2024 MPAQ Council Presented at the AGM

On 19 November, MPAQ held the 124th Annual General Meeting and Stalwarts event at PICAC Beenleigh. The 2024 MPAQ Council, Meritorious Service Awardees, and Milestone Members were presented on the day.

After the nominations held in September to October, new members of the 2024 MPAQ Council were announced during the meeting:

• Michael Ryan - Vice President 
• Warwick Royal - Councillor 
• Reginald Harper -  Councillor 
• Bob Kimlin - Trustee
• Bill Watson AM - Trustee 

Please note: not all positions were open for election this year. Kent Vickers (President), Dennis Yarrow (Vice President), Patrick Robertson (Councillor), John Salmon (Councillor), Sean Taylor (Councillor), and Nathan Parnaby (Councillor) continue to serve as current members of the board.

The principal activities of the Association during the year were representing the interests of our members to Government, conducting training activities, providing technical resources, and advancing the interests of the plumbing, gas and services industry to the community.

The MPAQ Council comprises past presidents, specialists in legionella, maintenance, and hot water, major contractors, experts in backflow and drainage, as well as pipe reliners and gas fitters. This diverse pool of expertise, knowledge, and regional representation at the board level equips the association to engage in meaningful discussions and effectively advocate for our members at all government levels.

Meritorious Service Awards

Two outstanding members were presented with a Meritorious Service Award for their service to the industry and the Association. These men have dedicated their life to the industry and continue to be shining examples of hard work, magnanimity, and excellence.

Ken Baulch

Ken Baulch, from Bundaberg, joined MPAQ on 15 May 1977. He served as Secretary of the Bundaberg Division from 1978-1979, 1979-1980, and 1982-1983, and as Chairman from 1983-1984, 1996-1997, and 2000-2001. Over the years, Ken has been an active and dedicated member, regularly attending events and engaging in association activities. His commitment to MPAQ has been exemplary. Ken’s legacy in the trade continues with his son, Andrew, who is also a plumber. Ken stands as an outstanding ambassador for our Association, making him an ideal candidate for the Meritorious Service Award.

Brian Sorohan 

Brian Sorohan joined MPAQ on 18 April 1979 and served as Treasurer of the North Queensland Division from 2002 to 2005. Over the years, he has actively participated in numerous events and conferences, consistently demonstrating his dedication to our Association. Brian’s steadfast commitment and exemplary representation of MPAQ and our industry make him an ideal candidate for this honour.

Harle Gall steps down from Council

Harle Gall has dedicated his time and effort to the Council, and we sincerely appreciate his commitment, especially his willingness to travel from Goondiwindi to attend meetings and events. Harle entered the plumbing industry in 2004, completing his apprenticeship in Goondiwindi. In late 2008, he and Stacey founded H&S Gall Plumbing, later joining the Laser Group in 2013. Harle became an MPAQ member in 2009, and he joined the Council to represent a rural perspective and to have a voice in policies impacting our industry. Thank you, Harle, for your dedication and valuable contributions.

Milestones

Sean Taylor - 10 Year Milestone 

Congratulations to Sean Taylor from Taylor'd Plumbing Works Pty Ltd for reaching his 10-year membership milestone with MPAQ. Sean became a member on 18 June 2014 and joined the MPAQ Council in November of last year. MPAQ is grateful for his valuable contributions to the association.

Bob Kimlin - 25 Year Milestone

Congratulations to Bob Kimlin, a life member, past president, and trustee. Bob began his plumbing apprenticeship in 1971 and went on to establish his own business, National Air Qld - plumbing and air conditioning, in 1999. Since 1980, he has been actively involved in the Townsville Division, serving as Treasurer, Secretary, and Chairman. Bob joined the MPAQ Council in 1994, held the position of President from 1996-1998, and again from 2002-2013. In acknowledgment of his dedication, he was awarded Life Membership in November 2014. Throughout his career, Bob has been committed to giving back to the industry that has supported his professional and personal success.