northwood, who is currently the Sustainability and Communications Manager, Australia & New Zealand for GEON, will continue in her position at GEON in a part-time capacity for the duration of her contract for Two Sides Australia.

Graham Morgan, CEO, GEON commented on this appointment: “I am delighted that Kellie has the opportunity to lead the Two Sides initiative in Australia and that GEON can support her in doing so,” he said. “GEON has been very active in bringing Two Sides to Australia and Kellie’s experience will contribute greatly to its success.”

 

Two Sides, which originated in the UK, has been adopted by the US and several European countries as a globally co-ordinated and shared resource movement aimed at promoting the responsible production and use of print and paper. It also provides industry with useful and credible information to combat green-washing and ill-informed attacks on the viability and sustainability of the print communications industry.

 

Two Sides Australia is being co-ordinated by Printing Industries during its first year. Printing Industries CEO Bill Healey said Ms Northwood’s appointment provided a committed and well regarded professional to drive the Two Sides message to the industry, governments and broader community. “She will build on the work of interim National Manager Les Perrett who played a pivotal role in tailoring the Two Sides model to Australian conditions,” he said. “This initiative should be a key priority for our industry in 2012 as it has a direct impact on every company whether they are printers, paper merchants or machinery and services providers.“Kellie has played an important role in the introduction of Two Sides into Australia with her representation on the Two Sides Steering Committee. She has also been instrumental as a member of the Advisory Board and Chair of the Marketing Committee. We are fortunate that she put her hand up for the job and we are grateful to GEON for allowing her to be flexible with her working arrangements in her current role.” Mr Healey said Kellie has a strong understanding of sustainability issues the industry faced and a proven track record in the development and implementation of the Two Sides Australia marketing and communication plans. “These skills will be invaluable as Two Sides expands its operations in Australia,” he said.

Steering Group Chairman and Sappi Australia Managing Director John Walker paid tribute to Les Perrett who has worked pro bono for four months guiding the establishment of the new body. “Les is known to many industry people in both the print and paper sectors.” he said.
“His work over the past few months reinforces the high esteem with which he is held in the industry. Two Sides future success will have significant foundations in the work he and key Printing Industries staff have performed over recent months.”

Ms Northwood’s initial focus will be to implement the Two Sides marketing and communications plan developed by the Marketing Committee and to co-ordinate a visible launch of Two Sides scheduled for early July following drupa. Mr Healey said everyone was thrilled Kellie accepted the position and looked forward to seeing the Two Sides vision being driven by a passionate individual. “The fact is print and paper are attractive, environmentally friendly, practical and sustainable communications mediums and we need to communicate that to our customers. Kellie is the perfect candidate for such messaging,” he said.