master plumber dec 2010

december 2010 / january 2011

Print Post aPProved - MPaQ pp424022/1386

Tis the Season

‘Tis the season to be…adrian Hart - Publisher

perspective

Do you feel it yet? Are you feeling jolly and looking forward to the big guy in a red suit bringing you lots and lots of what you want? I hope you get it, whatever it is!

If you’ve been running all year just to stay afloat you may not yet be turning your mind to yuletide festivities, you might even still be trying to get the finishing touches done on that last job or get in that small reno’ you promised a loyal client would be done before the break…

Enough already – take a break as soon as you can! Spend some time with your family and recharge your batteries. Pushing yourself over the top may work for a while but there is a limit to what you can do before your productivity starts to slide.

On behalf of the President, Council and staff of the Master Plumbers’ Association I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a safe, happy and prosperous New Year.

December and January offers us some time for reflection, to consider the year that was and to contemplate the year ahead. We can re-energise over the break, take stock of our achievements and set further goals to continue working towards.

Having clarity of purpose for yourself and your business is essential.

You should think about what it is that you do to add value to the communities you serve, how do you do this that is unique to you and how do you sustain

your operations so that you can continue to provide these services into the future.

No matter what you do and who you do it for, one thing is for sure and that is, you will do it better if you focus on creating a saleable asset in your business. In other words, you should set your business up so that it is ready to be sold.

If you do this you will create a true business that is capable of operating without you so that you can improve your work life balance and enjoy the fruits of your labour or if you choose to do so, you can sell it. Either way, the choice is yours.

You could even decide to continue working in the business doing plumbing work if that is what you want provided everything else is being looked after. If you do it right you can employ others to do the things you’re not good at or don’t want to do.

The old saying is true. You should spend time working on the business and not just in it.

Setting clear goals and developing workable plans for their achievement and committing these to writing is one of the most important things you can do. In developing your goals remember to keep them SMART (ie) specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time sensitive.

In thinking about what you want and what you need to do to achieve it you will find that the correct performance of plumbing tasks

is mission critical just as is staying up to date with the latest in products, technology and regulations etc is mission critical.

Technical skills however should be a given, without them you don’t have a plumbing business at all but they don’t guarantee a successful business. It is sad to some but it is true, the best plumber will not necessarily create the best plumbing business.

You need to focus on business skills and developing effective systems in all aspects of your operations including marketing, sales, finance, procurement, contract management, debt collection, human resources and workplace health & safety etc.

But how do you do this? Where do you go for assistance? Basically there are opportunities all around you and it is up to you which ones you want to take advantage of. For example, you can enrol in tertiary study at university or TAFE, you can attend workshops or you can ask for advice from your professional advisors. Another way is to work with a business development consultant or a business coach.

No matter what you do you need to accept that it will take a commitment from you, both in time and money, to create a saleable asset in your business but it will be worth it in the long run if you succeed.

Good luck and remember to take some time off for you and your family.

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contents

PublisHed by

Master Plumbers’ Association of Queensland: 243 Bradman Street, Acacia Ridge Q 4110P: 07 3273 0800 F: 07 3273 0873 e: [email protected] W: www.mpaq.com.au

tHe teaM

executive director Adrian Hart P: 07 3273 0800 e: [email protected]

editor Penny Cornah P: 07 3273 0800 e: [email protected]

advertising enQuiries Penny Cornah P: 07 3273 0800 e: [email protected]

Print & design Go Boating Publications P: 07 3359 2378

MPaQ council

President Bob Kimlin P: 07 4725 0611 / 0419 744 383 e: [email protected]

senior vice President Russell Fingleton P: 1300 652 880 e: [email protected]

Junior vice President Rob Brouwers P: 0411 413 400 e: [email protected]

Past President Bill Watson P: 07 3273 2333 e: [email protected]

treasurer Bruce Wallace P: 07 3397 3126 e: [email protected]

councillorsKen Bird OAM P: 07 5596 0711 / 0412 435 842 e: [email protected] Burke P: 07 4633 1888 e: [email protected] Jackson P: 0427 155 145 e: [email protected] Berry P: 07 5472 7618 e: [email protected] Yarrow P: 07 3272 7666 e: [email protected] John Salmon P: 07 3846 5366 e: [email protected]

advisorHon. Gary Hardgrave P: 0419 651 575 e: [email protected]

trustees

Graham Cottee P: 07 4613 6534 / 0418 783 649 e: [email protected] McGrath OAM P: 07 3366 1817 F: 07 3366 6915 e: [email protected]

liFe MeMbers

G Cottee, REA Davies, F Huysing, B McGrath OAM, MJ Moor, T MorrisJ Porter, GC Richardson, NF Sharman, BS Soden, BD Wallace, WB Watson

Meritorious service MeMbers

A Chapman, B McGrath OAM, T Morris, B Pocock, D Powell, B Wallace, R Weaver, M Wilshere

disclaiMerOpinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the MPAQ, nor does the MPAQ guarantee the accuracy of statements made by contributors or advertisers or accepts responsibility for statements they may express in this publication. The MPAQ does not accept liability to advertisers, which may be held contrary to the Trade Practices Act 1974. The MPAQ reserves the right to refuse, cancel, amend or suspend any advertisements or inserts without reason. Please note there has been an oversight on volume issue numbers. in 2007 the volume number was printed as 49 but it should have been 48, this current issue has now been changed to volume number 51.

Vol 51 | No. 11 | December/January 2010-2011

15 16 21

27

every month features

24 Plumbing contractors' survival course

25 Celebrate World Plumbing Day on 11 March 2011

25 Plumbing & Gas Industry Awards

25 Women in business lunch

26 Events 2011

26 Vale Gwen Harris

27 New products

28 Member profiles

29 New profiles

08 New Telstra rates for members

08 Experience to focus on industry development

08 Two reasons to celebrate for Grundfos Pumps

10 The Inaugural 2010 Plumbing Conference

13 Have you lodged your paperwork for solar/heat pump installations?

14 Roof structural integrity

15 AS 2845.3 2010

16 A must read for plumbers!

18 Who’s doing your plumbing?

19 Training calendar

19 Time is running out

20 Q&A

21 New ATO benchmarks focus on cash sales

21 New premises

22 IR update

23 Customer Service – do you really understand the implications?

24 Is your GST system costing you money?

03 perspective

08 industry news

13 technical

20 legal

30 member update

14

18

6 | dec 2010 / jan 2011

Editor's noteWelcome to the December/

January issue of the Master Plumber magazine. Can you believe another year has passed?

This issue features all the highlights from the 2010 Plumbing Conference which was held at Novotel Twin Waters Resort on the Sunshine Coast. Special thanks to our Event Partner PHD Plumbing Supplies for their continued support. To view photos please visit www.plumbing conference.com.au

A new campaign promoting the value of using a licensed plumber is currently being run by the Plumbing Industry Council. The campaign is designed to increase public awareness of the need to use licensed plumbers for regulated work. A copy of the poster has been included in MPAQ magazine for you to use and distribute.

The new product page is a regular section to keep you up to date with current products and services. See page 27 for the latest innovative products.

Welcome to all new members and congratulations to all members who are celebrating a milestone membership achievement.

The MPAQ Office will be closed from 24 December and will reopen on 4 January. For urgent inquires please refer to the website. I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a safe and prosperous New Year!

Penny cornah editor

update + editor's note

Please provide your email addressListed below are the headings from

this month’s MPAQ Update which has been sent via email exclusively to members. The MPAQ Update is an e-newsletter sent no more than once a week which focuses on important or time sensitive material. An MPAQ Alert is a single topic email covering an urgent matter or an area specific issue, which may be sent on an ad hoc basis.

If you would like to receive this important information on a regular basis please forward your email address to [email protected] or ring Kristine on 3273 0800.

Copies of MPAQ Updates and Alerts will be filed on the website (www.mpaq.com.au) under Publications in the menu on the left hand side of the page. Contact the office if you do not have a current website user name and password.

MPaQ update november Is your GST system

costing you money? 2011 inclement weather calendar Construction of buildings in

bushfire-prone areas – seminar Sham contracting –

ignorance is no defence New Telstra rates for members Additional approved public

holidays – 2010/2011 Have you lodged your paperwork

for solar/heat pump installations? Townsville Yellow Pages advertising Plumbing Conference presentations Free asbestos information sessions Fair Work Ombudsman

(FWO) investigates building industry non-compliance

Plumbing Industry Council launch public awareness campaign

Business events calendar for December 2010 now available

mpaqupdate

MPAQ Office Closure

For urgent inquires please refer to the website. MPAQ Councillors and Staff wish you a Happy Christmas and a safe and prosperous New Year!

The MPAQ Office will be closed from 24 December and will reopen on 4 January.

8 | dec 2010 / jan 2011

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industry news

MPaQ recently signed a new deal with telstra to provide members with special deals and rates. these new rates are available through Fone Zone by calling 1300 798 758.

there are three options available to members:1. Enterprise Fleet Plan – allows

you to receive an appropriate level discount and enables you to purchase a mobile handset at $0 cost on a 24 month contract.

2. Bring your own phone onto the MPAQ/Telstra $10 plan with no contract and just pay the corporate rates.

3. Take up a capped plan that suits your needs. A billing analysis can be done to enable you to find out the best plan available.

For more information please visit www.mpaq.com.au or call Fone Zone on 1300 798 758.

Former federal government Minister for vocational and technical education in the long spanning Howard government, Hon. gary Hardgrave, has joined Queensland’s peak plumbing organisation, MPaQ, bringing with him a fresh approach to this vital trade.

MPAQ President Bob Kimlin has welcomed Gary's appointment to the role of Council Advisor.

"Our elected Councillors recognised that they would benefit from a different perspective; someone who may not be a plumber but has experience in corporate governance and who may be able to provide expert assistance in non-plumbing areas."

"Gary fulfills this role admirably with his company director training (AICD Directors’ Diploma Course) and board governance experience. Additionally his vast knowledge of government processes and vocational education and training gained as a Minister in the Howard Government position him as a highly valuable asset to MPAQ, which is focused on improving access to plumbing industry specific training."

Mr. Hardgrave says ensuring a realistic approach to complex issues will be a key to his advice.

"It's about helping the organisation meet its legislative requirements and ensuring that its members are able to maintain and build a consumer focus to what is becoming one of the most complex areas of service delivery."

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Mr Hardgrave believes his recent appointment will enhance the organisations policies, particularly in their approach with members when dealing with public health and safety issues.

"I believe my experience brings about a very strong understanding and appreciation for national building trades like plumbing."

"As a vocal advocate for common sense when it comes to health and safety I want to aid MPAQ and their members to implement pathways which ensure public health and safety standards are paramount to the association."

Mr Hardgrave says MPAQ's dedication to training for members is to be commended.

Two reasons to celebrate for Grundfos Pumpson Monday 8th november 2010,

grundfos Pumps Pty ltd was proud to host an event to celebrate the 30th anniversary of grundfos in australia and the official opening of their new Queensland office.

Grundfos Pumps Pty Ltd was established in 1980, and for the past 30 years has provided sustainable pumping solutions to customers throughout the country, covering a range of applications across the entire water life cycle.

The new Queensland facility, located in Ormeau, will allow Grundfos to better meet the growing sales and service needs of Queensland customers, featuring; state-of-the-art

training resources, increased service and storage capabilities, an easily accessible location, plentiful car parking and upgraded information and communications systems.

“This new facility proudly boasts a specialised team of Dosing Project Engineers, a service team and a small production team, making it unique in that it will serve as the hub for water treatment engineering and assembly activities for Australia,” said Mr. Jensen.

The premises were officially opened with a plaque unveiled by Mr. Søren Ø. Sørensen, Grundfos’ Group Executive Vice President, who made the trip from Denmark.“We are

not only celebrating the opening of this fantastic new facility, but also reaching the milestone of thirty years of Grundfos in Australia. This has been achieved by building strong partnerships with our customers, who rely on us to deliver more than just innovative pumping solutions. In this new facility in Ormeau, we can build upon these capabilities further,” said Mr. Sørensen.

Hon. Gary Hardgrave

10 | dec 2010 / jan 2011 dec 2010 / jan 2011 | 11

feature feature

The conference attracted plumbers, designers, teachers and inspectors and was held at Novotel Twin Waters Resort on the Sunshine Coast.

This conference was a joint initiative between the Master Plumbers’ Association of Queensland (MPAQ), the Association of Hydraulic Services Consultants Australia (AHSCA), the Institute of Plumbing Inspectors Queensland (IPIQ), and the Backflow Prevention Association of Queensland (BPAQ) who delivered an informative and enjoyable event.

The Associations have lead the way forward for a cohesive future by bringing the designers, installers and inspectors together to learn on a united front about topical issues that affect the Queensland Plumbing Industry. The conference was a mix of technical and business sessions as well as social networking functions.

The Plumbing Conference Golf Championship was held on Thursday 28 October with 64 golfers enjoying a perfect day on the Sunshine Coast. Congratulations to our winning team Neville Mott, Phil Denman, Victor Cross & Paul Halliday. Following the golf, delegates enjoyed a tropical beach welcome party sponsored by Everhard Industries. This casual and

Welcome Function sponsor breakfast sponsor dinner sponsor supporting sponsors (continued overleaf)Presented by event Partner Major sponsors

the inaugural 2010

Plumbing Conference over two hundred and seventy five delegates, partners

and exhibitors from around Queensland attended the inaugural 2010 Plumbing conference in october.

above left: Plumbing conference golf champions – neville Mott, Phil denman, victor cross & Paul Halliday.

above right: event Partner PHd Plumbing supplies

2010 Plumbing conference golf championshiptropical beach Welcome Party – allan leonardi, John ede, geoffery Woodall and James tarlinton from townsville

fun welcome set the scene for the next two days of conferencing.

The Honourable Stirling Hinchliffe MP, Minister for Infrastructure and Planning official opened the conference at the breakfast sponsored by All Valve Industries. The Minister launched the Plumbing Industry Council’s public awareness campaign. The campaign is designed to increase public awareness of the need to use licensed plumbers for regulated work in Queensland.

Whilst the delegates attended the informative conference sessions the

ladies enjoyed a trip to Montville for some wine tasting on Friday and explored the Eumundi Markets on Saturday morning. The ladies enjoyed an afternoon of fun and frivolity at the ladies networking session on Saturday. This afternoon featured a hat making competition as well as other secret women’s business.

On the weekend before “the day that stops the nation” (Melbourne Cup), the conference concluded with a racing inspired dinner.

12 | dec 2010 / jan 2011

technical feature

Have you lodged your paperwork for solar/heat pump installations?

The Plumbing Industry Council are cracking down on licensees who have failed to lodged the necessary paperwork for solar hot water systems installed under the Queensland Government’s Solar Hot Water Rebate Program.

The Plumbing Industry Council will be cross checking the rebates issued by the Office of Clean Energy with the forms that have been lodged with Local Government to ensure plumbers are lodging the necessary paperwork for solar hot water system installations.

A fine may be issued or the Plumbing Industry Council may consider taking disciplinary action if plumbers are found to not have lodged the required paperwork or who have failed to call for

an assessment (this applies to plumbers who do not hold a solar and heat pump endorsement).

Plumbers with the solar and heat pump endorsement on their licence must lodge a Notifiable Minor Works - form 4 with the relevant Local Government within 40 days after installing a solar hot water system.

Plumbers who do not hold a solar and heat pump endorsement must lodge an application for compliance assessment - form 1 and a proposed plumbing, drainage and onsite sewage work - form 2 to obtain a permit before installation work is performed and have the relevant Local Government assess the work

within seven days after completion.From 1 January 2011, it will be

mandatory for all plumbers, including provisional plumbers, who install, test, maintain, repair or replace solar or heat pump hot water systems to obtain a solar and heat pump endorsement. A licensee must successfully complete a course approved by the Plumbing Industry Council, to obtain this endorsement.

For further information please email the Plumbing Industry Council at [email protected] or telephone 1800 682 021.

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This dinner was a night of racing fun and gambling along with fashions on the field.

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above top left: conference breakfastabove top right: conference dinner, rob brouwers and Harry steinheuerabove bottom left: ladies networking sessionabove bottom right: conference dinner

2011 Plumbing Conference and details will be published as soon as available. Special thanks to our Event Partner, PHD Plumbing Supplies for all their support and dedication to this event.

The 2010 Plumbing Conference speakers' presentations and photos from the event are now available on the Plumbing Conference website, www.plumbingconference.com.au.

The positive feedback from delegates and exhibitors has deemed this conference the best yet with 100% of delegates wanting to attend in 2011. Plans are currently underway for the

special thanks to all of the speakers for donating their time to be at the 2010 Plumbing conference:

Don Boynton Rob Brouwers Glen Brumby Steve Cummings Des Grevell Greg Hamilton Ian Heathwood Hon. Stirling Hinchliffe Evangeline Kannis Jim Mahon Peter McLennan Kate Peters Peter Rowe Jason Smith Andrew Thomson Kevin Avery

14 | dec 2010 / jan 2011 dec 2010 / jan 2011 | 15

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technical technical

To improve the energy efficiency of Queensland homes, electric resistance hot water systems are being phased-out under sustainable housing laws.

New homes are required to have a greenhouse-efficient hot water installed including solar, heat pump and gas systems. Since January 2010, owners of existing houses in natural gas-reticulated areas are required to install a greenhouse efficient gas, solar or heat pump hot water system when their existing hot water system requires replacement (unless it is under warranty).

The Standard Plumbing and Drainage Regulation 2003 (SPDR) requires plumbing and drainage work to comply with specified parts of the Plumbing Code of Australia (PCA). The PCA (under part B2.2) provides that plumbing and drainage work must comply with the Australian/New Zealand Standard 3500.4:2003 (Plumbing and Drainage—Heated Water Services) for the installations of SHWS.

AS3500.4:2003 requires close-coupled or integral systems (i.e. systems with combined roof mounted hot water storage tanks and solar collectors) mounted directly onto a roof structure to be positioned so as not to compromise the structural integrity of the roof.

Roofs may not be specifically designed to take the load of a close-coupled solar hot water system (SHWS). Therefore, a plumber installing a close-coupled system should undertake appropriate checks of the roof before installing a roof mounted SHWS.

The National Hot Water Strategic Framework sets out a ten year plan to lower the environmental impacts of heating water and using less energy.

Roof structural integrity

It has been common practice for solar hot water systems with roof mounted water storage tanks to be installed on a range of roofing types for many years. However, installers should undertake appropriate visual inspections in considering the ability of the roof to take the extra weight. SHWS can weigh around 500kgs when filled with water and they are subject to wind actions. Visual checks that should be conducted before installing a ‘close coupled’ or ‘integral’ roof mounted SHWS include checking:

the positioning to ensure the load is to be spread evenly across the maximum number of rafters/trusses

that the spacing of the trusses/rafters is appropriate for the SHWS support system

the inside of the roof for any problems such as the presence of termite activity, corrosion of metal fasteners and plates, or any other signs of decay

joints to ensure there has been no movement and no cracks are apparent

that the truss members or timber rafters are not warped or out of alignment

truss plates to ensure they are fully embedded and all other connections and brackets are adequately fixed.

Where an installer has any doubt about unusual roof construction or any potential factors that could weaken a roof, advice should be sought from an appropriately qualified person such as a structural engineer, a building certifier or the roof truss manufacturer. If the roof is found to require structural modification to accommodate the system, the plumber should also seek advice from a building certifier or the Local Government about the need for building approval.

solar and Heat Pump endorsement From 1 January 2011, it will

be mandatory for all plumbers, including provisional plumbers who install, test, maintain, repair or replace solar or heat pump hot water systems to obtain a Solar and Heat Pump (SHP) endorsement.

Plumbers with the Solar and Heat Pump endorsement on their licence can lodge a Form 4 (Notifiable Minor Works) with the relevant Local Government within 40 days after installing a SHP. Form 4 has been amended to include a tick box for the plumber to indicate that appropriate action has been taken regarding the structural integrity of a roof. If you are interested in completing the course please contact MPAQ on 07 3273 0800 or visit the website www.mpaq.com.au

There are several changes to the old standard, but the most obvious are the new testing procedures.

As a licensed backflow installer/tester you are required to follow the updated test procedures found in the new standard.

test procedures include: Field testing of registered air

gaps and registered break tanks Field testing of pressure-type

vacuum-breaker and spill resistant pressure vacuum breaker backflow prevention device

Field testing of reduced-pressure-zone backflow prevention device

Field testing of double check-valve backflow prevention device

Field testing of reduced-pressure-detector assembly backflow prevention device

Field testing of double check detector assembly backflow prevention device

Field testing of single check-valve (testable) backflow prevention device

Field testing of single check-valve detector assembly testable backflow prevention devices

AS 2845.3 2010

Copies can now be purchased from MPAQ please note members receive standards at a reduced rate, to order your copy please call MPAQ on 07 3273 0800 or visit www.mpaq.com.au.

Everyone who performs backflow prevention work should by now be aware that the AS 2845.3:1993 has been updated to AS 2845.3:2010 Water supply – Backflow prevention devices – Field testing and maintenance of testable devices.

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16 | dec 2010 / jan 2011

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technical

Typically customers call, wanting a bathroom renovation before the family comes to stay. We all know how impossible that is, considering the time frames required by all trades, especially the water proofer. A few of these calls, on top of the existing workload are just about enough to send you over the edge.

Some plumbers lead this life all year round, and constantly stress about how much work there is to do. They bury themselves in their work and become ”time poor”. They become so consumed with their work, they forget that the real reasons they go out to work….their family! It’s not that they want to escape the family. They want to be able to support their family financially.

Supporting the family financially is one thing, but they forget to support their family’s other needs, such as spending time with them.

A mate rang me the other day, asking whether Master Plumbers offered business courses. He didn’t want help with contracts, but with his workloads and the fact that he had so much work. He said he was disconnecting from his wife. He also had two boys, one aged five and the other thirteen. He wanted help, but didn’t know what to do. Unfortunately, we

A must read for plumbers!

With Christmas fast approaching, we, as plumbers usually find we have more work than we can handle in the time left before Christmas day.

don’t offer such a course, but having been there myself, in my life before working at Master Plumbers, I could only try to give some points for him to consider.

some of the things we should all consider and constantly remind ourselves of are: Prioritising the factors affecting

our life. Work, family, debts, etc. Prioritising the wants and needs

in our life. Family, work, new truck, house, lifestyle, etc.

Learning to say “No” to customers when we are actually too busy.

Be realistic about time frames for jobs, and try not to overbook your day.

some other things to consider when trying to free up your time could include: Streamlining the type of work

you do, and removing the work that you prefer not to do.

Increasing your hourly charge-out rate. This will deter some customers, but not all customers. It could lead to working less hours and gaining the same financial outcome. The customers you deter are generally the ones you don’t want.

Don’t work weekends, unless it’s an emergency job. This time should be spent on you and your family. It gives you a chance to refresh before heading out the door on Monday morning.

Don’t answer the telephone during meal times spent with your family.

Either ignore the call or better still, take the home phone off the hook, and put your mobile on silent. Customers can wait ten or fifteen minutes.

You need to set boundaries for your business and how it deals with customers. If you answer your customer’s call on a weekend or after hours, you are telling them that it is okay to call you, when they want.

a couple of other tips i would suggest are: Take home some flowers for your wife,

and tell her how much you love her and appreciate her. It’s amazing what this can do for your relationship.

Take time off over Christmas, applying some rules to the telephones.

If you go away for a holiday, don’t take work with you. It will just be a sub conscious burden.

Consider taking the day off on Christmas Eve. It gives you a day to refresh before Christmas day, allowing you to be as happy as possible with the people who matter.

Isolate your office from your home. This could be as simple as closing the door to the home office and setting yourself times that you should access it.

Remember that being the bread winner for the family is important, but it’s only important if you’ve still got family. Enjoy the Christmas season and see you all next year.

brian dent Workforce development executive

dec 2010 / jan 2011 | 19

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Australia’s finest apprentices are educated at the AITC

The Australian Industry Trade College (AITC) offers innovative school-based apprenticeships with alternative 4 weeks senior school followed by 4 weeks on-the-job which gives students, and your business, a real helping hand. Call us today to speak to one of our industry managers.

1300 852 172 www.aitc.qld.edu.au

Launched by the Honourable Stirling Hinchliffe MP, Minister for Infrastructure and Planning at the Annual Plumbing Conference held 28-30 October 2010, the campaign is designed to increase public awareness of the need to use licensed plumbers for regulated work. A copy of the poster has been included in MPAQ magazine for you to use and distribute.

The Plumbing Industry Council is an independent statutory body that works to protect public health and safety through Queensland’s plumbing and drainage licensing system and by investigating complaints.

It also undertakes an ongoing compliance program statewide, where Plumbing Industry Council investigators and Local Government authorised officers, such as plumbing inspectors, undertake random licence checks. These checks are undertaken at sites

A new campaign promoting the value of using a licensed plumber is currently being run by the Plumbing Industry Council.

Who’s doing your plumbing?

ranging from small domestic dwellings to large multi-storey developments.

Legislation was changed in May 2010 so that Plumbing Industry Council investigators and Local Government authorised officers can issue fines for a greater range of offences. In addition, some existing fines were increased to match the severity of the offence, with the fine for engaging in unlicensed work being increased from $300 to $1000.

Road shows around the state this year in 19 locations have provided

information on industry reforms to licensees. Additional road shows are planned for 2011.

During 2010, Plumbing Industry Council investigators have undertaken 500 licence checks and have issued 250 fines to individuals who have breached the plumbing legislation standards.

The Plumbing Industry Council would like to wish licensees and industry partners a very happy and safe Christmas and a prosperous 2011.

during 2010, Plumbing industry council investigators have undertaken 500 licence checks and have issued

250 fines to individuals who have breached the plumbing legislation standards

January 2011

11 – 12 *new course* Solar & Heat Pump Brisbane


February 2011

1 – 2 *new course* Solar & Heat Pump Gold Coast


7 – 8 *new course* Solar & Heat Pump Sunshine Coast

9 – 10 *new course* Solar & Heat Pump Maryborough

11 – 12 Survival Course Mackay

11 – 12 *new course* Solar & Heat Pump Bundaberg

15 – 16 *new course* Solar & Heat Pump Rockhampton

16 – 17 *new course* TMV Brisbane

21 – 22 *new course* Solar & Heat Pump Mackay

March 2011

2 – 3 *new course* Solar & Heat Pump Townsville



16 – 17 *new course* Solar & Heat Pump Cairns



For more information please visit the MPaQ website www.mpaq.com.au or contact lisa ross on 07 3273 0800

Time is running out

From 1 January 2011, plumbers and provisional plumbers will need the endorsement to install, replace, test, repair and maintain SHP’s. While courses will still be delivered after the 1st of January plumbers not holding the endorsement will not be able to perform installation and maintenance of solar and heat pump systems. Trainer Brian Dent with his students in Brisbane

Time is running out to obtain your endorsement for the solar and heat pump (SHP) hot water installations.

if you are interested in completing the course please contact MPaQ on 07 3273 0800 for course dates in your area or visit the website www.mpaq.com.au

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20 | dec 2010 / jan 2011 dec 2010 / jan 2011 | 21

PLUMBING CONTRACTORS

MackayMcKays Law Centre34 Wood St4963 0888

BrisbaneLevel 26239 George St 3223 5900www.mckayslaw.com

Call Michael Cope today on (07) 3223 5939 or Ian Heathwood on (07) 3223 5942 or 0418 199 416

Legal solutions for

Advice on contracts

Contractual and payment disputes

Business structures

Asset protection

Buying and selling businesses

Wills and Estates

Leasing and commercial contracts

Debt collection services

Conveyancing

Workplace Health & Safety

legal legal

AQ& Fifteen years ago i did some work

on a house. now the owner has brought a claim against me in Qcat. can i still be sued even though it is so long ago?

Yes. There are two types of claims that can be brought against you. One under the law of contract. The time has expired, so she can’t sue you that way. However, you can still be sued based on the law of negligence because the time limit only starts when the owner discovers or should have discovered the defective work. You should immediately contact your insurer although for her to sue you based on the contract may not be covered. You should contact your solicitor as you may be able to argue that your work wasn’t negligent or to show that

the owner should have been aware of the defect more than six years ago in which case the claim will be out of time.

i am being sued by a company which is now in liquidation. the lawyer looking after it for me agrees that the claim is bound to fail but says i have no choice but to go through the whole process or offer them something to settle. is there anything else i can do?

Yes. Often court cases are won or lost not necessarily on the facts or the law but on the tactics used. If the claim against you truly is unsustainable and the plaintiff is in liquidation, you could consider bringing an application for “security for costs”. This will require the liquidator to pay money into court as security for any costs the liquidator would be ordered to pay you, when and if the liquidator loses the case. Liquidators are usually very reluctant to do this so you might be able to use this tactic to effectively bring the whole thing to a stop. Raise it with your lawyer and tell him to think strategically.

We have a self managed super fund called the “J & c Howson superannuation trust”. i read recently that you said that all trust deeds need to be revised by a lawyer because of the recent High court case which means there could be adverse tax consequences for trusts. can i send you a copy by fax or do you have to see the original super fund documents?

I don’t need to see them at all. That High Court case means there could be substantial adverse tax consequences for family trusts, unit trusts and trusts set up in wills but not superannuation trusts. If you have a family trust, unit trust or will containing trust provisions, send copies of them into me ASAP so that we can have a look at them.

For further information regarding claims please contact Michael cope in our brisbane office on (07) 3223 5939 or at [email protected] or dannielle sanderson in our Mackay office on (07) 4968 5431 or at [email protected] and for further information regarding trusts please contact ian Heathwood in our brisbane office on (07) 3223 5942 or at [email protected].

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Second Commissioner Bruce Quigley said the new benchmarks are part of a suite of benchmarks used by the ATO to identify and deter activities in the cash economy.

“These benchmarks are a useful way to help businesses compare their performance against other businesses in their industry and check they are meeting their obligations, including assessing whether they are likely to be selected for a review or audit.

“We strongly believe prevention is better than cure. This is a timely

reminder for people to check their record keeping and ensure reporting is on track and fix any errors.

“Using these benchmarks, the ATO can determine the average proportion of cash sales a business should be making and which businesses are not reporting as much cash income as others in the same industry.

The benchmarks have initially been developed for fifteen industries including; restaurants and takeaways, hairdressing

and beauty, clothing retailing, grocery retailing and hardware and building supplies.

The cash sales benchmarks are based on data matching undertaken with banks to identify credit and debit card sales, as well as information provided by small businesses to the ATO on activity statements.

Mr Quigley said "the continued use of benchmarks is seen as a positive approach for dealing with the cash economy".

The ATO has released a new category of small business benchmarks which focus on cash sales within a business.

New ATO benchmarks focus on cash sales

New PremisesThe Australian Industry Trade College (AITC) is a private

school for young tradesmen & women. The only College that offers academic studies for young people who are keen to complete senior studies while starting a career in their chosen trade. 2010 has seen 100% of graduates with a Queensland Certificate of Education and 95% with a fulltime apprenticeship from school-based apprenticeship.

For the start of 2011, the College will open its doors at the new purpose built facility 281 Scottsdale Drive Robina. Student numbers will remain around 300 when the new facility welcomes its first students for the 2011 school year.

The number of students who have been placed in plumbing apprenticeships in 2010 has topped 18. The AITC selects the very best and our industry and training department are responsible for ensuring the young teenagers are work ready, giving employers the peace of mind that they will get the very best employee.

For your next apprentice and more information call the aitc on 1300 852 172.

22 | dec 2010 / jan 2011

industrial relations

New classification structure and pay levels

a number of members and their employees have asked about when and how to implement the new classification structure under the modern Plumbing & Fire sprinklers award 2010.

This new Plumbing Award has a series of pay levels which are supposedly based on competency based levels.

These were put into the modern award with a view to the future.

At this time, there is no agreement yet between the various industry and training representatives about exactly how the Level 2 Tradesperson and above can be worked out. Also, there is no time frame as to when this will be resolved as it is a complex process.

Only Tradesperson Level 1 is clearly what we in Queensland refer to as a licensed plumber.

Extra endorsements cannot (yet) be valued under the modern Plumbing Award.

Therefore at this time, the Level 2 Tradesperson and above are dormant classifications and should not be used to classify tradespeople.

Obviously market rates are paid to attract suitable staff.

In conclusion, the plumber’s classification remains at Tradesperson Level 1, irrespective of their age, experience and other endorsements.

Planning a work Christmas party?

information provided by the australian government at www.business.gov.au

Christmas parties are a great way to spread cheer and celebrate the achievements of your staff. When planning a work Christmas party, you should also be considering your tax and Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) obligations.

IR Update

Telstra Ad to go here

Being aware of the tax implications and ways to minimise your obligations may benefit your business when it comes to submitting your taxes. As Christmas parties can attract fringe benefits tax (FBT), you should consider:

the benefits of hosting the party at your business premises

the value of any gifts you choose to give to staff

whether to invite clients and other associates

the cost of catering per person.

Typically, you will avoid FBT if you host the Christmas party on your business premises, or keep the cost of the party to below $300 per person.

It’s also important to remember that as an employer, you have a duty of care to your employees at the party whether it’s held onsite or not. To ensure that your employees remain safe, you should identify potential hazards and minimise these as much as possible. If you are serving alcohol, proper risk management strategies may save your business from costly compensation bills and absent staff in the future.

Find out if your party will attract FBT by visiting the Tax Office website.

Update: implementation of modern award

affecting sole traders, partnerships and trusts (non-constitutional corporations).

1st January 2011 is the official date for non-constitutional corporations to be covered by the modern Plumbing & Fire Sprinklers Award 2010. This includes terms, conditions and allowances.

The wages will be operative from 1st February 2010 with transitional conditions applying, members may refer to the MPAQ website, under the members only section.

Advice will be circulated to members with more details.

Enterprise agreements

Members continue to make enquiries about the benefits of an enterprise agreement where the terms of the award do not meet the circumstances and local arrangements with employees.

To have an enterprise agreement approved it must pass the Better Off Overall Test (BOOT) which shows the employee is in a better position under the enterprise agreement than the terms and conditions of employment under the applicable modern award.

More information about contracts of employment and enterprise agreements can be obtained by attending IR seminars or by calling MPAQ’s Advisory Services staff.

Once acquired, a customer is your business's most valuable asset – an endless stream of dollars and dividends.

The bottom line on increased customer retention is increased profits.

Retention strategies are far less costly than conventional marketing, advertising, and direct field selling costs… and they produce a proportionately-higher return on investment.

Improvements in customer retention rates mean substantial improvements in profitability each and every year.

What it all boils down to....it is cheaper, easier and more profitable

to retain an existing customer than it is to acquire a new one. So here are a few tips for outstanding customer service that will keep your customers happy and your business booming.

Honour your promises and then some...

Today, customers expect a business to honour their promises. But simply meeting expectations doesn't win you many points; in fact, it will often go unnoticed altogether (unless you constantly remind the customer of your consistency).

Look to deliver on your promises and then some. Have your customers say “Wow, I wasn’t expecting that little extra - thank you”.

Customer Service - Do you really understand the implications?

Promote your uniquenessCall this, the “why should I buy from you

and why should I continue to buy from you?” question. And most businesses haven’t even considered the question, let alone the answer!

The clearer your customers can become to answering that question in their minds, the clearer they are to being long term repeat customers.

For more information on this and other life-saving, business-improving tips call 1300 2 PROFIT or email [email protected]

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dec 2010 / jan 2011 | 25

Plumbing & Gas Industry Awards

The Plumbing & Gas Industry Awards Program exists as an excellent opportunity to recognise and celebrate the achievements of outstanding apprentices and honour those plumbers, gasfitters and designers who provide exceptional work to their clients.

All winners will be recognised at the formal award presentation dinner.

Nominations for the awards program will soon be open, if you are currently working on a job you would

like to nominate please contact Penny at MPAQ so an inspection time can be organised during the construction phase. The 2011 Plumbing & Gas Industry Awards will be the night of nights for the industry and we encourage you to be a part of this prestigious event.

Mark your diary now!

date: Friday 22 July 2011 | venue: sofitel brisbane | time: 7pm – 12am

events business

Phone 07 3632 3999 for a Great deal today!Phone Terry, your Great Wall Business

Manager, for a great business offer

Visit www.kedrongreatwall.com.au to find out more.*This advert must be presented to redeem a Darkest Legal tint to the value of $495. This offer is valid only until the 31th December 2010, and only at Kedron Great Wall, 320 Gympie Road Kedron. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer and cannot be exchanged for cash.

The V240 4x2 Ute, The Great Ute of China from Great Wall Motors with ABS, Tray, Alloy Wheels and a 3-year

100,000km warranty. 4x4 Ute extra $3,000 ... Great.

The V240 Dual Cab Ute

$23,990. On Road.

The V240 Dual Cab 4x2 Ute, The Great Ute of China from Great Wall Motors with Electric Windows, Alloy Wheels and Air Conditioning. 4x4 Ute extra $3,000

... Great.

The V240 Single Cab Ute

$17,990. On Road.

The X240 4WD, The Great SUV of China from Great Wall Motors with a 2.4L Engine, ABS, Power Steering

and Air Conditioning. Metallic Paint $350 extra... Great.

The X240 SUV

$24,990. On Road.

Free window tint for all customers with a Master Plumber paper*

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outdated or unreliable business systems could be costing your business time and money by incorrectly reporting your goods and services tax (gst).

The Tax Office’s integrity of business systems health checklist will help your business to keep on track with GST reporting and payments.

the checklist will help make sure you: correctly classify all sales and purchases can correctly classify mixed supplies don’t leave incomplete information

on activity statements track the flow of invoices so that

GST credits are claimed on time adjust prices to include GST manage cash flow and reflect your

correct financial position, and accurately track the GST paid

and charged for both electronic and paper-based transactions.

For more information or to download the checklist, visit the Tax Office website www.ato.gov.au.

Is your GST system costing you money? With the theme “Plumbing-Vital to

Global Health”, plumbing organisations throughout the world will be invited to undertake a range of activities with the aim of raising awareness of the important role played by today’s plumbing industry.

A logo for the day illustrates four key elements with which plumbing is associated- water, health, energy and environment. It is hoped that the logo will be used widely, drawing awareness to the fact that plumbing is far more important than many people in both developed and developing countries realise.

The Association is inviting all members to mark your calendar now for the 2011 World Plumbing Day celebration which will raise money for prostate cancer research. A breakfast will be held at Victoria Park Golf Club followed by a golf day.

Celebrate World Plumbing Day on 11 March 2011World Plumbing Day will make a global impact on March 11 as the plumbing community unites to bring awareness to the value of this industry in relation to health and sanitation.

to purchase tickets or for more information visit www.mpaq.com.au

Women in Business Lunchdate: 14 February 2011 time: 11.00am – 2.00pm venue: Plumbing Industry House 243 Bradman St, Acacia Ridgecost: $33 per person (members) $55 per person (non members)

Come and celebrate an enjoyable Valentine’s Day lunch of fun and frivolity and of course secret women’s business. Discuss and share common day to day issues including wages, industrial relations and employment. To register please visit www.mpaq.com.au or contact Emma Bennett on 07 3273 0800.

There are lots of scams and tricks that are used by builders and commercial customers to avoid paying the trade contractor. This two day course will show you many of those tricks and how to avoid them so that you get paid.

this course will cover: What should happen to claims,

payments and ‘invoices’ when plumbers do commercial work

Review what can and does happen – What to do when the

customer says “I am having cash flow problems”

– Identifying who you are really doing the work for

– What you can do when payments are delayed, including the risks of “walking off site” and “just stopping work”

– Understand how interest on overdue amounts can work

As a plumbing contractor, according to the Building and Construction Industry Payments Act, Commercial Work is distinct from “Domestic” Work. Commercial Work includes plumbing work on a house or residence(s) when it is done for a builder, or real estate agent, a restaurant, retailer or any other business.

Cost for members $1180 (inc GST) and non members $1600 (inc GST).

Many trade contractors are made up of husband and wife teams and we would prefer to have both members of those team attend the same session, so therefore the second person will only be charged at half price. This course is a fundamental survival course and numbers are limited to ensure personal learning. Prior registration is essential.

To register please refer to the website www.mpaq.com.au or contact Sophie Carroll on 07 3273 0800.

Mackay course: 11-12 February 2011

brisbane course: 4-5 March 2011

Survival Course

Plumbing Contractors'

Tax

Above: Winner of the Origin Domestic & Residential Award 2010, Ben Simpson, Simpson’s Gas Services presented by Damien Scaf, Origin with David Simpson, Simpson’s Gas Services.

26 | dec 2010 / jan 2011 dec 2010 / jan 2011 | 27

new products

newproducts...

calendar of events

Events 2011

July 2011

22 July Plumbing & Gas Industry Awards Sofitel Brisbane

august 2011

3 August Trade Night Townsville

4 August Trade Night, Mackay

March 2011

11 March World Plumbing Day Breakfast & Golf Day Victoria Park Golf Club

17 March Trade Night, Cairns

april 2011

12 April Trade Night Gold Coast

May 2011

10 May Trade Night Sunshine Coast

11 May Trade Night Fraser Coast

June 2011

7 June Trade Night Brisbane

18 August Trade Night Rockhampton

september 2011

7 – 11 September World Plumbing Conference Edinburgh, Scotland

october 2011

5 October Trade Night, Brisbane

Gwen Harris, a widow of thirty three years of one of the Association’s greats has passed away peacefully at 90 years of age. Gwen was born in Brisbane and attended Kelvin Grove Primary School and then Brisbane Girls Grammar School. After leaving school, Gwen went to secretarial college. Gwen met Merv the love of her life and married in 1949. Merv had served with great distinction in the Master Plumbers’ Association of Queensland representing us in the State Apprenticeship Board.

Merv passed away in 1977 and our annual bursary award was named to honour his memory.

Gwen looked after the accounts of the longstanding family business of F.E.Harris & Sons for approximately fifty years. She is believed to be one of the original group of Master Plumbers’ wives who gathered once a month at Finney’s in the city for lunch. This was the start of a longstanding tradition of the ladies meeting at various places of interest.

The Association extends its deepest sympathy to the family.

Vale Gwen Harris19 March 1920 – 1 november 2010

Hansa Lights Up

Hansa has created the ultimate showerhead that makes water an enjoyment, with a light fitting that illuminates every sense in the body. The Hansa Clear Lux Shower is also practical, offering a shower on rail with height adjustment for easy maintenance, or a hand shower.

Presenting a variety of hues, each morning a body can feel invigorated with yellow, orange, red or ice blue colour water flow or for the ultimate relaxation and pampering, purple, green, blue or white to calm the body’s senses.

For further information on the new Hansa clear lux shower range please contact starion at [email protected]

Rheem 12 Continuous Flow Gas Water Heater

It has all the performance and safety features of Rheem’s larger continuous flow water heaters, but it’s specially designed with smaller spaces in mind. Whether it’s for an apartment, mobile home, site building, granny flat, cabin – or a large home where an additional hot water source is needed – the Rheem 12 Continuous Flow gas water heater has the ‘oomph’ to deliver. For more information visit www.rheem.com.au or contact 132552.

An exciting new constant pressure system designed for domestic and light commercial water supply applications has been released to the Australian market by Grundfos Pumps Pty Ltd.

The Grundfos CME Booster, features an integrated speed controller that ensures constant water pressure regardless of variations in demand or inlet pressure, making it the ultimate in pressure creation and control.

The compact system comprises of a CME pump with integrated speed control complete with a five-way fitting and a discharge tank. The CME Booster range is broad enough to be able to handle domestic water supply for small single level homes up to larger multi-storey homes.

For more information please contact your local authorised grundfos dealer or contact grundfos directly by email at [email protected].

Grundfos CME Booster

28 | dec 2010 / jan 2011 dec 2010 / jan 2011 | 29

new profiles member profiles

the team at universal Pumps are committed to supplying a trusted, reliable product and providing quality customer service to their customers around australia and new Zealand.

Universal’s range of water supply solutions feature high quality, durable pumps designed for a range of applications in the domestic, agricultural, industrial or mining environment.

The innovative range of pumps, grey water systems and tank to toilet products are all quality tested and assured. Using the same reputable, exclusive supply sources for over

six years they have a strong quality assurance program in place that is reviewed on site and by their own team. Their pumps are wet-tested at the factory before packing to ensure they are delivering a quality product. All of their water saving solutions carry the Watermark approval. They also boast a <1% return rate across their current pump range.

Whether you are looking for a pump for a domestic pressure system, irrigation, drainage or rainwater harvesting, Universal has an ideal solution to meet your requirements.

Universal Pumps

Fuji Clean

When Quality Counts

Japan's no.1 selling advanced secondary domestic Wastewater treatment systems are now available here in australia.

They are designed to treat up to 1500 litres per day of all household wastewater from the kitchen, bathroom, toilet and laundry areas.

The lack of available land for on-site disposal in Japan has driven on-site water treatment technology way ahead of what is experienced here in Australia. Treated domestic waste water has to be discharged directly to storm water drains in Japan so treated water quality

with highly developed bacterial media and an efficient sludge return.

distributor opportunities Interested in expanding and

diversifying your plumbing business? Join the Fuji Clean nationwide network of qualified distributors. A limited number of Fuji Clean distributor opportunities are currently available for plumbers. For more details contact Richard Williamson on 0400 786 685 or email [email protected] or visit www.fujiclean.com.au.

has to be consistently high to avoid serious public health issues. The Fuji Clean system has undergone continuous development to produce the compact system now available in Australia.

Fuji Clean manufacture their own air blowers, the most energy efficient in their class using just 54 watts compared to the 80 watts of other blowers, which means lower running costs.

The continuous development of Fuji Clean systems has led to the current compact design which has no internal moving parts. The system uses both naturally occurring digestive processes

Sydney. A test frame was specifically set up to emulate the acoustics of pipework systems normally associated with soil and waste systems.

While the results are still being collated, all the product brands tested within 2 Rw (a negligible difference) when fittings were precisely manufactured with no gaps or voids. The method of installation therefore influences whether the job meets the code or fails. Findings show that fittings made by hand on-site or installed without the required laps cannot meet the BCA requirements.

The B&B Insulations Acoustiwrap system is computer manufactured with 50mm laps on all longitudinal and transverse joints that are to be sealed onsite. The resulting installation will easily meet or exceed the current BCA requirements for Domestic and Commercial Installations. For the supply or supply and install of Acoustic Pipe Lagging contact B&B Insulations on 073881 2300.

b&b insulations is a member of the MPaQ, aHsca, bsa as well as tica (the insulation contractor’s association).

TICA has observed a drop in the installation standards of the acoustic lagging of soil and waste pipes. Shortcuts are being taken to offset the competitive pricing but quality suffers as a result.

B&B Insulations has taken the initiative of testing all the major brands of acoustic pipe insulation at the National Acoustic Laboratories run by Day Design Acoustic Consultants in

For more information please contact Universal Pumps on 08 9249 7599 or email [email protected].

don Powell completed his plumbing apprenticeship in 1964, established his own business beauchamp constructions Pty ltd in 1973 and joined the Master Plumbers’ association of Queensland in 1974.

In 1991 Don obtained his building contractor’s license so he could build units. The company performed mainly maintenance plumbing before moving to commercial work. Don employed a maximum of seven employees at any one time, trained over five apprentices and always accepted work experience students, just to give them a go. Don’s son Joel completed his plumbing apprenticeship with Don and worked in the business for a number of years but decided to change careers and become a paramedic in Canberra.

Don explained “you get out of anything what you put in it and I have put a lot of time into the Association and my business and I hope the younger generation will also see the benefits and become involved”.

Don has been an active member of the Sunshine Coast Division since 1980, and held the positions of Chairman from 1980 – 1982 and 1988 – 1989, Treasurer from 1997 – 2005 and currently holds the position of Secretary since 2006.

Don has retired from the industry and has taken up freelance photography and editing. He is a member of the Australian Cinematographers Society (ACS) working on television commercials for the local television network. Thank you for all your dedication and support over the years to the industry and the association.

Milestone achievement for Don Powell

J & AM Plumbing reaches 20 years James and anne established J & aM

Plumbing in 1981 and joined the Master Plumbers’ association of Queensland in 1990.

This family business specialises in commercial and domestic maintenance and has a number of long standing loyal customers. Currently the business is working on a large substation for Energex installing large water tanks, guttering and fascias.

James and Anne’s children both work in the business, Tristan is a third year apprentice working with his dad and their daughter Alyssa helps Anne part time in the office. James has trained approximately ten apprentices during his time in business and encourages others to take on apprentices.

James feels the industry has changed over the years some things for the better and others things for the worse. James does not know how other plumbers survive if they are not part of the MPAQ. James said

Matt simpson found artifex Plumbing in May 1987 and joined the Master Plumbers’ association of Queensland in 1989.

The company started out performing work on high rise tenancy fit outs but now specialises in domestic maintenance and renovations. Currently the business employs one tradesman, one apprentice and Matt’s wife Lisa works in the office and manages the books. Throughout the last twenty years Matt has trained over ten apprentices, all of who have moved on to work for themselves and other companies.

Matt feels the industry has become more governed over the years and the products have changed from earthen wear, galvanized iron and copper to plastic products, making it easier to work with.

“The Association has kept us up to date over the years through the

magazine and they have also offered assistance to us for jobs,” said Matt.

The future plan for the company is to continue to work hard with house renovations and shop fit outs. Congratulations on celebrating twenty years membership with the Association and best of luck for many more years to come.

“MPAQ is an important part of my business and they ensure we are kept up to date with changes and provide discounts to us. Anne and I have made so many new friends by being part of the Association and have attended a number of plumbing conferences over the last twenty years”.

In the future James would like to retire and have his son Tristan take over the business. Congratulations on reaching twenty years membership and best of luck for the future.

Caption James Mole receiving his 20 year milestone certificate presented by MPAQ President Bob Kimlin

Matt Simpson with his 20 year milestone certificate

20 year achievement for Artifex

Don Powell receiving his 30 year milestone certificate presented by MPAQ President Bob Kimlin

30 | dec 2010 / jan 2011 dec 2010 / jan 2011 | 31

member update

milestone certificates (name/company/division)

20 yearKerry Hentschel Hentschel Plumbing Pty Ltd Toowoomba

David Campbell Noosa To Hinterland Plumbing Group Sunshine Coast

Gary Bettiens Capricornia Plumbing & Drainage Central

Leslie Court L & B Court Plumbers Ipswich

40 yearBrian Costello BP & JN Costello North Queensland

corporate supporters

AAP Industries Pty Ltd..................07 3621 5900ADG Global Supply Pty Ltd............08 9249 7599Acorn Software.............................07 3272 9366APA Group.....................................07 3267 9545Aquamax Australia........................07 3412 9211Armacell Australia........................03 8710 5999Austeck.........................................1800 287 835Austral Plumbing Supplies............07 5448 8388Australian Industry Trade College...1300 852 172AVG................................................03 9462 2666b4e Australia Pty Ltd...................0400 000 778Backflow Central Pty Ltd..............07 3909 9488B & B Insulations..........................07 3881 2300Bestbiz Solutions..........................0412 198 649Brown Brothers Engineers Australia Pty Ltd...........................07 3200 6488BUSS(Q).........................................07 3369 1111Buteline Australia Pty Limited......07 3630 2173 Caroma Industries........................07 3131 5999Claytech Water Solutions.............07 3881 2770Coates Hire Operations Pty Limited.....07 3209 4488Colonial Sheet Metal.....................07 4725 1334Con-Serv CorporationAustralia Pty Ltd...........................07 3630 5744Conergy.........................................07 3883 6400Copperform Australia Pty Ltd.......07 3277 2233Crane Copper Tube.......................07 3276 8487Cuno Pacific Pty Ltd.....................1300 345 837CVSS..............................................1300 138 528Davey Water Products Pty Ltd......03 9730 9258Drainchem Sewer Maintenance Products.................03 5448 3795Dux Manufacturing.......................07 3005 8011Ecovation Water & Energy Solutions.....07 5537 4011Edson/AAE Solar Technologies.......1300 303 779Elgas.......................................................131 161Elson Australasia Pty Ltd..............02 9625 7899

Enware Australia Pty Ltd..............02 9525 9511Epitomy.........................................02 9673 6275Everhard Industries Pty Ltd....................131926FM Mattsson(Award Brands Pty Ltd).................03 9871 8444Fonezone......................................1300 798 758Fuji Clean Australia......................0400 786 685Goeco............................................1300 246 326Grundfos Pumps...........................07 5540 6700Gympie Regional Council.............07 5481 0644 Havestock Pty Ltd.........................07 3216 5000HiFlow ..........................................02 9905 6211Humes...........................................07 3866 7100IBC Water......................................07 3219 2233Kembla Tube & Fittings.............................07 3868 7888 / 1800 804 631Leaktech Australia.........................1300 0 LEAKSLeva Australia................................07 3303 0249Mackay Regional Council.............07 4944 2411McCracken’s Water Services.......07 3275 1633Megasealed Bathrooms...............1300 658 007Moody & Winter Sales Pty Ltd......07 3376 2455Ningi Distributions Pty Ltd............07 5495 1914Nitz Hydraulic Services Pty Ltd....07 3341 4066OGO Marketing Pty Ltd..................07 3865 1488Pacific Products(International) Pty Ltd..................07 3266 1400Peter Boyd Enterprises Pty Ltd....07 3382 6011Peter Sachs & Co Pty Ltd.............07 3265 5133Philmac.........................................1300 132 352Plastec Australia Pty Ltd..............07 5491 9919Plumbers Hardware Distributors......07 5556 3400Prime Pumps................................07 3489 2000QTank............................................07 3881 0208Quantum Energy Technologies Pty Ltd......................................................07 3899 4565Queensland Sales & Marketing....07 3268 1835

Rain Harvesting............................07 3248 9600Reece Pty Ltd................................03 9274 0000Rehau Pty Ltd................................07 3889 7522Reliance Worldwide......................07 3018 3440Rheem Australia....................................132 552Ridge Tool (Aust) Pty Ltd...............03 9930 7000Rockhampton Regional Council....1300 22 55 77Rocla Pipeline Products...............07 3335 1009Root Barrier..................................1300 136 644Samios Plumbing Supplies...........07 3907 8388Saniflo...........................................03 9543 3891SebaKMT AUS................................07 3103 2844Stiebel Eltron (Aust) Pty Ltd.........07 3399 3711Storm Plastics Pty Ltd..................07 3865 4811Stormtech Pty Ltd........................02 4423 1989Stramit Industries.........................07 3803 9999Stratco (Qld) Pty Ltd.....................07 3451 4444Taylex Poly Products Pty Ltd........07 3441 5206Tellam Civil Products....................07 5493 3044The Couta Group...........................03 8405 3386The MBA Partnership....................07 5557 8700The Service Manager....................02 9690 3888The Wondercap Company Pty Ltd...07 5539 3665Thermon Australia Pty Ltd............03 9762 6900Tom Stoddart Pty Ltd.....................07 3345 5011Townsville City Council..................07 4773 8365Trade & Technicial Skills Institute....07 3633 5050Tradelink Plumbing Supplies - National Office........................................................07 3260 9155Tyco Backflow Systems.................07 3260 2555Waterworks Australia Pty Ltd.......07 3390 3777Whitsunday Regional Council.......07 4945 0222Zip Heaters (Aust) Pty Ltd.............1800 638 633

For more information regarding our Industry Associates refer to the corporate supporters page on www.mpaq.com.au

Lewis Bennett Next Generation Solar Gold Coast

Wayne Smith Wayne Smith Plumbing Co Pty Ltd Fraser Coast

Anthony Martin Coastal Gasfitting & Plumbing North Queensland

Steven Booth Baker Booth Plumbing & Gasfitting Pty Ltd Brisbane City

Jonathon Meuleners SMP Plumbing Pty Ltd Sunshine Coast

Bryce Tobin Bryce Tobin Plumbing & Gas Toowoomba

Michael Fiteni Fiteni Contractors Pty Ltd Brisbane City

Shaun McCrossan S & J McCrossan Plumbing & Gasfitting Brisbane City

Nathan Francis Perfect Plumbing Qld Sunshine Coast

Bryce Sherlock The Roof Company Pty Ltd Brisbane City

Belinda Kilov Focus Metal Roofing Pty Ltd Gold Coast

Gavin Richards GJR Building Services Brisbane City

Brett Stiles Brett Stiles Sunshine Coast

Christopher O'Brien Christopher O'Brien Brisbane City

Kevin Khan Gazal Gas Redland

Don Horsfield Horsfield Plumbing Supplies Brisbane City

Matt Bourke Southern Cross Plumbing & Gas Gold Coast

Richard Gough Dicky Beach Plumbing Sunshine Coast

Kurt Andrews K & JM Andrews Central Highlands

Peter Dempsey Peter Dempsey Plumbing & Gas Toowoomba

Greg Wilson Greg Wilson Plumbing Central

Peter Battye Pascal Plumbing Fraser Coast

new members (name/company/division)

des grevell receiving his 10 year milestone certificate from MPaQ President, bob Kimlin

albany creek Plumbing receiving their 10 year milestone certificate - amanda stevens, corey stevens, george stevens, terry Kane, david Whitmore

brian Messer with 10 year milestone certificate

NewsFlashNote additional public holidays have been approved for 2010 and 2011.

For further information please refer to the MPAQ website or contact Advisory Services on 07 3273 0800.

sat 25 dec 2010 Christmas Day Public Holiday

Mon 27 dec 2010 Substituted Public Holiday Boxing Day

tue 28 dec 2010 Additional Public Holiday Christmas Day

sat 1 Jan 2011 New Year’s Day Public Holiday

Mon 3 Jan 2011 Additional Public Holiday New Year’s Day

You are invited to celebrate

World Plumbing Dayat the World Plumbing Day Breakfast and

Commemorative Golf Day on 11 March 2011

World Plumbing Day will make a global impact on March 11 as the plumbing community unites. The Master Plumbers’ Association of Queensland is inviting all plumbers to attend this breakfast to celebrate the importance of World Plumbing Day together.

Breakfast: 7.00am – 9.30am | Golf Day: 10.00am – 4.00pm | Venue: Victoria Park Golf Club

To purchase tickets or for more information visit www.mpaq.com.au

World Plumbing Day FP Ad (MP Mag Dec) 2.indd 1 7/12/10 3:48 PM

master plumber dec 2010

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