A fantastic evening was had by all at the 10th Annual Master Painters Australia NSW Association Awards for Excellence. Once again the Grand Ballroom of the Four Seasons Hotel was filled to the brim with painters, apprentices and sponsors alike.

This year more then 130 entries were received from painting and decorating contractors all across New South Wales as far West as Bourke and as far South as Bega. The judges Brian Tompson and Graham Donaldson with over 80 combined years experience in the painting and decorating industry whittled these entries down to 67 finalists in 14 categories.

It is an achievement in itself in making it to the finalists stage and all entrants who made it that far should be strongly congratulated and be proud of your achievements.

The major sponsors for the event were once again Dulux Australia, AFA Insurance and Master Painters Insurance Services. Our sincere thanks goes to these organisations, for without the support of our sponsors this night would not be possible. Our corporate sponsors, Graco, Solver Paints, Mel Crook and Associates, Advance Scaffold, Wattyl Australia, Zinsser, NSW Office of Fair Trading and PPG Australia must also be thanked for their generous support of the evening.

The winners of the categories were;

Domestic Single Dwelling Repaint less then $20,000 --          3 Colours Painting Service

Domestic Single Dwelling Repaint more then $20,000 --        Volantes Decorating Service

Domestic Single Dwelling New Work less then $20,000 --     S & E Carter

Domestic Single Dwelling New Work more then $20,000 --   A Complete Decor

Multi Unit Residential Repaint --                                          Premier Painting Company

Multi Unit Residential New Work --                                     Any District Painting

Commercial Repaint --                                                        Althouse and Geiger Pty Ltd

Commercial New Work --                                                   Ramesa Pty Ltd

Heritage and Restoration Domestic --                                   Volantes Decorating Service

Heritage and Restoration Commercial --                                D & J Saverino Painting

Decorative Finishes Commercial --                                       Atherton and Sons and Images Painting Services

Decorative Finishes Domestic --                                          Volantes Decorating Service

Wall Coverings --                                                               Decorative Development Pty Ltd

Excellence in Customer Service                                           Men In White

Environmental Management Award                                     Hunter Maintenance Painting

Young Contractor Award                                                    Bart Harrowell and Michael Horvat

Out of all those winners the judges had the most difficult task to choose one project as the Master Painters Australia NSW Awards for Excellence 2008 Project of the Year

This year the Project of the Year went to D & J Saverino Painting for their work on Anita's Theatre at Thirroul.

The judges commented "This project had a “wow  - and we don’t believe it could be done” effect on the judges who could have spent the full day on site just soaking up the wonderful effects – heritage researched and skillfully applied colours, marbled columns, fine detailed painting, high degree of difficulty with access, together with other trades on site at the same time".

Our congratulations goes to D & J Saverino Painting for their outstanding project. We would also like to congratulate all category winners on your achievements.

Once again, a sincere thank you goes from the Associations Board and Association Staff, to all those who entered projects, our sponsors and those who attended the night.

You all helped in achieving our goal in making this night the Painting and Decorating Industry's Premier Event on the calendar.

We look forward to seeing you next year!

Entries are now open to the 2009 awards for excellence. Phone the office on 02 9758 8877 to get your application for application form. Don't miss out on your chance to be part of the competition.