Welcome to the Diemen Awards.
The 12th Annual Diemen Awards were celebrated on 28 March, 2026. Explore our winning entries and finalists.
One of Australia’s leading creative industry awards, the Diemen Awards evolved out of the Printing Industries Craftsmanship Awards (PICA) which showcased Tasmania's craft and print culture for over two decades. Since 2014 it’s been our goal to celebrate Tasmania’s talent in commercial creativity, including design, advertising, print and digital communications. The 12th Annual Diemen Awards were celebrated on 28 March 2026.
JUDGES
Simon Crerar is the managing director of Impactable, a sustainable impact advisory firm. He was editor-in-chief of SmartCompany from 2022-24, and before that the founding editor and then GM of BuzzFeed Australia. As a consultant, Simon has worked with clients including the Digital Publishers Alliance, Google News Initiative and Walkley Foundation on various audience, impact, growth and stakeholder strategies. Simon began his career in London at The Times, and has also worked for the SMH and News Corp Australia.
Alecia is a rare blend of creativity and pragmatism, generating high-quality and well-considered graphic design across a combination of traditional and new media. A graduate of the University of Tasmania School of Art, Alecia’s 20 years of professional experience spans the roles of senior designer, senior creative, mentor, design teacher and art director. Working independently and with many of Tasmania’s leading creative agencies, Alecia is always looking for ways to embed creative thinking, clear communication and compelling visuals into her designs. Alecia also enjoys exploring the ways ethics, technology and culture constantly shape and guide design practice, with a strong belief in staying curious and creating with legacy.
Chas Bayfield is a global freelance creative director and writer based in Hobart, Tasmania. Renowned for his innovative ideas, he has garnered multiple awards for his work.
Chas works mainly for UK agencies where his recent clients have been ChatGPT, Qatar Airways, Google and the Church of England.
A Cannes gold winner, his advertising concepts have been showcased in prestigious institutions like the UK's National Gallery and the V&A.
Beyond advertising, Chas has ventured into television, film, song writing and is host of the Wholly Buyable podcast. He published his first novel, Clownburn in 2025.
Bob Baker worked in the printing industry his entire career. Recently retired, Bob is a highly trained print professional with a trained eye for detail. With over 35 years of print experience, he is regarded as one of the finest print production people in Tasmania. A trade qualified printer, Bob’s career has seen him work on major national and international projects for the Australian, Tasmanian and PNG Governments and many large Tasmanian companies. Known throughout the creative industries, Bob’s knowledge of the printing and finishing processes has seen him train many of the current industry print professionals in Tasmania. Working with the industry, Bob has been a leader in a number of trade initiatives around the environment and equal opportunity, working with Hurst chemicals on an environmentally friendly citrus-based solvent and as part of a program to employ indigenous Tasmanians into the print industry. The Diemen Awards are glad we could break Bob out of retirement — even if it’s just for a day of judging.
Alyssa Bermudez (she/her) is an artistic director, author, and illustrator based in Hobart. At Keshet Design, she helps create bold, colourful textile designs and leads marketing campaigns that celebrate vibrant style and self-expression. With a passion for storytelling and creativity, Alyssa’s career spans diverse fields, including animation, magazine illustration, and teaching art to students of all ages. She has illustrated over a dozen children’s books and toured in a live illustrated theatre performance in China. Alyssa has also created lifescape illustrations for hospital patients, through Inscape Tasmania. In 2021, she released Big Apple Diaries, a heartfelt graphic novel memoir about growing up in New York City before and after 9/11. Her forthcoming graphic novel, Run Home, will be released in early 2026. Alyssa’s creative practice also includes live sketching at weddings and events, where she captures the energy of special moments with ink and watercolour. She is passionate about creating art that celebrates diversity, inclusivity, and the power of storytelling.
Dr Jose Garcia Cesar is an international graphic designer, illustrator, and visual artist with over two decades of experience in the creative industry. Originally from Spain, he has collaborated with world-renowned advertising agencies —among them McCann, BBDO, and Leo Burnett—leading campaigns for clients such as Asahi, L’Oréal, Energizer International, Discovery Channel China, and Carlsberg. Now based in Hobart, José works as an independent creative, taking on commissions from both local and international clients. In addition to his practice, he has spent the past eight years teaching Design, Art, and Media at the University of Tasmania, sharing his passion for innovation and storytelling with the next generation of creatives. His diverse background, spanning roles from director to motion designer, showcases his dedication to art and design across various stages.
Jay has cut his teeth in the printing industry as an apprentice in Graphic Pre-Press with Mercury Walch. Made the leap to agency life in 2007, and since has worked on local, national and international clients across a wide range of industries and channels.
Jay has been involved with the AGDA Tasmania committee including Vice President in 2013, and also a student and tutor of the national AWARD school. He is excited to see the very best in what Tasmania has to offer in the industry and its emerging young talent.
Nat Jeanneret is a creative communications and marketing problem-solving specialist with well over two decades of experience bringing ideas to life and helping businesses and organisations communicate effectively across Australia. Nat is a passionate advocate for the role of creativity and joy in a life well-lived, and enjoys a mixed practice of design, advertising, strategic and senior marketing leadership work.
Nat cheerily describes himself as a creative polymath. If it’s a tool to communicate, or an interesting idea, then Nat is interested in it, and how to make it work better. Nat has a specialist interest in design education and advocacy and has served twice on the National Board for the Australian Graphic Design Association, and has invested many years in organising and supporting professional development events for our industry.
Mollie Hill is a proud Tasmanian who started in the industry as a strategy director in agencies such as BMF, The Monkeys, and Wieden + Kennedy, working on brands including Nike, Google, and Diageo and on teams that have won Cannes Lions, Jay Chiats, and Effies. She has lived and worked in Sydney, Singapore and Sao Paulo - and is passionate about the power of creativity.
Danika Porter is a strategic brand and communications leader with more than 20 years’ experience. She has led award-winning brand, marketing and PR strategies for some of Australia’s most recognised tourism and media brands. Danika brings a discerning lens and a strong appreciation for work that demonstrates both creative excellence and strategic intent.
Caleb notched over a decade of working for design and digital studios in Melbourne before settling in Hobart to better balance the screens with wondrous scenes of nature and community. He runs a web studio named after Tasmania’s second computer, and encourages new and established digital professionals to celebrate the local industry through the Yeah Nice meetup.
Rik is the founder of Tasmanian digital agency Kings Digital. With over 15 years’ experience leading digital projects, he’s known for his strong technical background and practical, strategy-led approach to helping businesses across Australia improve how digital performs. Rik’s focus is always on practical thinking, strong fundamentals and efficient execution.
Elliott is senior creative copywriter and left-of-field thinker. After training at art school, he fell into the world of advertising and spent several years working at Wunderman Thompson, Leo Burnett and McCann in London. After a dreamy few years at Mona, he now freelances in Melbourne.
My name is Frank Mezo and I am the Founder and Director of Mezographic. Large format print is my passion, and the advancement of technology from screen printing to digital print has been my journey. From printing T-shirts in my father’s garage in the 1980s to purchasing our latest printer, our second DURST P5, the printing industry has been my focus for the past 37 years.
Excellent project outcomes are the source of my job satisfaction and inspiration. Our team’s ability to develop creative solutions and achieve the near impossible within tight timelines is a matter of professional pride. Family and travel are my other loves, and I often combine research visits to events such as FESPA and DRUPA with exploring the world.
Stuart Gittus leads operations at IVE Brand Activations, overseeing the seamless delivery of complex, large-scale brand campaigns. With deep expertise in production, logistics and team leadership, he ensures every activation is executed with precision, efficiency and impact. Stuart is known for his practical approach, strong leadership and ability to turn bold ideas into flawlessly delivered outcomes.
Jason Kennedy is a senior figure in Australia’s visual communications and architectural materials sector, with more than 36 years of experience spanning design, print, branding and large-scale creative delivery. As General Manager Sales, Architectural Design and Brand Solutions, he champions specification and design-led thinking, with an emphasis on craft, performance and intent from concept to completion.
Known for his direct, no-nonsense approach, Jason believes great work happens when creative ambition is matched by technical rigour and accountability. He is a strong advocate for genuine, sustainable innovation that solves real problems and remains deeply invested in advancing standards across print, spatial design and brand execution.
Brendan started his Career in 1992 at The Works Printing Group. He later became an apprentice Offset Printer on a Single Colour Printing Machine. In 1998 he transferred to Mercury Walch.
Brendan completed his qualifications and in 2008 became a Print Supervisor running on a Four and Six Colour Printing Machine producing many Quality Gold Awards over the years.
In 2011 Brendan took the opportunity to start a new career at Bilton Graphics Pty. Ltd. a Tasmanian owned and operated Business since 1984, and now he is celebrating their 40 Year Anniversary. Brendans role at Bilton Graphics has evolved to General Manager, he continues to supply the Printing Industry with his expertise and practical knowledge for Print Media products and services.
Our sponsors
