MPAQ Staff

Penny Cornah is the Executive Director of the Master Plumbers’ Association of Queensland (MPAQ). Penny has been employed with the Association for more than sixteen years. Penny is well known to MPAQ members and works closely with them and the Board on the raft of issues which currently face the industry. Penny identifies her role as heading the organisation that is the conduit between protecting community health and the environment. Penny is a strong leader in a male dominated industry and has earned respect throughout the plumbing fraternity. She has developed strong relationships within the Queensland Government ensuring the industry’s voice is heard at the highest levels. Penny was appointed as a Director to Master Plumbers Australia and New Zealand in 2012. Penny was appointed as a Director of QLeave in July 2016 and is also a Director of Construction Skills Queensland and the Chair of the Service Trades Council, roles that she is humbled to be given. The Service Trades Council is established under the Plumbing and Drainage Act 2002 to provide a voice for the service trades, and to protect the public's health and safety as well as the environment.

Ernie has been around the plumbing industry his whole life and with over 30 years as a second-generation licensed plumber and drainer, Ernie is very experienced and passionate about our industry. As the Deputy Executive Director at MPAQ, Ernie strives to support our members and represent the plumbing industry on a local, state, and federal level. Since commencing with the Association in 2005, Ernie has been able to assist thousands of members with issues ranging from the smallest of technical concerns, to the largest of major projects.

Tracy has worked with MPAQ since 2018. With over 15 years’ experience in the Vocational Education and Training industry, Tracy has a high level of knowledge and experience in compliance, student management systems, data analysis and contract management. Tracy’s role is responsible for overseeing the scheduling and implementation of training programs to meet contract and budget forecasts, overseeing regulatory compliance and funding contract requirements. Tracy is responsible for providing supervision and guidance to the training services team and reception staff.

Ashleigh has been with MPAQ since 2016, working across the marketing and membership departments. As the Member Services Manager, Ashleigh leads our membership and marketing team to ensure that members are experiencing real value to set their businesses apart from the rest of the industry. Ashleigh is also the editor of the Master Plumber magazine and is passionate about sharing stories that celebrate our members' experiences and successes.

Summer has been employed with MPAQ since 2014 and has worked closely with all departments of the Association, giving her a great understanding of the different services offered by MPAQ. Summer’s role consists of managing MPAQ’s key funding and special projects and leading the MPAQ events team to deliver educational and networking events across Queensland. Summer also works with the marketing team on developing and designing marketing collateral and running the MPAQ social channels.

In early 2020, Emma rejoined MPAQ to extend invaluable HR support and guidance to members and internal team. With over a decade of experience in the labour hire sector, encompassing roles in building and construction, hospitality, and the university sector, Emma possesses a comprehensive understanding of the employee life cycle. Her extensive background equips her with profound insights into HR, and she is passionate about ensuring compliance with employment legislation. Emma recognises the significance of cultivating and sustaining robust working relationships with staff members.

Tony is a Chartered Accountant, has an MBA from University of Queensland, and is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Tony has worked in Plumbing industry-related organisations since 1998. Tony joined the MPAQ team in 2023 as the Finance Manager.

Jason has been working for the Association since 2017 and is based in Bundaberg; however, he looks after our members from the Sunshine Coast to Cairns. Jason has nearly 30 years’ experience working in the construction industry, combined with business studies from QUT, which assists him with relating to MPAQ’s members and understanding the challenges they face. Jason finds helping our members succeed in their business both professionally and personally rewarding.

Leah joined MPAQ in 2018. Leah enjoys introducing potential members to MPAQ's services and benefits. Leah has over 20 years experience in sales and service, receiving award winning results. Proud to work with MPAQ, Leah is passionate about delivering informative service and helping members achieve value and growth from MPAQ membership.

Dorothy draws from her experience working for an executive member recruitment organisation to provide valuable skills and insight to the membership team, and she is committed to ensuring the needs of our valued members are met and supported. She champions MPAQ in providing the necessary resource required to achieve member advancement.

Krishna joined our events team in 2022 and has a strong background in organising multicultural events. In her MPAQ role, she has already established several solid, enduring relationships with our sponsors and members. She believes in teamwork and her contribution to the team has been invaluable. Krishna was more than happy to volunteer to become a part of the MPAQ social committee.

Dorothy joined MPAQ in August 2023 as an Events and Sponsorship Coordinator, bringing a strong background in event management from The University of Queensland and practical experience in event planning in the hospitality industry. She excels in orchestrating a diverse range of events, utilising her exceptional organisational skills. As a collaborative team member, her primary responsibility encompasses comprehensive event planning and establishing partnerships on behalf of MPAQ for each event. She looks forward to cultivating strong relationships with Partners and curating events with valuable insights and networking opportunities.

Jovi has been with MPAQ since February 2023. As the Marketing and Communications Coordinator, she is responsible for promoting the Association and its initiatives in meaningful ways and channels, and coordinating all communications sent out to members, corporate partners, and the public. She believes in purposeful communication and strongly encourages the use of the Oxford comma.

Kerry has been a part of the MPAQ technical team since 2017. Kerry brings a wealth of industry experience to the role, including over 30 years’ service to the training of plumbers in Queensland, teaching extensively in Certificate III and Certificate IV. During his career, Kerry has worked closely with industry regulators and held various positions with the National Plumbing Services Training Advisory Group (NPSTAG), including Secretary (2006-2011) and Chair (2012-2014).

Stuart brings over twenty years of on the tools experience to his role as a Trainer at MPAQ. An Engineering Technician in Plumbing, Gas and Mechanical services from the UK, Stuart has lived and worked in Brisbane since emigrating in 2017. Stuart is a licensed Plumber holding endorsements in Backflow prevention, Thermostatic mixing valves and Solar and Heat pumps in addition to a full Type A gas work license and has a keen interest in green renewable energy. Stuart is also a qualified Trainer & Assessor and is involved in developing and delivering course material for the MPAQ training department.

Deb has been employed with MPAQ since 2021 as the Office Administrator. With over 25 years’ experience in various administrative and accounts roles, Deb is the smiling face you see upon entering the office, or the first point of contact when you call. Deb processes the Employment & Works Contracts, any Stationery orders that are purchased via the MPAQ shop and looks after the catering needs for the Council meetings.

Maddy has been employed with MPAQ since June 2022 and is the Training Services Administration Officer. Maddy completed year 12 in November of 2021 and is now the smile that greets you when you visit or the voice on the other end of the phone when you call. Maddy also looks after the shop stationery purchases and general day to day office duties.