MPAQ Council Presented at the AGM

On 28 November, MPAQ held the 123rd Annual General Meeting and Stalwarts event at the Plumbing Industry House. The 2023 MPAQ Council, Meritorious Service Awardees, Milestone Members, and President's Awardee were presented on the day.

After the nominations held in September to October, the 2023 MPAQ Council was announced during the meeting:

• Kent Vickers - President
• Dennis Yarrow - Vice President
• Kelvin Slade - Past President
• Patrick Robertson - Councillor
• Sean Taylor - Councillor
• Nathan Parnaby - Councillor
• John Salmon - Councillor
• Bob Kimlin - Trustee
• Bill Watson AM – Trustee

Please note: not all positions were open for election this year. Michael Ryan, Vice President, and Harle Gall, 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. Additionally, regional board members from Atherton and Goondiwindi represent our members. 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

Three outstanding members were presented with a Meritorious Service Award for their service to the industry and the Association: Andy Burke, Col Baldock, and Gary Bergman. These men have dedicated their life to the industry and continue to be shining examples of hard work, magnanimity, and excellence.

Andy Burke
Andy from Burke Industries joined MPAQ on 16 April 1986. Andy served as Secretary of the Toowoomba Division from 1987 to 1993 and as Chairman of the Toowoomba Division from 1993 to 1994. Andy also served on the Council from 2009 to 2013. Andy has been an active member of our Association for many years and has attended many events, conferences, and still attends and supports the Toowoomba Division Golf Day. He has been a committed member of our Association for an extended period, and serves as an outstanding ambassador for our Association.

Col Baldock
Col from Baldocks Plumbing Services Pty Ltd became a member of MPAQ on September 8, 1992. He served as the Division Chairman for the Mackay Division from 2009 to 2015. Col has actively engaged in a variety of events and activities, including conferences. He has also contributed immensely not just to Queensland and Australia, but to many struggling nations across the world through his involvement with the Rotary Australia World Community Service. His enduring commitment to our Association and his exceptional representation of MPAQ and our industry make him a strong candidate for the Meritorious Service Award.

Gary Bergman
Gary’s business, Gary Bergman Plumbing, joined MPAQ on 12 September 1995. He held the position of Secretary for the Redcliffe Division from 2001 to 2015. Over the years, Gary actively participated in numerous MPAQ conferences, events, trade nights, forums, and meetings. He has been a committed member of our Association for an extended period. Gary serves as an outstanding ambassador for our Association, making him a strong candidate for the Meritorious Service Award.

Milestones

Dennis Yarrow and Kelvin Slade were also presented with their milestone certificates during the AGM.

Dennis Yarrow celebrated 30 years with MPAQ with his business, Yarrow Plumbing Services Pty Ltd. Dennis has served as a Councillor from 2011 to the present. He now takes on a bigger role as the Association’s Vice President. He consistently participates in and advocates for our events and initiatives, and actively motivates his team to engage and support these activities.

Kelvin Slade from Slade Brothers Plumbing Pty Ltd also celebrated 30 years with MPAQ. Kelvin is a board member for MPAQ and served as President from 2013 to 2017. Kelvin has also served as a trainer for MPAQ for 13 years, facilitating Certificate IV courses throughout Queensland. During his role as a trainer, Kelvin took a keen interest in the management and treatment of Legionella bacteria in complex water systems within buildings, in particular aged care and healthcare facilities. Kelvin is a 2016 Churchill Fellow researching legislation, training, and best practice in the management and treatment of Legionella, traveling to the USA, Northern Ireland, England, Italy, and Singapore.

President’s Award

This year, MPAQ presented the inaugural MPAQ President’s Award which was to be presented at the Plumbing and Industry Awards night.

This award recognises a person who has had a significant impact on the plumbing and gas industry through training, mentoring, development, and leadership, as well as significant contributions to the Association. The winner this year is John Salmon from Salmon Plumbing Services, who was unable to attend the Awards night. His award was presented to him at the AGM.

John’s journey in the plumbing industry began in 1985 when he embarked on his plumbing apprenticeship. Back then, it was just a job, but little did he know it would lead to a remarkable career. John's business, Salmon Plumbing Services, was established in 1991, and over the years, he's witnessed significant changes in the industry. He's adapted and stayed relevant through his active involvement with the association, which exposed him to industry advancements.

John's dedication to improving the plumbing industry is evident through his extensive list of contributions to the MPAQ Council. From developing the Charge-out Rate Calculator to his role as Treasurer and Chair of SCRF, he's worked tirelessly to elevate industry practices, raise the value of plumbers, and champion sustainability through initiatives like the PVC Recycling Scheme.

As we look to the future, John sees a bright outlook for the plumbing industry. However, he acknowledges the challenge of maintaining standards amidst a skills shortage. With leaders like John Salmon, we can rest assured that the industry's future is in capable hands.