President’s Message
This year is the anniversary of our founding in 1901 as The Perth and District Master Plumbers Association. Although we have changed our name a few times since then, we can claim the remarkable achievement of one hundred and twenty years continuous operation as an organisation for employers in Western Australia’s plumbing and gasfitting industry. We are still going strong despite all the changes that have occurred in the industry and society generally. To my mind, such endurance in the face of ever-changing circumstances must have required certain strengths including a high degree of resilience and adaptability. I’m thinking, for example, of the way we responded last year and helped members during the sudden disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic.
I believe there are two main reasons why we have these strengths. The first is the dedication of generations of volunteers who have served on the Executive Committee. It is impossible to calculate how much time they have collectively devoted, but let’s assume an average of 10 committee members, attending meetings for an average of four hours a month for 12 months. For 120 years! Then, we need to add in all the additional time consumed by activities between meetings. These people have given us tens of thousands of unpaid hours while freely contributing their knowledge and experience. We owe them a huge debt of gratitude. The other reason is that the underlying importance of our profession has never changed. As we often say, licensed plumbing contractors are at the front line of public health. That statement is as true now as it was in 1901. It will still be true in another one hundred and twenty years. While we celebrate our anniversary, we should remember the foresight of those who founded the Association and the efforts of all who have succeeded them. We must also stand tall and be proud to be licensed plumbing contractors whose work is important. Matt Johnson President
Master Plumber | 4
