Master Plumber Western Australia - Winter 2017

PLUMBER T H E O F F I C I A L M A G A Z I N E O F T H E M A S T E R P L U M B E R S & G A S F I T T E R S A S S O C I AT I O N O F WA

MASTER

ISSUE 18 | WINTER 2017

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

FROM DRUGS & GUNS TO CHANGING LIVES The Shalom House story

HEALTH & FITNESS FOR A LONGER LIFE Travel: Sensational Singapore The need for point of sale laws MASTER PLUMBER | WINTER 2017

1

Be Impressed with Zetco

IAPMO WM-000110 AS 5830.1

Full range 15-50mm Press x press, press x female, press x male Nut & tail, which includes Zetco’s continuous flow water heater kits

AGA 5301 AS 4617

(Aust Pat No 2006 200 845 & Pat Appln No 2013 242 783)

Phone 1300 659 639

2

MASTER PLUMBER | WINTER 2017

Email enquiries@zetco.com.au

www.zetco.com.au

3M Ad

MASTER PLUMBER | WINTER 2017

3

MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE | Issue 18 | Winter 2017

CONTENTS

24

28

Idle Australia

Beating Addiction

48 If It Aint Broke...

Turning bright ideas into business realities takes time, a lot of testing and plenty of hard work.

From a life of drugs and incarceration to running Australia’s most successful rehabilitation program.

Toyota’s LandCruiser 70 Series has changed little over the decades.

And why change a good thing?

6 Editorial

PEOPLE

39 If the auditor comes knocking

22 Views of the next generation

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

26 Passion for vocational training

40 Get the boot in

12 ATCO Gas safety campaign

HEALTH & SAFETY

44 Tough watches

14 The trouble with flexi-hoses

34 Keys to a longer life

16 Focus on compliance

EVENTS

18 Understanding tax deductions

36 Drive for show: corporate golf

19 Around the traps

BUSINESS ESSENTIALS

OPINION

38 Tenders: Less is more

8 10

President’s Report MPGA Diary

NEWS & VIEWS

LIFESTYLE 5o Travel to sensational Singapore 52 What the...?

20 Importance of POS legislation

Travel

4

MASTER PLUMBER | WINTER 2017

Products & Services

Health & Safety

REWARDS

REWARDS

2017/18

EARN VALUABLE

150

s $ PluUP TO

IN RHEEM REWARDS MASTERCARDS

* For the first three eligible Rheem branded products purchased & claimed between 1st July - 31st Dec 2017

REWARDS

NOW

includes Commercial & Residential models

1.Register To participate, all licensed plumbers can register on rheemrewards.com.au

2.Claim Purchase & register eligible water heaters between 01/07/17 & 30/06/18 to claim your Reward Points.*

* Conditions apply. See www.rheemrewards.com.au for full terms & conditions.

3.Get Rewards Choose from over 8,500 Exciting Merchandise items, Experiences & Travel Getaways.

FOR LICENSED PLUMBERS ONLY MASTER PLUMBER | WINTER 2017

5

EDITORIAL

UNCORK THE LATEST EDITION LIKE a good bottle of wine, the contents of any publication should improve over time.

W

HILE Master Plumber Western Australia is still a youngster since its overhaul earlier this year, the diversity of content is developing well.

But unlike a bottle of wine, we urge you to not put this on the shelf. Pop the cork now and get into it because we think we’ve bottled a good one.

Welcome to the winter issue of your magazine, which is packed with news, feature articles, business advice and product information.

Our cover story, featuring Shalom House founder and CEO Peter LyndonJames, focuses on an all-too-common problem afflicting individuals, families and communities – addiction.

Peter took us into the world of Shalom House, which has a reputation as the country’s strictest and most successful drug rehabilitation centre. We talked to people who have hit the lowest lows but bounced back with the help of Shalom House’s staff and volunteers.

It shows there is hope when many consider all hope to be lost. Find out all about it on page 28.

While Australia’s investment in vocational training might be in an unhealthy state, those lucky enough to have apprenticeships show the plumbing and gasfitting industry has a healthy future. We chatted to three apprentices around the country who have clear visions for the future. See Australia’s next generation: Plumbers of the future on page 22 to discover their stories.

Speaking of vocational training, one of the most passionate advocates we’ve ever met would have to be Stuart Henry.

The executive director of PPI Group and board member of WorldSkills Australia is proof that you don’t need a string of university accolades to enjoy a diverse and successful career. He remains a staunch supporter and lobbyist for apprenticeships and on-the-job training see Stuart’s story on page 26.

When you think of all the people

6

MASTER PLUMBER | WINTER 2017

involved in helping shape our lives, from our careers, to our businesses, to our health and lifestyle, you realise it takes a considerable and diverse crowd. We met a young man building an innovative online equipment hire business that’s sure to provide benefits to the plumbing sector (page 24) and a sports physiologist focused on helping people from all walks of life enhance their health and fitness irrespective of their individual starting points (page 34).

Of course, there’s the business of plumbing and the state of our industry too. See the MPGA’s views on pointof-sale legislation (page 20), advice on preparing your tax return (page 18), plus expert tips on how to approach tenders (page 38) and what to do if the ATO auditors come knocking (page 39). There’s also the usual product and service reviews (from page 40).

We put the latest LandCruiser 70 Series through its paces and discovered a remarkable resemblance to its trustworthy predecessors (page 48). And we took to the fairways to discover some of the best corporate golf opportunities in and around Perth (page 36).

But it’s not all about the serious side of life either. If you’re looking for an escape from the cold, give some thought to Singapore (page 50), have a crack at a few puzzles (page 46) and shake your head in disbelief at some of the weird, wonderful or just plain stupid examples of plumbing ingenuity with our usual photo spread (page 52).

As always, we welcome your feedback, letters to the editor and contributions or ideas for future content.

Get in touch by email or more traditional means – contact details are adjacent.

Please enjoy Master Plumber Western Australia.

Cheers!

Ed

The Editor

PUBLISHER: Master Plumbers & Gasfitters Association of Western Australia EDITING & DESIGN: Spoke Public Relations E: hello@spokepr.com.au ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: advertising@mpawa.asn.au EDITORIAL INQUIRIES: newsroom@mpawa.asn.au Master Plumbers and Gasfitters Association of Western Australia POSTAL ADDRESS: PO Box 5218, East Victoria Park, WA 6981 PHYSICAL ADDRESS: Level 3, 353 Shepperton Rd, East Victoria Park, WA 6101 PH: (08) 9471 6661 FAX: (08) 9471 6663 WEB: www.masterplumbers.asn.au MPGA OFFICE BEARERS: President: Geoff Kelly Vice President: Ron Grant Immediate Past President: Bill Busby CEO: Murray Thomas EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: Derek Rowe, Paul O’Leary, Paul Manifis, Matt Johnson, Max Jones, Michael Harley, Peter Dawe, Mark Sadler Disclaimer: While all care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information included in this publication, no responsibility is taken, unless expressly indicated, by the Master Plumbers & Gasfitters Association of WA for any inaccuracies.

Inclusion of opinions, statements and comments does not constitute endorsement by the MPGA or related entities of such content.

Content within this publication is protected

by Australian copyright law and may not be reproduced without express written permission by an office bearer or delegate of the MPGA.

ISSN 2208-2255 (Online)

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Focus remains on public health

T

HE Master Plumbers & Gasfitters Association of Western Australia is, and always has been, committed to ensuring that public health matters.

In Australia, plumbing has evolved to include some of the world’s highest standards of training and delivery to ensure community health.

Unfortunately though, we continue to see numerous slip-ups around the country that highlight the need to remain vigilant and for associations like the MPGA to lobby state and federal governments for tighter, more consistent regulation.

Issues of excessive lead content in drinking water, Legionnaire’s Disease outbreaks and bacterial contamination of public water supplies over the past year highlight the need to introduce and enforce nationally consistent legislation regarding products, licensing and installation.

The MPGA, together with our interstate counterparts and Master Plumbers Australia, is actively lobbying governments to adopt the Plumbing Code of Australia in its entirety.

To date, individual states have been responsible for deciding how, when and what to implement.

Western Australia trails many other states when it comes to implementing the PCA, with the focus on changes to reduce red tape rather than uphold and improve measures to protect public health.

While the MPGA is in favour of reducing unnecessary administrative overheads and bureaucratic burdens, many controls in the plumbing and gasfitting sector are in place for very good reasons and should not be mistaken for red tape.

As an example, the Building Commission’s recent decision paper on changing licensing requirements for the provision of plumbing services in remote communities has the potential to be hugely problematic.

The change impacts some 270 communities around the State, allowing for Environmental Health Workers to undertake a range of “emergency” plumbing tasks.

The intention is sound – it is often difficult for licensed plumbers to reach

some of these isolated communities in a timely manner. However, this is the very reason that such communities should be serviced by skilled and licensed tradespeople.

The MPGA has over the past two years proposed a range of potential and workable solutions, ranging from regular, mandatory inspections to delivering specialised plumbing courses for indigenous people so that communities can have their own dedicated tradespeople.

The Association’s stance – and that of associations in other states – is that the PCA is adopted in its entirety, in a nationally consistent manner.

Recent meetings between the MPGA and representatives of the new State Government are showing promise for some positive outcomes. These range from discussions on education and training, to introducing point-of-sale legislation to regulate the supply of plumbing fittings.

We will continue to push for greater industry consultation and a focus on the important issues.

Because public health matters.

YOUR DIRECT LINE TO DUX High quality product is only one reason to partner with Dux Hot Water.

Our superior service and support for plumbers is second-to-none.

Technical helpline

DUX HP ad 1300 365 115 then press option 3

Links directly to a Dux hot water expert

Plumbers Handbook App A comprehensive product and technical guide Easy to access Thousands of plumbers are already using the Dux Plumbers Handbook App

DUX TECHNICAL HELPLINE CALL 1300 365 115 and select OPTION 3

DOWNLOAD FROM THE APP STORE MASTER PLUMBER | PLAY WINTER 2017 TODAY. 8 THE OR GOOGLE STORE

viega.com.au/About-us

Viega FP ad

1,500,000 SQFT OF PREMIUM WORKING CONDITIONS. Thanks to a fast, safe and easy to install piping system.

In the construction of a large-scale project like The Squaire in Frankfurt, you not only count on the highest quality but also the highest efficiency: a combination effortlessly delivered by Viega.

Our high-grade piping systems Sanpress Inox for drinking water and Prestabo for heating installations offer maximum reliability and can be installed with minimum effort.

Viega. Connected in quality.

The Squaire, Frankfurt, Germany Š Architects: JSK; Photographer: HG Esch Photography

MASTER PLUMBER | WINTER 2017

9

MPGA DIARY

Government relations dominate calendar

T

HE diary has been full for the MPGA over the past few months. Significant effort has gone into government relations, lobbying and building relationships.

Submission to Inquiry into Management and Oversight of Perth Children’s Hospital Project The MPGA submitted a response to the inquiry regarding lead contamination issues.

This is a summary from the submission: Our area of interest is the lead contamination in the water supply at the Perth Children’s Hospital.

This submission relates to the seventh question (How have key decision-makers obtained assurance that the materials and practices used on the project meet required

10

MASTER PLUMBER | WINTER 2017

standards?). Our view is that the lead contamination problem is really a symptom of an issue that goes well beyond the governance arrangements of the PCH project.

Even the highest standard of governance will fail to prevent problems from occurring if there are flaws in the underlying regulatory regime.

We believe the problem should not be reviewed in isolation. Instead, we see it is as just one example of the importance to public health of a regulated plumbing industry.

Meetings with Health Department and Minister for Commerce The MPGA held meetings with Health Minister Roger Cook’s office and Commerce Minister Bill Johnston in relation to public health issues, including the lead issue at the new Perth Children’s Hospital.The intention was to identify how the plumbing industry could assist with a solution.

The industry has long predicted risks and fears these are the first of a range of serious threats to public health that will emerge without urgent action.

Since 2011, the MPGA and numerous other industry stakeholders have pushed governments for much-needed change to plumbing legislation and regulation.

The purpose of these reforms is to bring legislation up to date with technology and innovation, and to ensure consistency in plumbing practice across Australia.

The industry maintains the required changes could be addressed by adopting the Australian Building Codes Board’s Plumbing Code of Australia (PCA) in its entirety.

While most States have fully adopted the PCA,WA has only implemented parts of it.

Additionally, only a small number of the recommendations outlined in a subsequent independent review by ACIL Allen on plumbing regulation (commissioned by the Building Commission in 2012) have been implemented, most focused on reducing red tape rather than addressing health, safety and sustainability objectives.

Both departments have indicated their support for a range of initiatives and further discussions will follow.

T!

EW C N DU O

PR

HOT WATER UNIT

Indoor Safetray Installation with Optional Elevating Post Kit Indoor Safetray Installation

Outdoor Installation with Post Kit as an Elevating Platform

Save time and money!

The Unitray, a new tough polymer safe tray and connection system let’s you install HWUs to code fast and efficiently.

Cost effective: Use the all in one Unitray system instead of a copper tray and fittings and save.

Easily assembled in less than 5 minutes.

Easy to order and install: Safe tray with supports, tundish and connections all supplied in one package.

No soldering required – compatible with threaded, HDPE fusion welded and Fernco connections .

Versatile: Multiple tray sizes available to suit 25 litre to 315 litre HWUs. Circular space saving design fits where square trays won’t.

Optional elevating post kit available to meet food tenancy requirements or when connecting to an existing outlet located anywhere under the tray.

Safe and compliant: Complies with and exceeds AS 3500 National Plumbing Code requirements as per the recent “Plumbers & Licensing Board” technical note - AS/NZS3500.4:2015 relating to “Pre-made safe trays”. Manufactured from non-electrically conductive material for safe installation. Ultra Violet (UV) light stabilized materials suitable for long term external use. Engineered and certified to support and exceed maximum load requirements.

Available through Unitray directly and...

Galvins Plumbing Supplies Samios Plumbing Supplies Reece Plumbing Supplies Tradelink Plumbing Supplies Plumbtec Plumbing Supplies Plumbing Plus Plumbing Supplies And all good plumbing stores.

Available directly through: info@unitray.com.au 0434 976 218 www.unitray.com.au 4/27 Birubi Street Coorparoo Qld 4151 Australia

Proudly Australian Designed and Manufactured

MASTER PLUMBER | WINTER 2017

11

NEWS & VIEWS

TIPS FROM PAUL FUNNELL

Preparing Progress Claims ATCO GAS AUSTRALIA LAUNCHES

CARBON MONOXIDE SAFETY CAMPAIGN

Progress claims are tax invoices submitted to The formula for calculating the overall percentage claimed to date is: the customer or builder and represent a claim Amount claimed = $27,970.00 for payment on an agreed regular basis for work x 100 completed. It is important to set out the claim in exposure to carbon monoxide can be fatal.

TCO Gas Australia is undertaking a = $63,750.00 accordance with the requirements of the state or Total contract value are urged to remind communityregion awareness campaign to is to be processed. (See where the claim = Gasfitters 43.88% trade association for details). homeowners following simple steps familiarise your and educate West Australian A progress claim certificate should ofbethelodged with the customer / to opportunity reduce the risk monoxide gas consumers and the on general public aboutthat the project has an builder, which provides an Based the assumption forof ancarbon agreement to be reached.

Paulcarbon Funnell exposure: monoxide safety tender this winter. agreed price, the progress claims will be The certificate which also includes the value of retention to be withheld proportional the completed at abelieves given time. A progress claim is becomes the basis for a • Thetocampaign, whichwork ATCO tax Ensure invoice.only approved indoor gas not associated with expenditure which has heatersclaims are used warmprofit, houses.

Use of they will result in the more calls for gasfitters to occurred, such as the cost There is a link between progress andtogross although of materials labour costs foruses installing a gas stovetop or gas oven to heat your checkand andthe service appliances, three those materials; rather it is are viewed separately. an assessment of the completed work at an agreed date. The competed result dangerous wise monkeys as its central characters, The gross profit for a projecthome or forcould a section ofin the project islevels the claim to work is expressed as a percentage. of carbon monoxide presenting a simple, easily identifiable visual date minus the sum of the expenses.

When estimating a project, consideration • Barbecues and outdoor patio heaters representation that you can’t see, hearshould or be given to the layout for future progress claims. Houses may be in four (4) stages, under slab, That is the sum of material costs, labour costs and other expenses, should andsection only beofused smell carbon monoxide. subtracted from the progress claimremain for theoutside particular work. hot and cold water installations, external drainage and finishing off. While in well-ventilated areas.

If cafe blinds Campaign messages are appearing on For example: commercial projects are based on the percentage of work completed are fitted, they should be drawn to a centre billboards, inplumbing, metropolitan for eachshopping individual section, sanitary cold water, hot water, gas Sanitary plumbing in the above example is, $11,200.00 and the claim is level that allows for air to circulate in and community newspapers, as services, fireregional services, house drainage and stormwater drainage. for 60% ($6,720.00). and out well as on aclaim rangemay of targeted websitesas follows: A typical progress be presented If the expenses to date are $6,900.00 a loss of $180.00 is being • follow instructions and social media. Content has also been experienced. However, if theAlways expenses aremanufacturer $5,500.00 a profit of $1,220.00 Item Contract Claim Amount and ensure appliances are regularly translated into a number of languages to for people to remain vigilant about the use is recorded.

It is therefore important to submit accurate claims, to ensure Sanitary Fixtures $22,500 20% $ 4,500 serviced and properly maintained. appeal to as broad an audience as possible. of gas appliances and tothe be project aware ofreports the are also accurate.

Sanitary Plumbing $11,200 Fortunately carbon monoxide60% poisoning$ 6,720 symptoms of carbon monoxide Progresspoisoning claims provide cash flow for the company, ensure they Cold Water Services $ 9,650 100% from the use of gas appliances is rare in WA,$ 9,650 including tiredness, dizziness, vomiting and/ More information be foundup at with the correct are submitted on time, accurate andcanbacked Hot Water Services $ 8,000 however the campaign is a timely50% reminder$ 4,000 or loss of consciousness.documentation.

Prolonged or regular www.yourgas.com.au.

Drainage $12,400 25% $ 3,100 Paul Funnell OAM Total $63,750 43.88% $ 27,970

A

Apprentices bring leading edge skills to your business and they help strengthen the building and construction workforce.

That’s why the Construction Training Fund provides up to $19,000 in grants for you to reduce the cost of training each apprentice you employ.

For details on eligibility, visit www.bcitf.org or call 9244 0100.

12

Receive up to $19,000 to help train an apprentice.

bcitf.org MASTER PLUMBER | WINTER 2017

GC_CON093

NEWS & VIEWS

FLEXI-HOSES ACCOUNT FOR A FIFTH OF WATER DAMAGE CLAIMS

FAILURE OF FLEXIBLE hoses accounted for 22 per cent of water damage claims in Australian households in 2016, according to research by insurer IAG. Most claims involved damage to furniture, carpets and waterstained walls. In some cases, severe structural damage was also reported.

According to IAG, the majority of flexi-hoses, also known as braided inlet hoses, have a maximum life of around 10 years. The rise in damage to bathrooms and kitchens corresponded with the widespread introduction of flexi-hoses a decade earlier.

Ramtaps WA State Manager David Quinn said the majority of flexi-hoses were rubber lined and would deteriorate over time – some even while they’re sitting on the shelf.

“There’s a lot of new products being imported that may not even be rated,” he said. “They’re being manufactured cheaper and unfortunately that often means they’re not up to scratch.

“When you consider that 22 per cent of all water damage claims are related to failing hoses, that’s significant. And apart from the insurance side of things, we just can’t afford to be losing that amount of water in Australia.

“The majority of flexi-hoses are rated to 500kPa. Since 2003, new homes built in WA have been required to have pressurelimiting valves to restrict pressure to 500kPa. But there’s a lot of older homes that won’t have any sort of pressure limitation in place.

“With Water Corp upgrading all the mains infrastructure around Perth at present, that’s only going to increase the pressure.”

MPGA CEO Murray Thomas said the association urged plumbers to inspect all flexi-hoses as a matter of course when attending established premises.

“You should closely inspect all flexi-hoses installed at a property and ascertain the likely age of them,” Mr Thomas said.

“If they appear to be getting close to or past 10 years old, then for a few dollars per hose it is recommended they be changed. It’s unlikely too many homeowners will resist if they understand the risks.”

Mr Thomas said given there was little difference in price between some of the cheaper options and better quality products, it was worth encouraging clients to pay the few extra dollars to ensure peace of mind in the future.

14

MASTER PLUMBER | WINTER 2017

FLOWGEN flow

control

solutions

DELIVERING ALL THE BACKFLOW ANSWERS WE CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH A PRACTICAL & AFFORDABLE BACKFLOW SOLUTION FOR EVERY APPLICATION • Backflow test kit calibration • Reduced pressure zone • Double check • Dual check • Single check • Detector assemblies • Watermark butterfly valve • Watermark resilient seated • Complete assemblies with isolation valves & strainers • AS/NZS 2845.1

EXCLUSIVE DISTRIBUTOR - W. A

Ph: 1800 FLOWGEN

East Victoria Park, Perth

enquiry@flowgen.com.au

VALVCHEQ

MASTER PLUMBER | WINTER 2017

15

NEWS & VIEWS

PLUMBING AUDIT TO FOCUS ON COMPLIANCE RULES

L

ICENSED Plumbing Contractors (LPCs) not abiding by the rules will be targeted as part of the Building Commission’s current audit.

Run on behalf of the Plumbers Licensing Board, the audit is targeting compliance through the lodgement of notices of intention and certificates of compliance, and the payment of new installation fees.

Those who do not meet their obligations may receive a formal warning, infringement notice, or face prosecution and/or disciplinary action.

Such offences carry penalties ranging from $2,000 to $5,000, with modified penalties (infringement notices) ranging from $200 to $1,000. In serious cases, offences may result in cancellation of the LPC’s plumbing licence.

It is illegal for a person to carry out plumbing work unless they are an LPC, or a licensed tradesperson or apprentice under the direction of an LPC.

All LPCs must notify the PLB of work being done and in some cases this must be done before the work commences.

They must also certify that work is complete and complies with relevant regulations and standards.

LPCs carry the responsibility for the standard of plumbing work they and their employees perform for a period of six years from the time a COC is lodged.

All major plumbing work requires an NOI to be lodged with the PLB at least 24 hours prior to commencement.

For emergency work, the NOI can be submitted on completion.

The PLB may use the details provided on NOIs to conduct compliance inspections.

When major plumbing work is completed, the LPC who lodged the NOI must, within five working days of completing the work: • provide the PLB with a completed COC for the work

• give copies of the COC to the owner/ occupier • if the work is drainage plumbing that is not, and not intended to be, connected to a sewer, provide a copy of the COC to the local government authority • submit a drainage diagram to the PLB with the COC when drainage plumbing has been carried out • keep a copy of the COC at the principal place of business for at least six years All minor plumbing work carried out must be certified on a Multi-entry Certificate of Compliance on which details of up to 25 individual jobs can be recorded.

The certificate must be lodged with the PLB within five working days after the end of each calendar month and must only contain that month’s work.

Further information on responsibilities and obligations is available at www.commerce. wa.gov.au/building-commission/plumbers-0

Call us on (08) 9481 0259 ReddiFund is a WA based redundancy fund open to all employers within the building and construction industry to provide for their obligations under the award for their employees in the event of redundancy.

Great benefits are available by joining our Mutual Benefit Fund which provides the following indemnity coverage for employees: • Loss of wages should death or permanent disability occur in travel between home and work (Journey Cover).

• Expenses for ambulance or emergency transport when sick or injured anywhere in Australia (Ambulance Cover).

• Funeral expenses arising from your death (Death Cover).

• Childcare benefits provided upon the death of the member or their partner (Childcare Cover).

• Leisure Travel Cover (Travel Cover).

Get more with ReddiFund and HBF Corporate Health Plan • Up to 12% discount on health insurance cover • Up to 23% discount on home, car and boat insurance cover

© ReddiFund 2013, ABN 98 009 404 273 • Level 1, Unit 2, 44 Parliament Place, West Perth, WA 6005 • Email: info@reddifund.com.au

16

MASTER PLUMBER | WINTER 2017

NEWS & VIEWS

A GUARANTEED SOLUTION YOUR CUSTOMERS WILL LOVE

A

RA

NTEE

Lifetime

D

TO

GU

SH OWER heads E

ER

BL

C

N

V

K

WA RR A NT Y O

SELF-CLEANING SHOWER HEAD

NORMAL SHOWER

Simply FIT & FORGET as the PATENTED SELF-CLEANING TECHNOLOGY automatically activates each time the water is turned off, dislodging any build-up of calcium ensuring your customers enjoy maximum pressure everytime they shower....

What’s not to love?

ENJOY MAXIMUM PRESSURE ALWAYS

TESTED TO 50 YEARS OF SHOWERING / 100,00 CYCLES

S E E H O W I T W O R K S AT

www.revolutionshowers.com.au AVAILABLE AT

XIAMEN KEEKOE SANITARY WARE CO.,LTD

MASTER PLUMBER | WINTER 2017

17

NEWS & VIEWS

A TAXING TIME OF YEAR SELF-EMPLOYED WORKERS could be missing out on thousands of dollars in tax refunds through expense related deductions or depreciation because they are unaware of areas in which they could claim.

Two of the main areas impacting plumbers are vehicle and travel expenses.

Deductions can be claimed against the cost of driving between separate jobs on the same day (if you work for more than one employer or client) or driving between different worksites on the same

day for the same employer/client.

You can also claim for transporting bulky equipment provided it is essential to earning your income, is bulky and/or cumbersome to carry around (weighing around 20kg or more) and if there is no secure area at the work site to store the equipment for extended jobs.

Travel expenses can be claimed for overnight travel to a different work location if you can demonstrate the trip involved one or more nights away and the travel was

directly related to work. Being provided a travel allowance does not automatically entitle you to claim travel-related deductions.

Plumbers can also claim a deduction against the cost of buying, hiring, repairing or cleaning uniforms that are required for work, or protective clothing such as hi-vis vests, steel-capped boots, harnesses, goggles, breathing masks and fire resistant or sun protective clothing including sunglasses, hats and sunscreen. Union fees are also deductible.

A seemingly obvious deduction that is sometimes missed is the depreciation of tools and equipment.You can claim an immediate deduction, as well as deprecation over a number of years, for work tools and equipment costing more than $300.

In general, to claim a deduction for work related expenses, you must spend the money yourself and not have been reimbursed. Receipts and records of purchase must be kept in order to prove expenses, and you can only claim the workrelated part of expenses.

For more information, see www.ato.gov.au/ occupations.

椀昀 椀琀ᤠ猀 一伀吀 洀愀欀椀渀最 渀漀椀猀攀

椀琀ᤠ猀 一伀吀 洀愀欀椀渀最 ␀␀␀

吀唀刀一 夀伀唀刀 䤀䐀䰀䔀 䔀儀唀䤀倀䴀䔀一吀

䤀一吀伀 一䔀圀 䈀唀匀䤀一䔀匀匀

椀搀氀攀愀甀猀琀爀愀氀椀愀⸀挀漀洀⸀愀甀 18

MASTER PLUMBER | WINTER 2017

AROUND THE TRAPS

News from across the region INANCIAL reporting requirements for members of the Queensand building industry will be immediately reviewed amid harsh criticism that a policy introduced by the previous Building and Construction Board has weakened the industry regulator’s effectiveness in monitoring the financial health of licensees.

Chair of the current QBC Board, Dick New Zealand Call for WaterMark

A

S NEW Zealand enjoys boom times for residential and commercial construction, increasing volumes of imported plumbing product are entering the marketplace unchecked.

Master Plumbers, Gasfitters &

Regulations review

T

Williams (pictured), said the Minimum Financial Requirements Policy introduced by the previous board had significant flaws that decreased protection for home owners and industry members against the financial failure of licensees, and building company collapses.

Mr Williams said the policy failed to provide the Building and Construction Commission with a strong, proactive regulatory tool to deal with potential financial failures and related offences.

HE Victorian Plumbing Regulations expire in November 2018 and as part of a public review process, Master Plumbers Victoria made a range of recommendations.

Among these were recommendations that for commercial projects involving design, where plumbers currently retain responsibility for all aspects of installation, designers should be licensed and therefore take responsibility.

Another recommendation is that preassembled units such as bathroom PODs that are manufactured offsite should come with a certificate of compliance.

Drainlayers NZ has expressed concern about the quality standards of such products due to the lack of legislative controls.

Master Plumbers CEO Greg Wallace said homeowners could source cheap products online or through pop-up stores with no idea whether the fixtures and fittings they purchased were fit for purpose.

“We would like to see the WaterMark Certification Scheme become mandatory in New Zealand as it is in Australia,” Greg said.

“There are WELS labelling requirements for water efficiency of products on sale in New Zealand, so why not similar requirements to ensure plumbing products are fit for purpose?”

Queensland Financial reporting in spotlight

F

Victoria

3 ways Cbus is building super futures for plumbers in Western Australia 1.

Investing in property and development projects through our wholly owned subsidiary Cbus Property1, creating jobs and delivering returns

2.

Easy administration for employers, with online options to join Cbus and pay employees’ super

3.

Industry–specific super products for members, including insurance cover, financial advice and free access to the Cbus smartphone app

CBUS Super half

Contact James for your business super needs James Moore

Business Development Manager, WA

0437 688 538 james.moore@cbussuper.com.au

Cbus Property commercial project, 140 William Street, Perth

Cbus Property Pty Ltd is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cbus and has responsibility for the strategic performance and management of all Cbus direct property developments and investments.

This information is about Cbus. It doesn’t take into account your specific needs, so you should look at your own business needs and objectives before making any financial decisions. Read the Cbus Employer Handbook and other relevant documents to decide whether Cbus is right for you. Call 1300 361 784 or visit www.cbussuper.com.au for a copy.

Cbus’ Trustee: United Super Pty Ltd ABN 46 006 261 623 AFSL 233792 Cbus ABN 75 493 363 262.

1

OPINION

ISSUES HIGHLIGHT IMPORTANCE FOR POS LEGISLATION

By MURRAY THOMAS, CEO

Ongoing health, safety and quality issues around the country have prompted plumbing industry associations to renew calls for point-of-sale legislation to ensure the WaterMark Certification Scheme can be enforced.

A

USTRALIA’S WaterMark Certification Scheme has gained international attention. Countries including New Zealand are keen to adopt the same type of scheme to control the integrity and safety of plumbing products.

Administration of the scheme has recently moved from Standards Australia to the Australian Building Codes Board and a number of amendments have come into play to further improve it.

But enforcement is the responsibility of state-based authorities that in many cases do not have the resources to ensure it is adhered to.

Because of that, in WA and many other states, current legislation places the onus entirely on plumbers who connect fittings to water supplies to ensure those products comply. The implications of not doing so range from voiding your insurance to losing your contractor’s licence.

There is nothing, however, to stop consumers purchasing products that are not WaterMark certified, to prevent retailers stocking them or wholesalers and builders from directly importing them.

According to Plumbing Products Industry Group executive director Stuart Henry, the separation of administration and responsibility is leading to widespread problems that pose significant health risks.

“Developers are buying cheap product by the container load for installation in their projects without there being any checks or balances in terms of compliance with WaterMark,” he said.

“So our community is exposed – there isn’t a proper regulatory regime in many

20

MASTER PLUMBER | WINTER 2017

states to manage this process. The recent lead situation (in WA and NSW) is a very stark example of why it’s critical that such a scheme is managed at point of sale because people are buying cheaper products without knowing of the potential dangers.”

Along with PPI Group, the Master Plumbers & Gasfitters Association, other state-based Master Plumbers associations and Master Plumbers Australia have

The recent lead situation is a very stark example of why it’s critical that such a scheme is managed at point of sale

been actively lobbying federal and state governments for some time to impose point of sale legislation.

“Governments have to step up,” Stuart said. “This isn’t about protecting our industry, this is about public health.”

One of the issues with lead is that there is limited public understanding of the dangers it poses. For other dangerous substances, such as asbestos, campaigns have focused on building broad general awareness.

We have long been exposed to images of mesothelioma sufferers, but we haven’t seen images of people suffering brain damage and physical deformities due to lead contamination.

According to Stuart Henry, the risks are known and we should not have to see the results before acting.

“The real issue with lead is that it’s small children who are most at risk,” he said.

“That’s absolutely a case where prevention is better than cure.”

In addition to elevating the burden of responsibility to a higher level, imposing point of sale legislation would serve to better educate the public of the importance of plumbing products being fit for purpose.

With importers and retailers carrying responsibility, plus newly imposed WaterMark compliance measures that require all products to be fully tested for re-certification every five years, pressure will increase on overseas manufacturers for products to remain compliant over time.

And that’s precisely what is needed to ensure ongoing quality and integrity.

Point of sale legislation is necessarily something to be implemented and regulated nationally.

The problem is that currently it is not.

We have a perfectly good WaterMark Scheme and a Plumbing Code of Australia that together can eliminate health and safety risks related to products and practices.

We must continue to apply the necessary pressure at all levels of government to see nationally consistent, effective enforcement.

The good news is that recent meetings between the MPGA and various WA State Government Departments have been positive. We can only hope this leads to upward pressure on the Federal Government to ensure an effective solution is put in place.

SAFEX FP AD

Safety MASTERExcellence PLUMBER | WINTERPackage 2017 21

PEOPLE

AUSTRALIA’S NEXT GENERATION:

Plumbers of the future

People enter the plumbing trade from a broad range of backgrounds and for many different reasons. Three apprentices around the country reveal their stories.

A

PPRENTICE Richard Finn moved into plumbing as an opportunity for a career change.

The first-year apprentice, who is employed by Perth-based Group Training Organisation MPA Skills, had his mind set on an acting career when he left school.

After completing a three-year degree, he found the performance industry to be particularly challenging and erratic, so took a job working as a tour guide. Richard enjoyed the work and the social interaction that came with it, but was looking for a more viable, long-term career.

“I wanted to do something practical and wanted to be sure I’d come out of it with good job prospects,” he said. “Plumbing seemed like an attractive proposition and the idea of getting paid while you learn was pretty appealing too.”

At the age of 29, Richard is regarded as one of the “old men” among his apprentice peer group. He admits he’s only worked in a narrow field of plumbing to date, but with prior experience in public speaking, training and assessment, and health and safety, he has his sights set on a leadership role in years to come.

“One of the things that attracted me to plumbing is that there are so many areas you can go into – from the maintenance side of things, to design, to leadership,” Richard said.

“I want to be on the tools initially and take part in as many aspects of plumbing as I can throughout my apprenticeship, then aim to move into a supervisory or management role.”

Richard is proud of the industry he’s chosen to be a part of.

“One thing I didn’t fully appreciate when I started was how much plumbing is really a health service,” he said.

“We’re entrusted to do the right thing so that people can drink clean water and know waste is being taken away effectively – there’s a lot of pride in that.”

Richard was the recipient of a 2017 Rheem Plumbing Apprenticeship Grant, one of 10 recipients around the country and the only one from WA.

22

MASTER PLUMBER | WINTER 2017

Richard Finn

Kaitlyn Booth

Melbourne-based first-year apprentice Mohamed Osman, also a Rheem Grant winner, was very aware of plumbing’s vital role before he commenced his apprenticeship.

At 37 years of age, Mohamed is a late starter, but has had plumbing ambitions since he was a child.

“When I was young I always liked working with my hands and my Dad worked in the oil and gas industry, so I knew I wanted to do something similar,” he said.

Growing up in Somalia, he understood the importance of water. But there were considerable challenges to overcome before the opportunity finally arose.

At 10 years of age, he escaped the wartorn country, spending the next 10 years in a refugee camp in India. He then moved to Canada, completing high school at the age of 27, before relocating to Australia in 2012.

Now married with two children, Mohamed finally realised his ambition when he commenced a plumbing apprenticeship this year. And he knows where he wants to go in the future.

“After finishing my apprenticeship, I want to get my contractor’s licence and start my own business,” he says.

“I also want to go back to Somalia one day to help provide better drinking water to communities. The current plumbing techniques are quite different in East Africa

and there’s a lot we can do to improve the way of life.”

Plumbing remains a heavily maledominated industry. But for first-year apprentice Kaitlyn Booth, from Mareeba in Far North Queensland, having family in the business provided the support she needed to give it a go.

“My Dad works in plumbing so it helped me make my decision,” Kaitlyn said.

“It is challenging being a female firstyear apprentice in such a male-dominated industry and I probably wouldn’t have done it without Dad’s support.

“But I’d definitely encourage other women to work in plumbing. I love that it’s so hands-on and I can be outdoors, and that plumbing always offers something different.”

Kaitlyn says that despite being nervous in the early stages of her apprenticeship, she has generally been accepted by others in the trade and customers.

“I’ve mostly had positive reactions, and a lot of people think it’s really good to see a young woman in a trade,” she said.

“I’ve found that women seem to feel more comfortable when they see a woman turn up, which I think is great.”

While Kaitlyn plans to stay working with her Dad for now, she admits she likes the idea of starting an all-female plumbing business in the future.

Get MORE with HBF and Master Plumbers & Gasfitters Association of WA • Up to 12% off Hospital and Extras cover • Up to 23% off home, landlord, car, boat and caravan cover • Up to 52 weeks complimentary health cover if on sick leave without pay.^ • 26 weeks complimentary health cover for spouse and dependants in the event of your death.*

We’ll even help you switch from your current fund and recognise your length of membership so you won’t need to re-start any waiting periods previously served.

call 1300 132 549 email corphealth@hbf.com.au ^This does not apply to overseas visitor health cover. Members must have been on a HBF Corporate health plan for 12 months. *This does not apply to overseas visitor health cover.

Discount level will vary according to number of policies held. General insurance issued by CGU Insurance Limited (CGU) ABN 27 004 478 371 AFSL 238291. HBF Health Limited ABN 11 126 884 786 AR No. 406073 is an authorised representative of and also acts under a binder from CGU. This is general advice only and does not take into account your personal circumstances. Please consider the Product Disclosure Statement available from HBF on 133 423 or from hbf.com.au when deciding whether toMASTER buy or PLUMBER hold these products. | WINTER 2017

23

PEOPLE

Good business ideas often come around by chance.

But turning them into good businesses is a whole different matter. Idle Australia founder Dylan Hrurukvit tested a lot of ideas before realising he’d found a winner.

S

IDLE TIME SPARKS WINNING BUSINESS IDEA

EEING expensive assets sitting unused was the catalyst that led to Idle Australia being established.

But former electrician Dylan Hrurukvit spent two years planning and constantly testing a range of ideas before knowing he’d found one that would work.

Idle Australia is an online equipment hire service that matches owners of assets with people needing to hire them. The business uses the same sort of share economy model that has made organisations such as Airbnb and Uber global successes.

“The idea came when I saw that my employers had expensive testing equipment that sat around unused for long periods of time,” Dylan said.

“Then I’d watch other companies hire

24

MASTER PLUMBER | WINTER 2017

the exact same equipment from rental companies. I realised that if the guy up the road had known he could have hired it from us he would have happily done so, and my boss would have happily let him, but that sort of arrangement is limited to who you know and have rapport with.”

Working on a four week on, one week off FIFO roster, Dylan had not always planned to run a business. While the work days were long, he had time in the evenings to think, plan and enhance his knowledge.

And that’s what led him to change his initial thinking.

“I was working a lot, saving money and planning to buy a house,” Dylan admits.

“But I got hold of a modelling tool that allowed me to see financial projections on a mortgage and it showed me what I’d

be paying in interest and could expect in growth over the next 20 years.

“No matter how I changed the numbers and altered the scenarios, I couldn’t make the investment add up.

“So I started considering all the things I could do with my money – buy property, start a business, buy shares, invest in managed funds or travel. And only a few seemed to offer a decent return on investment and excite me enough to pursue.”

With time on his side and money in the bank, Dylan decided to investigate business options. He started taking online business courses, which he admits evolved into a hobby that helped pass the time while working away.

“I weighed up the sort of resources and potential markets for a whole range

of things – from bars and cafes to tech startups,” he said.

“What was important was scalability, size of audience and access to market and I soon realised the reach you can get with an online company is exponential compared to the local bricks and mortar style businesses.”

Dylan tested numerous business ideas before he had his “eureka moment” that became Idle Australia.

“I’d have an idea then start planning until the cracks appeared and I’d realise it wasn’t such a good idea after all,” he said.

“There were numerous slow iterations but when the idea for Idle came up, as much as I tried I couldn’t disprove it. The cracks didn’t appear like they had with other ideas.”

Dylan realised the problem of equipment sitting idle applied to every trade and construction company that owned assets. He saw it amplified in resource industry construction projects that seemed to have unlimited funds and less efficiencies than many small businesses.

So, after extensive research, discussions with current and former work colleagues and considering a range of objections or potential hurdles, he made the decision to invest money into developing his idea.

“Initially, I learned basic coding and thought I could build the platform myself,” he said. “But I quickly realised what would take me three or four hours would take someone else with experience an hour, so I decided it would be better for me to stay at work and pay someone else.”

Over the proceeding months, Dylan reduced his work hours to focus more of his attention on Idle Australia.

Initially, his team developed a minimum viable product (MVP) and started to show the Idle Australia concept to the market.

“There was a lot of cold calling on business owners to show them the idea and get their feedback,” Dylan said.

“Some people loved the idea, loved the design and layout we showed them, and some thought it would never work. But it was exactly the sort of feedback we wanted to make sure the offering was right.”

Through that process, the MVP moved

to the first “real” release of the Idle Australia solution. But market testing continued.

“One of the most beneficial things that happened was one guy going absolutely ballistic at me because he’d listed some equipment and even though he hadn’t paid anything, he wasn’t happy with the layout,” Dylan said.

“To have someone get so passionate about what he wanted was one of the best lessons – the sheer realisation that someone cared so much about it was a really good experience and opportunity to react to market sentiment.

“So I emailed him the next evening

When the idea for Idle came up, as much as I tried I couldn’t disprove it

with revised designs and he was super happy – within a week or so he became one of our greatest advocates.”

It is that sort of feedback and being able to provide quick responses that Dylan values. He has sought plenty of input from mentors and trusted advisors, but says it became obvious that building and running a business is not an exact science.

“According to some people, it’s all about getting entry to market first, even if the product is imperfect, and getting early investment to scale as fast as you can,” Dylan said.

“But others say to slow down, focus, get traction and then get investment – don’t

dilute yourself too early. It has become obvious to me that everyone’s winging it in some way when it comes to building the perfect business.”

As can be expected of someone who put so much effort into planning and testing, Dylan’s preferred approach is to perfect the solution, which went live in May, before spreading it too far.

“I want to make people love Idle first,” he said. “My first goal is to get 10 people to absolutely love it rather than focus on doing a certain number of transactions or hitting a specific revenue target.

“The plan is that we’ll focus heavily on Perth and WA first – the fact it is isolated makes it a great environment to test and take feedback and when we can make everyone here love it to bits, then we know we can expand nationally and internationally.”

It seems that even though Idle Australia is only a few months into operation, the love is already starting to show.

The first transaction was proof of the platform’s benefit when a contractor lodged a request at 5.30pm seeking an excavator for a job the following morning.

“He found exactly what he needed at a very competitive price, completed the transaction online, picked it up and was able to start the job by 7am the following day,” Dylan said.

Clients can list any number of assets at no cost. Idle Australia takes a percentage share of any successful transactions, meaning the process is entirely success based.

For more information, see www.idleaustralia.com.au

[MEMBER BENEFIT] MPGA members can receive discounted hire rates through Idle Australia. Simply enter your membership number when signing up and once verified, discounts will be automatically applied.

MASTER PLUMBER | WINTER 2017

25

PEOPLE

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE DRIVES PASSION FOR VOCATIONAL TRAINING

Stuart Henry has devoted his life to advocacy for vocational training and advancing the plumbing industry

L

EAVING school at 15 and heading to the bush to work on farms was the best thing Stuart Henry ever did.

The former Executive Director of the Master Plumbers & Gasfitters Association says the experience is what has driven him to become a strong advocate for vocational training.

“About 50 per cent of students can learn by listening to lectures and reading text books and the other 50 per cent learn by doing,” Stuart said.

“I’m convinced we’ve got to continue providing this alternative learning process to our students. We used to have woodwork and metalwork as mandatory subjects in schools but in many cases that’s fallen by the wayside. It absolutely needs to come back.”

That mode of learning has served Stuart well. His career has taken him from farm management to agribusiness sales to overseeing the public float of an oil sector company in the USA. He also served a term as a Federal Member of Parliament and was Chairman of the World Plumbing Council.

He now heads up the Plumbing Products Industry Group and sits on the board of WorldSkills Australia.

Stuart is a self-confessed champion for

26

MASTER PLUMBER | WINTER 2017

the cause of plumbers, whom he describes as “the unsung heroes of society”.

“Initially, I didn’t understand the contribution that plumbing has made to global public health,” he said.

“But when I did, I’d get disconcerted at hearing plumbers refer to themselves as ‘just a plumber’ when they’ve made this huge contribution over generations to the wellbeing of our society.”

From his early days of farming, Stuart moved into sales with Pfizer Agricare, ran a concrete cutting business and later managed the US operations for a startup company developing pumping technology for onshore oil wells.

He took the company public and set up field trails with many of the world’s major oil producers, before returning to Australia and being appointed Executive Director of the Master Plumbers Association in WA. Understanding the value of his own experiences, Stuart became a strong advocate for vocational learning. He was instrumental in establishing what is now MPA Skills – one of the first industry-based training organisations of its kind.

“We pushed governments to allow industry organisations to deliver

apprenticeship training and it’s proven very successful,” Stuart said.

“But we still don’t really provide sufficient advice to young people about alternative pathways to rewarding careers like plumbing, or recognise apprenticeships and experience if people pursue further education.

“When I was in Parliament as a Federal Member from 2004 to 2007, I had meetings with John Howard and the Vice Chancellors of numerous universities about providing recognition of prior learning gained through apprenticeships and industry experience that could be credited towards university degrees.

“Your learning doesn’t end because you’ve done an apprenticeship – there’s still opportunity to learn and develop in a structured way – but the pathways are not open in Australia like they are in other countries.”

It’s the reason he recently became involved as a director with WorldSkills Australia.

“The WorldSkills competition provides an opportunity to showcase competency levels and reinforces the value of apprenticeship schemes in the minds of students,” he said.

“It’s a great opportunity for me at this point in my life to once again promote and push apprenticeship training.”

HIRE YOUR APPRENTICES FROM MPA SKILLS MPA Skills Group Training Organisation [GTO] is run by the industry so you can be confident knowing that our Apprentices will get the best training and support. And so will you with: • Apprentices based North and South of the river • Pay only for the usage of the Apprentice and not the ownership • All MPA Skills Apprentices are covered for Workers Compensation • Field Officer mentoring and support • Flexible arrangements to meet your work needs so if there is no work, then you can send them back to MPA Skills or if you need more Apprentices, just call MPA Skills MPA Skills Apprentices are work-ready and ready to work so call MPA Skills today on 08 9471 6600.

For more information, email mail@mpaskills.com.au or visit mpaskills.com.au

The pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship training are subject to funding by Future Skills WA.

RTO 1892

MASTER PLUMBER | WINTER 2017

27

FEATURE

From bad things, GOOD

THINGS

GROW Shalom House in the Swan Valley delivers Australia’s strictest and most successful addiction treatment program to help men restore their lives and rebuild trust with their families.

Simon Shepherdson talked to founder and CEO Peter Lyndon-James to find out more.

28

MASTER PLUMBER | WINTER 2017

T

HIS is not a story about plumbing. It’s not a story about how to make more money or build better businesses.

But it’s a story that everyone should know. Because it’s about people, about overcoming what many might consider insurmountable odds, about helping those who’ve hit rock bottom press the reset button and try again.

Peter Lyndon-James has a story that’s the stuff of Hollywood movies. Not a glitzy, feel-good movie, but a gritty, warts-and-all

account of drug addiction, crime and years of imprisonment. Of two-week drug binges and a family pushed to the brink through the wrongdoing of one man.

But if it finished now, the story would have a happy ending. Because Peter has undergone the greatest transformation. The one-time career criminal is now a church pastor. He’s also the founder and CEO of Australia’s strictest and most successful addiction treatment program, Shalom House. Peter was named West Australian of the Year and Shalom House was recently awarded the 2017 Telstra Western Australian Business Award for Charity.

Of course, the story doesn’t end now. It is merely moving on to the next chapter and there are no doubt struggles to come.

Peter would say the story is not about him now. It’s about overcoming the scourge of addiction, about rebuilding men’s lives and restoring their families. It’s about more than 50 staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to deliver the Shalom House program.

But it’s important to understand Peter’s story to understand the success of Shalom House.

At the age of nine, Peter was first put into a juvenile detention centre. Not because he was a criminal, but because to him it was a better option than living with his father.

“When I was seven or eight, Dad ran off with the babysitter and Mum turned to alcohol,” he says. “Each time she went into a rehabilitation centre, I was put into foster care and they got sick of me running away all the time, so they took me into a room with a community social worker and my Dad and said I had a choice. I could

either go and stay with my Dad or go to Longmore.”

The young boy didn’t know what Longmore was. But he was so angry with his father for deserting the family that it seemed like a better option. It turned out to be the beginning of a downward spiral that led Peter to spend more than two decades of his life in and out of prison.

It was where he obtained his “education”, but it was the wrong sort of education.

“People go to prison to be punished but they don’t get rehabilitated, they get reprogrammed,” Peter explains.

“The problem is that you’re forcing people to adapt to another culture.You have to project an image in prison to avoid getting bashed or stood over and all of a sudden you become somebody else.

“How you interact with people is changing, you’re changing the way you speak, your thinking is changing.

“When you come out, you’ve been programmed to be somebody you’re not.

And you’ve made a lot of new connections who can get hold of nine millimetres and 44s and Glocks and sub-machine guns – and heroin and speed and opiates.”

Peter made those contacts — and reached the point that he was dealing up to 2.5kg of methamphetamines a day and any number of guns and explosives.

“It’s a lot of fun living a life of drug abuse, sticking a pick in your arm, sleeping with prostitutes, having chemicals rushing through your body and having sex for four hours straight – it’s off the charts,” he says. “But every decision you make has a consequence.”

The consequences of his decisions came to a head one morning after a 16-day binge when Peter, his wife and one-year-old child woke to the sound of a helicopter overhead and the Tactical Response Group kicking the door in. His wife was pushed to the floor with a gun to her head.

It was the catalyst Peter needed to change. He desperately wanted to be “normal” but didn’t know how. But he made his mind up at that point that he had to find a way.

“In 2001, I came out of prison for the last time,” he said. “I went to church and at the end of the service the priest asked for anyone who wanted to welcome Jesus into their lives to come forward. I practically ran to the front.”

That was the turning point. What followed was three years of bible studies MASTER PLUMBER | WINTER 2017

29

FEATURE

Peter with members of a Shalom Works Landscapes team.

BELOW: The program is entirely self-funded, including purchase of vehicles to transport residents. OPPOSITE: Peter greets one of the Shalom House residents who now supervises work teams; residents complete maintenance works at a Swan Valley church. PICTURES: Shea Walsh

and time working as a prison chaplain. He understood through his own experience that although you could take the person out of prison, it was much more difficult to take prison out of the person.

There’s a strong Christian element to the Shalom House program, which was established on a small scale in 2012, welcomes people of all faiths and beliefs, and now involves more than 50 staff and volunteers with more than 120 men in residence. If those residents are not prepared to accept the Christian-based ethos of the program, they are free to leave.

But Peter says religion is not about forcing people to go to church on Sunday. It’s about learning right from wrong and making choices that have positive consequences.

“It’s not about praising God every second or believing in a higher power, but there’s a voice inside you that teaches you what you’re doing is not OK,” he explains.

“Listen to the truth inside you. If you go into a shop and the bloke gives you $20 too much change, there’s a voice inside you that says score and another that says give it back. Which one is right?

“That’s what we do here – we teach our fellas to listen to the right voice. We teach them it’s not OK to speak rudely or be

30

MASTER PLUMBER | WINTER 2017

disrespectful. It’s not OK to look at a woman as a chunk of meat, to lie and steal and cheat or avoid taxes to put cash in your pocket.”

And it works. Shalom House has an 80 per cent success rate. The 20 per cent that don’t succeed are generally the ones who choose to leave before completing the program.

“We take one in 20 people that contact us,” Peter says. “Two out of every five people leave before they succeed but

one of those two comes back.

“By the time they complete the program they are debt-free, own a car, have a job, have restored relationships with their family and we know they’re not going to go back to their old ways.”

To be accepted into Shalom House, participants have to be at a point that Peter describes as having no hope left.

“We only take people who are at the

bottom of the bottom of the bottom,” he says. ”Mum or Dad don’t want them anymore, they have nowhere else to go and they’re really seriously wanting to change.”

Today the program is run across 10 Swan Valley properties. The whole operation is run with a military-style precision. Residents are not allowed to smoke or swear. During the first stage of the program, their communication with the outside world is limited, except for close family and friends who help build the support structure required to lay the foundation for the rehabilitation process.

Residents kick addictions cold turkey, with the support of professional staff on site.There is no weaning off one drug with another.

Many residents come to Shalom House with significant debts, no driving licence and no job prospects. One of the staff teams

is dedicated to establishing 100 points of ID to enable residents to receive Centrelink benefits as soon as possible. The aim is to completely extinguish all debts within twelve months, as well as gain a driver’s licence as soon as possible and move the person into paid work at the three-month stage.

Unlike many other rehabilitation programs, the Shalom House program receives no Government support. Residents pay their own way and Peter says that’s how it should be.

“They are where they are because of their own choices,” he says. “It’s not OK when you finish having fun and hit the brick wall that you rock up on someone else’s doorstep and expect them to pay for your stupidity, but that’s what society does.

“More often than not, families are a big part of the problem – they continue to enable their loved ones’ choices by putting

a roof over their heads and providing for them while they’re using drugs. It’s a way of stopping them from facing the consequences of their choices so the person keeps doing it because they like it.”

He says when methamphetamines are involved, it’s the worst decision a family could make.

“What a lot of people don’t realise about methamphetamines more than any other drug is that through the individual, it wipes out the whole family,” he says.

“It separates mums from dads, children from parents, grandparents from their daughters and sons…it’s the most evil drug to ever hit the face of this planet and we have an epidemic.”

Residents pay $300 a week to cover part of the cost of accommodation, food, transport and staff wages. Additional MASTER PLUMBER | WINTER 2017

31

FEATURE funding is required and only a small amount comes from uncanvassed donations.

The bulk is derived through Shalom Works, which provides labour services across a wide range of vocations.

Work is a significant part of the Shalom House program. From early on, residents join a Shalom Works team, delivering services ranging from voluntary roadside clean-ups and community service projects to specialised building and construction.

There is also a landscaping team, and a paving, tiling and limestone team.

Peter says addiction is not just reserved for the stereotypical “skanked out junkies”.

“We’ve got a whole mixture of people - engineers, boilermakers, pilots, aircraft mechanics, businessmen who’ve been in charge of 400 people,” he says. “But they’ve got caught up in addiction and lost everything.”

Two months into the program, residents

sit down with one of the Shalom Works staff to map out their future work direction.

Some residents opt to return to unfinished apprenticeships, start new ones or go back to trades in which they have qualifications.

“We find out what direction they want to take in their life – do they want to be a tiler or a painter or a carpenter,” Peter explains. “Then we have to find an employer and interview them to make sure that the workplace we’re about to put the individual into complements what we’ve instilled in them over the first three months that they’ve been here.”

MPGA member Craig Dorrington, owner of Dorrington Plumbing, Gas & Electrical, is one such employer. He’s been

32

MASTER PLUMBER | WINTER 2017

A landscapes team completes a yard clean up at one of the Shalom House properties. BELOW LEFT: Peter with Shalom House Chief of Staff Milena Djurasinovic.

BELOW RIGHT: Peter with MPGA CEO Murray Thomas at Shalom House headquarters. PICTURES: Shea Walsh

involved since Shalom House’s inception and is now a member of the board.

Craig’s business has taken on a number of already qualified tradesmen through Shalom House and now employs a matureaged apprentice who completed the program and now lives independently. He has become a highly valued member of the Dorrington team.

“We’ve always had a very positive and supportive culture at Dorrington so it’s the right sort of environment,” Craig said.

“But having these Shalom guys on the team enhances the culture further because it shows everyone that there is always hope, even when it seems like it might be lost to some people.”

It’s a slow process for people to integrate into the workforce. They typically start working two days a week with an employer and build up over the ensuing months to full-time roles in preparation to move out of Shalom House.

In what many educators would consider the ultimate in leadership training, the Shalom House program revolves around passing knowledge on to others.

“It’s about finding someone to do what you do so you can move on,” Peter says.

“Every ‘house’ consists of 10 men and there’s a leader, a 1IC and a 2IC for each house. The leader’s job is to disciple the 1IC to take over, and the 1IC disciples the 2IC to do what they do.”

It’s not OK when you finish having fun and hit the wall to expect someone else to pay for your stupidity

stories

RESIDENT

ONE THING THAT is evident about those involved in the Shalom House

Peter is also busy discipling staff to take over his role. Somehow, amongst his tireless efforts to run the program, he found time to author a book, Tough Love, designed to help families tackle the issue of addiction.

He now delivers seminars around the country. Having worked as a full-time volunteer with Shalom House since establishing it in 2012, he hopes the seminars will provide him with an income.

Currently, his wife brings in the family’s earnings through her landscaping business.

Peter is also considering running for local government, hoping to challenge the policies and procedures of local governments, the ways they deal with individuals, businesses and communities, applications, and the number of obstacles that need to be overcome to get things done.

He also aims to expand the Shalom House network. Already there are talks in place to look at establishing Shalom House facilities in Collie and Kalgoorlie, while communities around the country are crying out for effective programs and calling on Peter to help.

program is that they are willing to share their stories. Many are affable and quick to say hello. Most admit it’s a tough environment but a necessary one. And the results of the program are evident.

At a community works program in the Swan Valley, I met three residents of the program who were painting a church house.

I talked to Jose. He’s young and a few months into the program. He was a drug addict, had been kicked out of home and says he had nowhere else to turn. His aunty urged him to get in touch with Peter or lose his family altogether. A few months into the program, he says he has a whole new outlook on life.

Addiction is not just about drugs and does not just affect those with tales of woe in their lives. I met Mark. He didn’t come from a broken home, hadn’t failed at school or missed out on the things many of us take for granted.

“I was a youth pastor with a church,” he says. “It was a good job, I had a girlfriend and a supportive family.”

But within a week it all fell apart because of what Mark describes as a sex addiction. He had to admit it to his boss and resign from his job, lost his girlfriend and was shunned by his family who he says were shocked, disappointed and embarrassed.

“There are people here dealing with all sorts of addiction, from gambling to alcohol to drugs,” he said.

Mark says Shalom House is helping him rebuild his family relationships and focus on moving forward in life.

The story that struck me most was that of Chris, 34, who had spent 18 years of his life as a heroin addict. The one-time apprentice spray painter lost his job due to his drug use and ended up stealing whatever he could to support his habit, regularly experiencing psychotic episodes that required hospitalisation.

“I’d come out of those psychotic episodes not even knowing who I was,” he said. “I lost 18 years of my life.”

He went through various rehabilitation programs with little success and admits they were just another excuse to lie, cheat and steal equipment from the rehab centres to buy more drugs. But after being kicked out of home, after his father telling him he never expected Chris to get better, and after trying to hide stolen goods at his mother’s house because the police were after him, he hit rock bottom. His mother urged him to contact Peter and while he was resistant at first, he stuck with the program.

There’s an obvious sadness in Chris’ eyes when he talks about the wasted years of his life. But he’s now a changed man. He’s mentoring younger residents, passing on his painting experience to others, undertaking family counselling sessions and looking forward to the future.

“Shalom House has given me a life,” he says.

MASTER PLUMBER | WINTER 2017

33

HEALTH & SAFETY

Exercise and diet the keys to longer, better life Most illness and injury can be improved or avoided with exercise and diet. And the good news is we don’t need to become elite athletes to make a positive difference.

T

HERE is no question that improving and maintaining health and fitness provides significant benefits at home and in the workplace.

According to HBF, workers who exercise regularly account for far fewer absentee days and are significantly more productive than those who do not.

The health insurer also says workplace morale is significantly higher in environments where workers focus on some level of health and fitness improvement.

But while maintaining general health and fitness greatly enhances our wellbeing, each of us has different requirements.

Exercise physiologist and sports scientist Dan Williams runs Osborne Park-based business Range of Motion, working with a wide range of clients from top athletes, to those overcoming or living with significant injuries and illness, to people with various disabilities.

He says exercise falls into two major categories.

“General physical preparedness is general conditioning work to get people prepared for whatever may come their way,” Dan explains.

“It involves strength work - moving external loads and moving your body

34

MASTER PLUMBER | WINTER 2017

weight around - as well as cardio-vascular exercise. It’s an important aspect of fitness for people like plumbers who work in physical roles.

“Then there’s specific physical

preparedness, which is where we look at specific needs – for example, considering what specific work a footballer needs to become a better player, or what a plumber specifically needs to be better or stay

healthier in the tasks they perform.”

Dan says that while any level of health and fitness improvement is better than none, it’s important to understand the sorts of injuries or illnesses to which someone may be prone based on what they do.

“Imagine if you have a rope supporting a weight and you slice through it with a machete,” he says. “That’s an instant failure, like an acute tissue injury.

“But for plumbers, it’s often like taking a nail file to that rope and filing a couple of fibres at a time. The danger is that you don’t recognise an injury is occurring straight away because it’s a very gradual process.

“But then months, years or decades later, you end up with chronic lower back pain or other musculoskeletal issues.

“And that can be more problematic. At least if someone has an acute injury, they realise and stop straight away to deal with it, whereas if it takes 10 years to establish an injury, it’s not going to be fixed in a week.”

Dan says health and fitness is not just about exercising the right way. He has developed a model for determining an individual’s overall level of wellbeing which allows the person to focus on specific areas requiring work.

“Picture a wagon wheel with spokes and each of the spokes represents an aspect of health and fitness,” he explains.

“For each person the spokes are different. For example, someone that works in a very physical job may have a high level of body fat because they’re having pies and sausage roles for lunch every day.

“For them, one of their spokes would represent their lean body mass or cholesterol levels, another might represent their posture, their mental health, as well as their strength, stamina, endurance, and any variable to do with health or fitness that impacts them.

“As that wheel turns, each of those spokes is tested as it’s loaded up and if you reach a broken spoke, the whole wheel collapses.

“You might have someone who appears completely healthy, fit and strong but they have the precursors to coronary artery disease and then one day in a stressful situation at work that particular spoke is tested and they have a heart attack or a stroke.”

Dan says the first step in improving a person’s wellbeing is to “determine the spokes on their wheel that are most likely to break”, causing some sort of loss to performance,

quality of life or even premature death.

“That’s where we focus our attention first,” he says. “Everyone at Range of Motion is working to a program that’s biased to their major area of weakness, whether that’s from a fitness or a health point of view.

“Then as we fix that weakness, we can start to expand the size of the wheel by improving other spokes.”

Dan says health and fitness should be considered as a continuum, ranging from extremely unhealthy to exceptionally healthy. And people need to only move one small step along the continuum to improve.

“The barriers to entry should be small and achievable,” he says. “The greatest change people can make is to go from doing nothing to doing something. Then look at the next step.

“For someone who lives a super sedentary life, eats poorly, drinks too much and doesn’t exercise at all, it’s not about turning them into a super athlete,” he says.

“But if we can get them eating better

or drinking less, or going for a five-minute walk each night before they sit in front of TV, that’s an achievable goal.”

Dan says there’s a growing gap in extremes of health and fitness among the general population. While improvements in health science, better programs and access to facilities are driving one group to become extremely health conscious, at the other extreme it’s becoming worse with levels of chronic disease on the rise.

“Nine out of the top 10 major causes of premature death or loss of quality of life can be positively impacted by exercise and diet,” he says. “The only one that’s not is motor vehicle accidents.”

The good news is that it’s never too late to make a positive improvement.

“A tiny amount is always better than nothing,” Dan says. “It’s not whether you can lift 200kg, it’s about ensuring you can improve your quality and longevity of life and that starts with just doing a little bit more than you do today.”

For more information, see www.rangeofmotion.net.au MASTER PLUMBER | WINTER 2017

35

EVENTS may have attendees who barely touch a club, which is one reason for the Ambrose format, in which players compete as a team (2, 3 or 4) and all hit from where the best shot lands. It’s a more social, fun way to play and good for players of all levels - plus, it makes for a quicker round, which means more time for socialising at the end of the day.

2 | Budget

DRIVE FOR

SHOW

A corporate golf day is the ideal networking tool but it can take a lot of planning. But the good news is you can leave the stress to the experts, who are adept at organising such events. Even better, Perth and surrounds have some of Australia’s most spectacular courses that offer the perfect corporate day venue, whatever your budget.

Norman Burns teed up to find out more.

A

GOOD walk spoiled, say some.

The worst day on the golf course is better than your best day in the office, say others.

And then there’s a third epithet - the corporate golf day is the best business and promotional opportunity you’ll ever have.

Not only can you secure the attention of clients or potential clients for hours but, if the event goes to plan, you’ll cement your company’s day on the greens as an annual ‘must-do’. Plus, it can be a great way to thank clients and your own staff for their custom or efforts during a year.

Whatever the case, few other events can lure the movers and shakers from their desks like 18 holes.

Like anything worthy of doing properly though, the devil is in the detail. And a corporate golf day has more detail than you might imagine, which is why it’s best to

36

MASTER PLUMBER | WINTER 2017

leave the planning and running of the day to the experts.

Most courses - private or public - offer corporate golf packages and the options can be mind-boggling.

Splurging on a golf day may seem crazy in tough economic times. But there is no doubt when it comes to business networking and more bang for your buck, it can be money well spent. Besides, many courses will tailor the day to suit your needs. If your style is more sausage-sizzle than prawn cocktail at the concluding prize-giving, so be it.

There are some points to bear in mind though before deciding on your corporate golf day.

1 | Who is it aimed at?

Bizarre as it sounds, the corporate golf day is not necessarily aimed at “real golfers” - you

This is the elephant in the room because the cost of a day varies enormously according to the venue, what you’re willing to spend on prizes, welcome/gift packs, the bar tab and food, maybe even transport for guests. But a smart way around this is to involve sponsors for the day – which could be hole-by-hole, for major prizes, merchandise or some or all of the catering.

3 | Catering “One of the biggest mistakes people make is not providing enough food,” says Joondalup Golf Resort’s Corporate Golf Manager Fiona Clark, who has been running events at the club for 20 years.

“Five hours in the fresh air does build a healthy appetite,” says Fiona. But she goes on to explain that providing the right level of catering is, of course, not a problem.

“Joondalup Resort Corporate Golf Days have traditionally been organised with a pre-golf meal as well as a post-golf sit down dinner. But more recently, many companies are time-poor compared to a few years ago, therefore we’ve developed various golf, food and beverage packages that we can tailor to suit any budget,” says Fiona.

4 | Think outside the box If ‘traditional’ golf is all a bit too stuffy for your tastes, there are some ‘fun’ options available such as mini-golf (leave the driver at home here folks), Par-3 events and the growing craze of “Footgolf ”. Like golf, the aim is to get a ball into the hole in the fewest number of shots - only this time you kick a size 5 soccer ball towards specially sized holes. No clubs required and the game (18 Footgolf holes are played over nine traditional golf holes) is wrapped up in around two hours.

In a nutshell though, it’s easiest to pick up the phone, contact a course and leave all the nitty-gritty to the corporate golf day experts.

“In a world where people are time-

poor and rely on email and texts to communicate, the golf day hasn’t changed,” says Novotel Vines Resort marketing manager Carly Odgers. “It’s the perfect way to meet with clients face-to-face and to network with them in a relaxed environment.”

Add in WA’s usually magnificent weather, great company, delicious food and a cold beer or wine or two and the corporate golf day is hard to beat - wherever you finish on the day. Here are five great venues in Perth and surrounds if you’re considering a corporate golfing experience.

JOONDALUP RESORT Striking, challenging and one of the jewels of Perth’s golf scene, Joondalup is rated as one of Australia’s top-10 resort courses and has that ‘wow’ factor to boost a corporate golf day beyond mere golf. With three distinctive 9-hole layouts (Lakes, Dunes and Quarry), the resort has lots of options for corporate and team-building days, including (if you’re pressed for time) a 9-hole Ambrose Team Building event. Take note though that

the resort has a strict dress code, so leave the thongs, Stubbies and tank tops at home.

With a 70-room on-course hotel, Joondalup also means corporate golf players can make a “mini holiday” of the day.

Contact Fiona Clark, Golf Events Manager, (08) 9400 8804, www.joondalupresort.com.au, email corporategolf@joondalupresort.com.au

condition all year round (and surrounded by magnificent 200-year-old Tuart trees) it is well worth the trip out of Perth. Naturally, the MSGCC staff can handle every aspect of a corporate day (including golf clinics, pre and post-golf food and beverage and more).

To find out more, contact Meadow Springs Golf & Country Club on (08) 9581 6002, email functions@msgcc.com.au or visit www.msgcc.com.au

NOVOTEL VINES RESORT SWAN VALLEY The Novotel Vines Resort and Country Club has played host to some of the world’s greatest names in golf (Greg Norman, Ernie Els and Annika Sorenstam to name but three), with its twin layouts of The Lakes and Ellenbrook playing host to tournaments such as the Heineken Classic and Johnny Walker Classic. With hotel accommodation, spa facilities, meeting and function rooms, a cafe, bars and Muscats Restaurant, The Vines is certainly far more than just a golf ‘club’.

Apart from the thrill for players of following in the pros’ footsteps, there are plenty of

WEMBLEY GOLF COURSE

distractions for non-golfers to bide their time while others traverse the fairways. The Vines dress code is strict (no denim shorts or t-shirts). Corporate golf day packages start from $79 per person.

For more information, email golfevents@vines.com, call (08) 9297 3000 or visit www.vines.com.au

9-hole package, mini-golf events and Footgolf.

Catering ranges from gourmet hot dogs to buffet menus, multiple canapés deals or more substantial sit-down set menus.

Ambrose Estate at Wembley Golf Complex, call (08) 6280 1351, email functions@ambroseestate. com.au or visit www.ambroseestate.com.au

THE CUT MEADOW SPRINGS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB You must be doing something right when your golf club is chosen as the local host for the prestigious BMW International Cup (the world’s biggest event for amateur golfers, with nearly 100,000 taking part in 100 countries). And that’s not just one, two or three years - but 12 years in a row.

With the silky layout at Meadow Springs Golf & Country Club being in immaculate

tailor food and beverage packages to many requirements. As a “links” course you’re going to avoid trees but the layout is challenging, which is why the Ambrose format is definitely the way to go. But even if you’re not hitting them well, there’s always the stunning views of the Indian Ocean to make for an enjoyable day.

For more information, call The Cut Operations Manager Jodie Budworth on (08) 9582 4444, email admin@the-cut.com.au or visit www.the-cut.com.au

Spectacular, demanding and the perfect location for a memorable day, The Cut (just south of Mandurah) prides itself on being more than just a golf course. It is wellversed in hosting functions and events with lunch and dinner offered to the public at Pyramids Restaurant, and does all manner of customised corporate day packages even helicopter transfers for VIP clients if required. Getting round the course is all done by motorised carts and The Cut can

The beautiful, central and tree-lined Wembley Golf Course (two 18-hole layouts) has been a mecca for Perth golfers since 1931 but it’s only since 2010 that it has hosted corporate golf events. With a recent multi-million dollar upgrade of facilities, Wembley now boasts a twin-tier, automated driving range, 18-hole mini-golf course and stunning bar/restaurant and function rooms. The facilities are run under the Ambrose Estate banner and are perfect for corporate golf events. Ambrose Estate has a big range of options, including a

THE MPGA HOSTS its annual Golf Day at Joondalup Resort on Friday, 13 October. There are plenty of prizes on offer so get your team of four together and book now for this Ambrose event! And don’t fret if you’re a novice golfer – not all the prizes rely on your skill with a club.

Contact mail@mpawa.asn.au for more details.

MASTER PLUMBER | WINTER 2017

37

BUSINESS ESSENTIALS

Can you deliver on the contract?

Honestly assess your company capabilities and identify if you can meet the client’s requirements. A company with a reputation for not delivering on contracts will not continue to win contracts. Does your company have the right amount of equipment, people and experience? Can you secure the necessary resources to deliver? If the answer is no, don’t gamble on it becoming yes.

Less is more when it comes to bidding

W

AS last financial year a busy one? Were you knee-deep in tenders and quotes? Did you lose a lot of sleep over bids? Were all of them worth it? In hindsight, should you have said no to a couple of long shots?

These are common questions when it comes to tenders and quotes. Going for every available tender often means you are stretching yourself too thin, not prioritising the stronger opportunities and may in fact be losing work rather than gaining it.

But there is another way.

If your new financial year plans involve going for more tenders – and particularly those issued by State and Local governments, you will significantly increase your win rate and return on investment if you focus on less, more targeted opportunities rather than pitching for everything.

As part of your Bid/No Bid process, determine whether a tendering opportunity is really worth pursing or not. It helps to ask yourself a few simple questions.

I s the opportunity real?

All the preparation and research that goes into a bid is wasted if there isn’t a contract to award at the end of the tender. Take the time to research whether an opportunity is real. Governments usually intend to contract when they issue requests for tenders or quotes, but this is not always the case. Some organisations use the bidding process as a way of benchmarking existing suppliers or getting budget pricing to firm up their own

38

MASTER PLUMBER | WINTER 2017

tenders. Consider saving your resources if you think that is the case. Only bid when the opportunity is real.

Is the opportunity relevant?

If the opportunity doesn’t align with your core business or your company’s strategic plan, then don’t bid. Assess if the work will fit with your company as it is and plan accordingly. Be realistic and specific about your company’s core capabilities. If the opportunity isn’t right for your business, don’t gamble on ‘making it work’. Examples here include scopes of work that require multiple trades/disciplines beyond your core plumbing/gas fitting expertise.

Of course you can always partner with other organisations, but it’s often difficult to form these relationships once a request for tender has already been issued.

Can you win the opportunity?

You have to be honest about your company’s ability to win. Only bid if you have a strong chance of winning (at least 1 in 3 is a good rule of thumb).

Determine how many other organisations are likely to also tender and why you will be better than them. Research if there are any incumbent suppliers already doing the work or with strong existing client relationships. If an incumbent is performing well it is likely they will win the contract over your company.

If you decide not to bid Given the significant cost of sales and tendering, it’s vital to only devote time and resources to pursuing tendering opportunities you have a good chance of winning. This helps raise your company’s win rate and most clients look favourably on suppliers with higher win rates.

If you want a relationship with a client, but are concerned that not bidding might hurt your future chances, you can always send a short no-bid letter stating the reasons why you are declining this particular invitation (such as capacity, skills match or timing compared to other works).

This provides your future client with an understanding of your circumstances, shows that you have its best interests in mind and that you remain interested in doing business going forward. You will be seen as commercially astute and reasonable and will be favourably positioned for the next time a tendering opportunity presents.

BidWrite is a specialist tender and proposal management company formed in Perth in 2008 and now with offices in Melbourne and Brisbane.

BidWrite helps its clients win tenders, proposals, quotes and grant submissions irrespective of size, location or industry. Our average 80% win rate attests to the results we achieve for our clients.We are delighted to be collaborating with the Master Plumbers & Gasfitters Association of WA and look forward to helping members and partners win more and win more often. Feel free to contact us on bidwrite@bidwrite.com.au or 1800 BID WRITE (1800 243 974) for a no obligation discussion about how our services might be right for you.

VALSIR FEATURE Alesandro: At the moment we have 41 European countries participating.

Antonio: Why do this research? What is the expected outcome and what are we hoping to learn?

When the auditor comes knocking

Alesandro: The purpose of this research is to have a better understanding of modern municipal water condition and stimulate the research on best solutions for water transportation.

This also perfectly fits the values of Valsir, built on a strong approach In tough economic times, the one thing you to sustainability.

canover count is that the tax authorities Valsir Invested $3Mon to build the laboratory and to developwill a testing machine that is unique in the world. We are now able to increase their audit activities. simulate pipe exposure to different chemicals over the span of 20-25 years.

Antonio: How is this study different from previous similar study?

Alesandro: To our knowledge, there have been no private previous tests in this matter.

Antonio: How can the construction industry be of help for this research project?

Alesandro: We are looking for defective pipes or fittings as well as water samples of the installation where the pipes or fittings have failed. If you can provide us with a defective pipe or fitting, please contact Tony Infante from Valsir Australia on (08) 9302 6267 or send an email to tony@valsiraustralia.com.au, and you will receive a Valsir to Gift pack.

HE ATO has indicated its intention focus on the cash economy – and trades have a reputation for dealing in cash Valsir Australia, Unit 2 / 63 Destiny Way, WANGARA WA 6065. transactions.

With the recent introduction of the Taxable Payments System in the building and construction industry, there is an increased likelihood that plumbers and gasfitters will come under ATO scrutiny.

When you provide business records to your accountant to prepare your financial statements and tax returns, you should also ensure you are prepared for a potential tax audit.

Will your business stand up to the ATO’s microscope if you are selected for an audit or review?

Shawcross Consulting’s David Shawcross has more than 10 years’ experience as an ATO auditor and more than 17 years in Public Practice assisting clients with audits.

Having worked on both sides of auditing, David understands how stressful and invasive the process can be.

T

Preparation and management are key How well you prepare for an audit and how well you manage the process can greatly reduce the impact on your business and personal life, and can assist in the mitigation of potential penalties if errors are identified.

If there are potential issues, you need to know what these are before the audit commences rather than have the auditors tell you something you haven’t already identified. In other words, there should be no surprises.

Management of the process can also minimise the duration of the audit.

What can attract the ATO’s attention?

You should never underestimate the information to which the ATO has access, including records from other government organisations.

Over recent years, information sharing between organisations has increased significantly.

The ATO uses all this information to identify potential audit targets.

Some of the key behaviours and characteristics the ATO looks

for when selecting audit targets include: • Financial performance that is not comparable with similar businesses • Poor compliance history for lodgement and payment • Large, one-off or unusual transactions • Lifestyle not supported by after-tax income • Treating private assets as business assets • Accessing business assets for tax-free private use • Poor record keeping • A history of aggressive tax planning What to do if you are selected for an audit If you are selected, before you do anything you should engage the right team to help you through the process.

It is important that you understand the audit process and your obligations and rights. If you do not do this, the audit could become your worst nightmare.

David Shawcross is the owner of Shawcross Consulting, a boutique taxation advisory business which offers the full range of taxation and accounting services. David has over 34 years of experience in the taxation profession including 17 years in the ATO and 17 years in Public Practice and has specialised in employment taxes for the last 21 years.

Ph: 0414 801 824 | Email: dave@shawcrossconsulting.com.au

Our team has all the insurance solutions for plumbers

The competitively-priced insurance cover designed to protect you and your business, including: • • • •

Business Insurance Risk Management Workers’ Compensation Injury Management

• • • •

Personal Insurance Financial Planning* Monthly Premium Funding Full Claims Support

1300 755 112 | tradespluscover.com.au EBM has proudly partnered with the MPGA for over 25 years to provide insurance solutions to your industry. *Financial Planning services provided by EBM Financial Planning Pty Ltd ABN 46 090 738 613, which is an Authorised Representative of Financial Wisdom Limited ABN 70 006 646 108, AFSL 231138.

www.masterplumbers.asn.au

19

MASTER PLUMBER | WINTER 2017

39

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

Get the boot in with Steel Blue AUSTRALIAN BOOT MANUFACTURER Steel Blue has announced the launch its new Sand Range of boots designed to provide comfort to plumbers through the hot summer months.

Featuring a convenient side zip release and manufactured with waterresistant New Zealand nubuck leather, the new range includes Argyle, Southern Cross and Parkes styles.

Steel Blue boots not only meet the world’s highest safety standards, but also provide unsurpassed underfoot comfort. Steel Blue’s Tri-SoleTM comfort technology and unique soling system offer extra support under the peak stress areas of the foot, providing more effective cushioning and shock absorption than a standard footbed.

These boots help protect your feet from day-to-day fatigue and stressrelated injuries to the ankles, knees, hips and spine. Steel Blue boots are the only work boots endorsed by the Australian Physiotherapy Association.

The new Sand Range is available Australia-wide from mid-September.

PARKES ZIP SCUFF Steel Blue’s new low ankle hiker style lace-up boot is a 95mm ankle boot with quick zip side release, featuring an abrasion resistant scuff cap to avoid toe area damage.

ARGYLE ZIP The most popular boot from Steel Blue is now available in a lighter sand colour. It is a 150mm derby style lace-up ankle boot with quick side zip release.

LADIES SOUTHERN CROSS ZIP The Southern Cross Zip Ladies was the first Steel Blue boot available in the sand colour. This work boot, already a best-seller, is designed for women with a shorter ankle length, higher arch and smaller in-step. This 150mm lace-up ankle boot with scalloped collar design features a quick side zip release.

SOUTHERN CROSS ZIP The ever-popular scalloped collar design Southern Cross boot is a 150mm ankle boot with quick side zip release. It features the abrasion resistant scuff cap to avoid toe area damage.

Plumber nuts out solution to tough problem ONE OF THE fundamental rules of business success is that the product or service being offered must solve a problem.

The more common the problem, the more successful the solution is likely to be.

On that basis, Perth plumber Bryan Jefferson looks to be on to a winner with his Tough Nut Basin Socket Set. As an apprentice with Quality Plumbing & Gas, one of the all-too-regular tasks he was required to complete was removing corroded spout fixing nuts from beneath basins. Anyone that has had to do that more than once knows it’s one of those annoying jobs that requires either small and very dexterous hands or results in the spout being cut off.

The Tough Nut socket features a

40

MASTER PLUMBER | WINTER 2017

slotted head to fit over pipes in the confined space at the back of the basin.

It means there’s no need for messy cutting, and no risk of damaging the basin in the process.

“It has been a long, stressful, expensive and risky experience developing the socket,” Bryan admits.

“But my US patent has just been granted and other pending patents will shortly follow. “ The father of two, who still works with Quality Plumbing & Gas, is expecting the first stock order any day now and plans to go knocking on corporate office doors of major plumbing suppliers soon.

For more information, see www. toughnuttools.com.au.

Viega’s Sanpress Inox: The non-rusting piping system VIEGA’S SANPRESS INOX stainless steel system has been long regarded in Europe as the perfect drinking water system.

In Australia, with the growing trend for stainless steel to be used in multi-storey buildings as the main riser for higher pressure flow, the Sanpress Inox system provides an effective and efficient solution.

It has been used on a range of projects from a food manufacturing

facility in Melbourne to a major new hospital in regional WA. The high-grade stainless steel Viega Sanpress Inox system encompasses a comprehensive range of high alloyed, non-rusting stainless press connectors, pipe and system fittings for plumbing and building services.

The focus is on safety, hygiene, ease of use, precision and durability. The press connectors are available in sizes from 15mm to 108mm.

Sanpress Inox uses reliable Viega press technology, thus ensuring ease of assembly, even in hard to reach places.

The superiority of the press connection system makes it suitable for use in residential, industrial and gas installations.

A key component of Viega’s Sanpress Inox system is the innovative Smart Connect-Feature, a small channel on the bead of the press connector which enables testing for un-pressed fittings of a complete installation, centrally and conveniently using a manometer.

Dry leakage and load testing using compressed air is also possible. This provides hygienic advantages, as it prevents water being present in the system between the completion of the installation and its commissioning.

For more information about Sanpress Inox go to www.viega.com.au

REHAU launches new platform for everything REHAU has established its presence as an innovative system and service provider for building and infrastructure solutions in Australia.

With a range of programs launched over the years, including the REHAU Authorised Installer Network (RAIN) and the REHAU Genuine Advantage Program (RGA), REHAU has now launched its new myREHAU website.

Combining all REHAU services into a single online platform, myREHAU provides one-click access to: ✔ Points & Rewards with the new REHAU GENUINE ADVANTAGE ✔ Training & Certification with the REHAU ACADEMY ✔ Personal Project Consultants with the REHAU DESIGN SERVICE To find out more, register your interest at myREHAU.com.au or contact your local REHAU representative in 1300 768 033.

RAM seals the leaks RAM TAPWARE HAS put two new products on the shelves, both designed to overcome common plumbing problems.

RAMFLEX is a flexi-hose connector offering greater flexibility, superior strength and durability, as well as a 15-year warranty which includes consequential damage and covers subsequent property owners.

Constructed of TPE (thermoplastic vulcanizate), RAMFLEX not only outlasts many other flexi-hoses on the market, but is rated to 1000kPa (rather than the typical 500kPa).

The absence of oil and plasticizers eliminates migration of non-metallic substances into the water, ensuring optimal antibacterial properties and full compliance with the new European Water Directive – one of the world’s strictest regulations regarding water purity.

The absence of rubber compounds also means RAMFLEX is chlorine and chloramine resistant.

RAM has also introduced a new brass mixer cartridge, designed by the company in conjunction with the German manufacturer.

Unlike the normal plastic cartridges, the solid brass casing which does not

flex when the nut is tightened and puts pressure on the sealing discs.

Rated to 1000kPa and carrying a 15-year warranty, the brass cartridge is available in all common sizes.

The cartridges are incorporated into RAM’s range of mixer taps and available as spare parts.

RAM products are available through all major plumbing supply outlets. See www. ramtaps.com.au to find your local supplier.

MASTER PLUMBER | WINTER 2017

41

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

AUSSIE PYTHON JETTER HAS FANGS

42

AUSTRALIAN PUMP NOW provides the big 31lpm, 4300 psi Python drain cleaning jetter in trolley form. Up until now the big machine has been trailer mounted for operator convenience.

The Python was developed by Aussie Pumps, originator of the high pressure jetter in Australia, based on a need to clean blocked drains up to 9 inches in diameter.

The new trolley-mounted version of the heavy duty machine facilitates ease of movement on site. The unit features four heavy duty pneumatic tyred wheels.

For static configurations, the wheels come off and the frame can be locked down on to a ute tray or trailer bed

It is fitted with a 30-litre stainless steel “break tank” with float valve and low water cut out.

The big Bertolini pump is driven by a 31hp Vanguard engine. The Vanguards are built for Briggs and Stratton by the Japanese Daihatsu company, one of the world’s biggest engine manufacturers.

The Vanguard has large cubic capacity at 895cc and develops more torque and horsepower at lower engine speed. Low fuel and oil consumption, and less noise due to the slower revving of the engine are also features. A big muffler with special baffle chambers dampens noise even further.

using the unique Aussie Cobra Loc jetter securing kit to ensure the machine doesn’t move during transit. It can be padlocked and protects the frame from stress during operation.

Like all Aussie portable drain cleaning jetters, the Python comes in a specially designed Cobra galvanised steel frame.

The new 31hp Cobra comes with a unique four-year “Big Berty” Bertolini warranty whilst the engine is covered

by Briggs and Stratton’s three-year guarantee.

For further information contact Aussie Pumps on 02 8865 3500 or the Australian Pump website at www.aussiepumps.com.au.

MASTER PLUMBER | WINTER 2017

New polymer pipe system arrives in Australia TAKE A POLYMER so strong that it’s used in aircraft components, combine it with the highest quality composite pipe available on the market and the result is safety® system, Italian company aquatechnik’s new piping and fittings system.

And it’s just arrived on the Australian market.

The aquatechnik safety® system is the first and only system in the world that completely avoids brass and metal ions coming into direct contact with water.

The system features multi-calor pipe and safety® fittings. The pipe is made from cross-linked polyethylene internal and external layers, with an aluminium layer in between.

Unlike most multi-layer pipes, multicalor’s aluminium layer is TIG butt welded (using a control camera) rather than lap jointed. The layers are then bonded using an adhesive compound designed to withstand the pipe enlargement process during joint assembly.

The jointing process is incredibly simple and involves a one-step enlargement of the pipe head which ensures that the internal diameter of the pipe matches the internal diameter of the fittings. This maintains optimum flow by reducing pressure drops and friction losses. The safety® fittings are also completely reusable.

The safety® system is designed for potable hot and cold water, compressed air, HVAC, industrial, marine and agricultural use, with sizes from DN16 to DN63. It is assembled using affordable, patented tooling. The system is available direct from aquatechnik Australia.

For more details visit www.aquatechnikaustralia.com.au.

Guide to fit testing respiratory masks THE CORRECT FITTING OF respiratory protective equipment (RPE) is critical to ensure a tight seal is made around the face and the respirator is able to prevent exposure to contaminants.

However individual facial structure, facial hair such as stubble, beards, moustaches and sideburns, long hair, jewellery and makeup can all prevent a tight seal from being formed, meaning regular fit testing is essential. When prescription glasses are worn in conjunction with RPE, both should be tested to ensure effectiveness is not compromised for either.

Comfort is also important as it will encourage usage. A good respirator

Shower heads revolutionise cleaning WEST AUSTRALIAN BATHROOMS are set for a revolution, thanks to a new range of self-cleaning shower heads from Revolution Showers.

Given the hardness of water throughout much of Western Australia, the typical lifespan of shower heads tends to be no more than four to five years thanks to the build-up of lime scale or calcium. And by the time homeowners do replace them, there’s usually been a significant reduction in pressure.

But Revolution’s Self-Cleaning Showers have been tested to the equivalent of 50 years of showering.

The innovative rain shower head feature an internal mechanism that activates each time the water is turned off to dislodge any built-up materials.

There is also a hand-held model which self-cleans as you switch between the five spray functions.

So confident are the manufacturers that the shower heads come with a lifetime warranty.

Distributed by WA-based Pride Industries, the Revolution range is available through Galvin’s stores. For more information, see www.revolutionshowers.com.au.

The site office for tools

should provide a tight seal without being uncomfortable.

Australian Standard AS/NZS 1715:2009 Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment describes two types of respirator fit tests - qualitative and quantitative - that can be used to determine an adequate match between the RPE and the wearer.

While qualitative testing is beneficial to ensure comfort, quantitative test methods are also vital to measure the efficiency of a respirator in preventing materials entering a user’s breathing zone.

ProChoice PressToCheck ProChoice Safety Gear’s Silicone Half Mask Respirator with PressToCheck Filters allows self-assessment of the Silicone mask’s seal.

PressToCheck is a personal, positive or negative fit test system that can be easily performed anywhere and anytime.

However it should not replace a qualitative or quantitative fit test in accordance with Australian Standard AS/NZS1715.

See www.prochoice.com.au to find further information and a range of documentation on respiratory protection.

RIDGID’S NEW MOBILE tool storage system is like a jobsite office for tools.

With a stackable, three-piece tool storage set for separate or combined use, the system features a heavy duty cart with all-terrain wheels and telescopic handle, allowing you to keep your tools and equipment close by wherever you’re working.

Each box in the set allows multiple configurations and is made of high impact resin with a water and dust seal for protection. It is also lockable (locks not included).

Total dimensions are 564mm (L) x 465mm (W) x 859mm (H).

For more information see www.ridgid.com.

MASTER PLUMBER | WINTER 2017

43

PRODUCTS & SERVICES Luminox Tough Viking (green)

Casio Triple Sensor Mudmaster

I

Images: Courtesy Casio, Luminox, Victorinox

44

MMERSING your expensive timepiece in water (and other things), or smacking the face against a hard surface is going to result, quite literally, in money going down the drain.

Except it’s not if you’re wearing one of the new breed of ultra-tough, sporty watches that can take almost any kind of punishment and tick on regardless.

At first glance, they may seem a bit pricey but as far as watches go, these sit in the mid-priced category. And given how robust they are, you’re likely to get many years of use for the investment.

Out of Switzerland, the Luminox and Victorinox brands tick all the boxes when it comes to tough, workhorse watches that won’t break the bank.

The Luminox Tough Viking (rrp $650) is made from near indestructible but very light carbon compound, has an ultraaccurate quartz movement, a screw-on casebook and double security gasket on the all-important crown (no water sneaking in here). The bold, 45mmdiameter piece is water-resistant to a very healthy 200m.

The rotating bezel (the ring around the dial) is marked in five-minute increments in case you’re partial to setting dive times, while the strap - made from a special webbing material - will withstand just about any punishment you can dish out.

At night, too, the Tough Viking is exceptionally easy to read, with the hands and hour markers lit up by micro night vision tritium gas tubes (you don’t have to push any buttons to illuminate the watch) that have a 25-year lifespan.

The Tough Viking’s military-style look isn’t for everyone but it makes an excellent “work watch”.

Meanwhile, the Victorinox I.N.O.X Carbon is a 43mm beauty that’s built of a carbon resin composite that was used to protect the Space Shuttle when it re-entered the atmosphere, able to withstand temperatures north of 1260C. The watch ($1500) is also waterresistant to 200m and the crystal that protects the dial is scratch-resistant with a triple-layer anti-reflective coating.

MASTER PLUMBER | WINTER 2017

Luminox Tough Viking (black)

Victorinox I.N.O.X Carbon

TOUGH MUDDERS

No point wearing a watch when you’re elbow-deep in the contents of blocked pipes, right?

Think again, says Norman Burns.

With a Swiss-made quartz automatic movement at the heart, the I.N.O.X will tick on accurately and indefinitely.

The I.N.O.X Carbon comes with two strap variants – either natural rubber or one made of “paracord”, the latter traditionally used for parachute suspension lines and with a breaking strength of 250kg.

Watch companies usually spout a lot of hype about their products but Victorinox went the extra mile when it launched its I.N.O.X models, driving a military tank over one. The watch emerged unscathed and still worked beautifully.

The Swiss don’t have exclusive bragging rights to rugged timepieces; Japan’s CASIO has an astonishing range of G-Shock models that not only are built like the proverbial but are packed with functionality.

One of the top of the range, the Triple Sensor GWG1000 Series Mudmaster, may be quite a mouthful but it packs a

lot of bang for your buck.

For a start, it’s made of a vibration resistant material - wear it while you’re hammering, drilling or operating highvibration machinery - the watch won’t even blink at the movement.

The “mud resist” build (multiple gaskets for all the function buttons), water-resistance to 200m and the solid resin case/bezel make it ideal for working in and around water.

No batteries are needed either, as this watch is powered by solar energy and a built-in circuit will automatically calibrate the watch to the correct time if you happen to be in Japan, the US, England, China or Germany.

There’s also an in-built digital compass, temperature gauge, barometric pressure and altitude meter. A very cool watch.

For details on Luminox and Victorinox stockists, visit www.lionbrandsaustralia. com.au and for Casio/G-Shock, see Shriro Australia at www.shriro.com.au.

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

Improve your pipeline

Tradies show preference for ‘old-school’ service [MEMBER BENEFIT] TRADESPEOPLE HAVE BEEN a key contributor to the success of Bibra Lake-based Engine Protection Equipment since the business launched some 40 years ago.

EPE is a leading provider of diesel engine parts and accessories across many sectors and according to managing director Pete Gardner, WA-based trades have helped build the business over the years.

“EPE has always focused on providing the best possible customer service and while we do an increasing amount of business by phone and email, a big part of our success is still due to the fact customers can drive in, get advice over the counter and generally find what they need,” Pete said.

“That seems to be a winning formula, particularly with plumbers and other tradies who’ll often drop in on their way to or from jobs.

“There’s obviously a lot of benefits to embracing technology and operating online stores, but there’s clearly still a strong preference for doing business the ‘old’ way.”

EPE recently moved from its long-time Myaree premises to a bigger, purposebuilt facility in Bibra Lake.

Pete said part of the reason for moving was to allow more stock to be carried and to launch some new business divisions such as a truck exhaust service.

MPGA members can receive up to 15 per cent off the recommended retail price of 4WD kits with EPE. To be eligible, just present your membership card at EPE. For more information or to place an order, call 9395 6500 or email sales@epe.net.au. Offer runs until 30 June 2018.

GAINING CLEAR LINE of sight down holes, through cavities and trenches, around corners and inside walls is one of the most difficult aspects of plumbing.

And doing it in a timely, reliable manner, often when the pipes and fittings being inspected are deep underground and blocked, only compounds the situation.

Local equipment specialist and inspection provider Nexxis works with the plumbing industry to offer technology solutions that minimise these challenges.

“Digging up pipes or gaining access to hard to reach places is often dirty, time consuming and labour intensive work,” said Nexxis founding director Jason De Silveira.

“We stock a range of versatile down hole cameras that provide a far better way to investigate and identify issues.”

Using the camera equipment also allows operators to document results and show or report specific findings relevant to the work being completed.

“We also provide nondestructive testing equipment, instrumentation, and measurement and alignment products essential for working in remote and confined spaces for tasks such as pipeline, sewers and tank inspections,” Jason said.

“By taking the time to understand the challenges each plumber has, we’re able to advise on the best options available that will ultimately help them operate smarter.”

See www.nexxis.com.au for more information.

MASTER PLUMBER | WINTER 2017

45

LIFESTYLE - TAKE 5

PUZZLE PAGE

Take five, pull out a pen and try your hand at the Master Plumber Puzzle Page.

Solutions can be found on page 54.

CROSSWORD ACROSS

1. Harbour work boats 7. Birthday greeting 10. Gallopers’ tracks 11. Astronaut, ... Shepard 12. Actor, ... Ifans 13. Sweat droplet 15. Strike with head 17. Capture (criminal) 18. Took cover 20. River, ... Grande 21. Hearing organ 23. Alien craft (1,1,1) 24. Lamb’s bleat 26. Auction offers 27. Wipe the dishes (3,2) 29. Fitness clubs 31. Stretched firm 32. Char 33. Unemployment pay 35. Hunker down (3,2) 37. Every single 39. Form a curve

SUDOKU

Moderate

© Lovatts Puzzles

46

MASTER PLUMBER | WINTER 2017

Fill the grid so that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 to 9.

Genius

41. French no 42. Male or female 43. Muppets creator, ...

Henson 44. Practical joke 45. Sphere 47. Liver paste food 50. Tumble 52. Chamber 53. Exude 54. Sight-tester 55. Wrongdoings 56. Sleigh

DOWN 1. Coach (team) 2. Snatched 3. Logically thought-out 4. Indecent 5. Appal 6. Dirty child 7. Sure-fire thing 8. Smoker’s receptacle 9. 70s dance music 14.Voice publicly 16. Computer port type (1,1,1) 18. Inflicting pain 19. Extinguishing 22. Daisy-like flower 25. Go along (with) 26. Awful 27. Worthless 28. Writing tool 30. Fah, ..., lah 34. Send-up 36. Small pointy beards 38. Salamander 40. Bed 42. Therapeutic water tub 43. Sudden movements 46. Haemorrhage 48. Sound boosters 49. Greek Cupid 50. Golfer’s warning 51. Profit or ...

HILUX 4X4 HAS ALWAYS STACKED UP HILUX SR5 4X4 DOUBLE CAB

HILUX SR 4X4 DOUBLE CAB

Up to $3,800 off

Up to $3,500 off

with a Gold Fleet Discount

TFM1998 MPGAWA 07/17

with a Gold Fleet Discount

With $3,800 off SR5 4x4, the savings do too As a member of the Master Plumbers and Gasfitters Association of WA, you’ll receive a Gold Fleet Discount across the Toyota range, including Australia’s best-selling vehicle, the unbreakable HiLux. That’s a massive $3,800 off the HiLux SR5 4x4 Double Cab and $3,500 off the HiLux SR 4x4 Double Cab. As you’d expect, all HiLux models also come with maximum 5-star ANCAP safety rating.

To find out more, visit your local Fleet Specialist Dealer or call 1800 444 847

Master Plumbers and Gasfitters Association of WA membership details required to redeem Gold Fleet Discounts.

Excluding Special Edition models.

toyota.com.au/fleet

MASTER PLUMBER | WINTER 2017

47

VEHICLE REVIEW

A LANDIE-LOVER’S DELIGHT There’s a definite sense of familiarity in the Toyota LandCruiser 70, which remains one of the best 4WD work horses on the market.

SIMON SHEPHERDSON and BRETT PEAKE took the latest model on the road.

F

OR anyone familiar with Toyota’s LandCruiser 70, climbing into the driver’s seat is like slipping into an old shoe.

There’s that same sense of being in control of one hell of a work horse, and the high-up driver’s view over the top of most other traffic is as empowering as ever.

48

MASTER PLUMBER | WINTER 2017

It has the same functional feel as always and without even trying, you know it is capable of going anywhere.

Remaining largely unchanged since first hitting the market more than 30 years ago, it’s bound to be polarising. For those that have grown to know and love this sturdy machine, the love affair is likely to

continue. But on the flipside, it’s unlikely to impress those with a taste for the finer things in life.

It still has an underwhelming turning circle and one wonders why it comes with Bluetooth, and USB and auxiliary connection, but no central locking or keyless entry. Those two are included on the higher end GXL version but you would think they might be standard in this day and age. The side mirrors remain mounted on A-frame brackets and require manual adjustment and the rear-view mirror is a bit small so the view of the back end is a bit limited.

And air conditioning is optional across the entire range, but with its wing windows (those triangular opening windows at the front of the driver and passenger doors), complete with retro chrome push-button

openers, you can get plenty of air flow anyway.

But the 70 Series was never intended to impress the hoity-toity set, so let’s stick to the things for which it is built. Like being an indestructible, get-the-job-done kind of vehicle with plenty of storage in the tray, great clearance and solid towing capacity (rated to 3500kg if your trailer has brakes).

You have to love the six heavy duty tiedown points inside the tray, as well as ample fastening points on the outside of the tray.

Very little chance of your load moving if you make use of those.

Sure, it feels remarkably similar to its last-century ancestors. But there is the odd refinement that ensures it weighs up very favourably. The 4.5-litre turbo-charged V8 diesel engine provides a more instant response and less tractor-like ride than in days of old. And Toyota has added cruise control across the range.

The bigger changes are less visible but significant. Toyota put a focus on safety, lifting the 70 Series to a 5-star safety rating with the introduction of stability and traction control, which are now standard across the range. There are also driver’s knee and curtain airbags and a strengthened chassis to offer increased protection.

Given the rise of family-friendly SUVs over the past couple of decades, the notion of big 4WDs being good off road but not so good on the highway has largely become an out-dated concept.

With the minimal change in appearance of the 70 Series though, many might think it still fits the old-school way of thinking.

But it is definitely not the case. Even with its chunky tyres, the ride was very smooth.

For a big, heavy diesel, there’s no sense of lumbering while moving through the gears and the tray-back travelled as nicely at 110kmh as it did crawling at low speed.

Admittedly, while sitting stationary there’s a somewhat familiar diesel sound and for anyone who remembers what that used to mean, expectations remain low. But there’s a sweet surprise as your foot goes down and the engine responds accordingly.

The turbo sneaks in unnoticed and it’s easy to creep ahead of the other traffic.

Fortunately there’s that cruise control to keep your speed in check.

Toyota did away with the bench seat in the single cab in favour of more comfortable buckets some time ago, but they’re still vinyl so there’s no worries about climbing in after a hard day on the job.

[MEMBER BENEFIT] Thanks to Toyota, MPGA members qualify for the Gold Fleet Discount on most new vehicles. Discount amounts vary depending on list price – for the LandCruiser 70 Series Single Cab Chassis Work Mate, excluding optional extras, the price reduces by a whopping $5950 to $50,860 (ex GST).

Or, as the 70 Series may encourage you to do, when you’re salty or fishy after a weekend at the beach. Without any cloth trim in the interior, it’s not quite a hoseout job but certainly a quick wipe with a damp cloth will deal with the day’s (or weekend’s) grime. And that has a lot of merit compared to trying to vacuum sand out of floor carpets.

The little touches that might largely go unnoticed (and have been there for some time) finish off the work horse functionality.

There’s a fast idle switch if you need to utilise the battery for other things; the spare wheel is mounted high at the back so it’s possible to access with ease if you have a trailer on, and there are handy storage bins behind the centre console where you can throw your bits and pieces, as well as the usual glove box and a useful cup holder.

As has always been the case with LandCruisers, the tray is a long way from the ground so you’d need a healthy

The 70 Series was never intended to impress the hoitytoity set

apprentice or two if you were having to lift heavy gear on and off.

Speaking of apprentices, we dropped in to the MPA Skills Training Centre in Maylands to see what a few of them had to say. And the consensus was “awesome” all-round.

The 70 Series range includes single and double cab chassis models, a troop carrier and a wagon. All come in the base-model Work Mate or higher-end GXL, while the single cab also includes the mid-range GX variant.

In the interests of full disclosure, we admit to being long-time fans. So our thumbs-up verdict on the latest 70 Series will come as no surprise.

MASTER PLUMBER | WINTER 2017

49

LIFESTYLE - TRAVEL

SINGAPORE a melting pot of flavour and experience

A

USTRALIANS have long regarded Singapore as a stopover destination on the way to somewhere else in the world.

But due to numerous new flight hubs opening for travellers from Perth, the tiny island nation has very much become a destination in its own right.

And rightly so, given the multitude of things to do.

Little more than a five-hour flight from Perth, Singapore is one of those easily accessible destinations that make it ideal for a quick escape. That said, there’s so much to do that you’ll either need to plan for a longer stay or carefully select your chosen activities.

It’s a modern, very safe and immaculately clean city. The transport network is among the best in the world, the people are friendly and almost everyone speaks English (one of the country’s four official languages).

Strategically located at the point that traders met in centuries gone by and continue to do so today, and where multiple ethnic groups have converged over the years, Singapore has developed a unique mix of cultures and customs.

And perhaps where that is most evident is in the food.

The city ranks highly on many a foodie’s list of do-before-you-die destinations. It boasts three of the world’s top 100 restaurants. But while haute cuisine might draw a lucky few, many more food aficionados flock to Singapore for the hawker markets, or street food. It’s

50

MASTER PLUMBER | WINTER 2017

cheap, it’s diverse and it’s perhaps the best representation of the way Singaporean culture has evolved.

Singapore’s population originates from China’s southern provinces, the Malay Peninsula, the south of India and Indonesia.

Flavours have blended and evolved over the years to stray from their culinary ancestors.

And, thanks to cross-cultural marriages between Chinese traders and Malays, there’s the Peranakan people who developed their much-lauded Nonya cuisine, popular throughout Singapore and Malaysia. Think laksa and sweet, sticky desserts.

The best way to experience the diversity of street cuisines is to work up an appetite and sniff out the various hawker markets around the island. Many are easy to reach by public transport including the MRT underground train service. Try Maxwell Road Hawker Centre or Chinatown Complex Food Centre in Chinatown, Old Airport Road Food Centre or Tiong Bahru Market Hawker Centre.

Of course, it’s not all about the food.

There’s a multitude of other things to do too.

While gardens may not be everyone’s cup of tea, there’s one in Singapore well worth the visit. Gardens by the Bay is 101 hectares in the heart of the city. Far from

the more traditional style botanical garden, this awe-inspiring space includes a huge range of options, including two mammoth, enclosed domes – the Cloud Forest and the Flower Dome - that each house unique biospheres.

If possible, it is well worth catching the Garden Rhapsody Sound & Light Show each night at 7.45pm and 8.45pm. For more information, see gardensbythebay.com.sg.

For a mind-blowing view – and potentially a touch of vertigo – head to the top of the nearby Marina Bay Sands complex to the SkyPark. At 57 levels above the street, on a clear day or night you can literally see for miles.

There’s a wide range of museums – you can find out about the Peranakan culture at the Peranakan museum See peranakanmuseum. org.sg for more.

The world’s largest collection of South East Asian art is housed at the National Gallery (nationalgallery.sg), while the Chinatown Heritage Centre (chinatownheritagecentre. com.sg) and Indian Heritage Centre (indianheritage.org.sg/en) provide some fascinating insights into the cultures and history of two of Singapore’s key communities. While there you can take in the respective sights, sounds and colours of Chinatown and Litte India. The MalayArab quarter of Kampung Glam is also well worth exploring to round off your experience of Singapore’s vast range of cultural influences.

You may want to pop into the iconic Raffles Hotel to sip on a famed Singapore Sling, though be aware that parts of the hotel are closed for renovations through most of 2017. If sweet, pink cocktails are not your thing, there’s a very wide choice when it comes to bars, clubs and entertainment venues. There’s also a multitude of festivals and cultural events thanks to the mix of cultures, sports and music options.

Head to visitsingapore.com to find out what’s on when you plan to visit and get in touch with Globetrotter Travel for a whole range of travel ideas, accommodation and airfare options, and special deals.

GLOBETROTTER Singapore Special

Y

ou’ll definitely need a few days to taste the delights of Singapore and that means you’ll need somewhere nice to stay. And probably with a gym…

Globetrotter Travel has a special deal for MPGA members, their staff/contractors and families.

Stay for two or more nights at the Park Hotel Clarke Quay and receive a complimentary upgrade to the next room category. Valid for stays until 31 December 2017.

Also included: • Complimentary airport transfer on arrival • 24-hour access to the gymnasium • Complimentary shuttle bus service to Orchard Rd, Suntec City and other major landmarks • Complimentary smartphone service with unlimited free 3G data and local and international calls to 11 countries

Please call Globetrotter on 1800 999 733 and ask to speak to your Personal Travel Manager – and remember to mention MPGA2017 to secure this special deal.

Added Bonus GET IN QUICK to book your Singapore trip with Globetrotter Travel and you’ll also receive tickets to the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest courtesy of Gardens By The Bay. But there’s only limited tickets available so it’s definitely a case of the early bird catches the worm!

Also ask about special deals on travel insurance, Qantas Club membership and Virgin Australia domestic airfare discounts.

feed your wanderlust Contact us for all your personal travel needs – quote MPGA2017 to receive your exclusive deals.

P +61 8 9442 0100 TF 1800 999 733 | 35 Stirling Highway, Nedlands WA 6009

globetrotterlife.com.au

MASTER PLUMBER | WINTER 2017

51

LIFESTYLE HUMOUR

What the…?

exchange “I’ve come teoter” the m

the flexi fairy strikes again

for might be timede an upgra

should have g one specsavers to 52

MASTER PLUMBER | WINTER 2017

er has witnesses say gasfitt no bottom teeth

Home-style Plumbing perhaps?

n?

renovation innovatio

it’s fine in lo gravity environmwen

ts

Where do we

start?

after-hours plumbing

ADVANCED PLUMBING UPCOMING COURSES MPA Skills P: (08) 9471 6600 W: www.mpaskills.com.au

COURSE

DATE

DURATION AND HOURS

EnviroWest PCL Business Restricted Gas Assessment PCL Drainage PCL Water Cert III Gas Fitting SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER Backflow Restricted Gas Assessment Restricted Gas Assessment Restricted Plumbing Permit PCL Water Introduction of WA Plumbing OCTOBER JUNE Restricted Plumbing Permit PCL Sanitary Gas Servicing Restricted Gas Assessment PCL Business PCL Sanitary

14 August, 2017 21 August - 26 August, 2017 23 August, 2017 28 August - 8 Sept, 2017 28 August - 15 Sept, 2017 28 August - 22 Sept, 2017

Full time, 8am - 3.30pm Full time, 8am - 3.30pm Full time, 8am - 3.30pm Full time, 8am - 3.30pm Part time, 4.30pm - 8.30pm Full time, 8am - 3.30pm

14 Sept - 6 Sept, 2017 6 Sept, 2017 20 Sept, 2017 11 Sept - 12 Sept, 2017 18 Sept - 29 Sept, 2017 18 Sept - 6 November, 2017

Full time, 8am - 3.30pm Full time, 8am - 3.30pm Full time, 8am - 3.30pm Full time, 8am - 3.30pm Part time, 4.30pm - 8.30pm Part time, 4.30pm - 8.30pm

2 October - 3 October, 2017 2 October - 21 October, 2017 2 October - 4 November, 2017 4 October, 2017 9 October - 14 October, 2017 9 October - 28 October, 2017

Full time, 8am - 3.30pm Part time, 4.30pm - 8.30pm Part time, 4.30pm - 8.30pm Full time, 8am - 3.30pm Full time, 8am - 3.30pm Part time, 4.30pm - 8.30pm

Restricted Gas Assessment

18 October, 2017

Full time, 8am - 3.30pm

Restricted Plumbing Permit

30 October - 31 October, 2017

Full time, 8am - 3.30pm

PCL Drainage

30 October - 10 Nov, 2017

Full time, 8am - 3.30pm

PCL Water

30 October - 17 Nov, 2017

Part time, 4.30pm - 8.30pm

Restricted Gas Assessment

1 November, 2017

Part time, 4.30pm - 8.30pm

Restricted Plumbing Permit Backflow PCL Sanitary Cert III Cas Fitting Restricted Gas Assessment PCL Business Introduction of WA Plumbing Restricted Plumbing Permit PCL Drainage Restricted Gas Assessment

6 November - 7 November, 2017 6 November - 8 November, 2017 6 November - 17 November, 2017 13 November - 16 December, 2017 15 November, 2017 20 November - 2 December, 2017 20 November - 8 December, 2017 27 November - 28 Nov, 2017 27 November - 16 December, 2017 29 November, 2017

Full time, 8am - 3.30pm Full time, 8am - 3.30pm Full time, 8am - 3.30pm Part time, 4.30pm - 8.30pm Full time, 8am - 3.30pm Part time, 4.30pm - 8.30pm Part time, 4.30pm - 8.30pm Full time, 8am - 3.30pm Part time, 4.30pm - 8.30pm Full time, 8am - 3.30pm

APRIL AUGUST

NOVEMBER

MASTER PLUMBER | WINTER 2017

53

BRETT’S PEEK

Member news with Brett Peake, Business Development Manager

BUSY TIMES ON THE ROAD ONE OF MY objectives in my new BDM role is to get around to see as many current, past and potential members as possible.

I’ve been clocking up the kilometres over the past couple of months to do that and, with an MPGA regional tour coming up over the next few months, will have an opportunity to get out to see members around the State.

But don’t wait for me to come to you. If you’d like to set up a meeting, please drop me a line or give me a call and I’d love to visit or at least have a phone chat. My contact details are below – I look forward to hearing from you.

MEMBER BENEFITS GROW Master Plumbers & Gasfitters continues to expand the range of member benefits which extend across industry, business and personal/lifestyle categories. Keep an eye out through this issue for some of the benefits available, check your email for notifications from us or get in touch if you’d like a list of the latest offers.

Best regards,

Brett

brettp@mpawa.asn.au | (08) 9471 6661

PUZZLE SOLUTIONS From p46

54

MASTER PLUMBER | WINTER 2017

REASON TO CELEBRATE Associate Member Galvin’s Plumbing Supplies has been a strong and ongoing supporter of our up-and-coming plumbers and gasfitters. Galvin’s recently helped the latest cohort of students celebrate completion of the final Stage 6 with a barbecue and merchandise bags at the MPA Skills Maylands training campus.

A N E X P E R I E NC E D P LU M B E R C A N

SMELL OPPORTUNITY.

Parkes Zip.

Argyle Zip.

Southern Cross Zip.

Ladies Southern Cross Zip.

WIN A FREE PAIR OF OUR NEW SAND BOOTS. Released this September, there’s four fantastic styles to choose from. And like all Steel Blue boots, the multi-density sole offers 100% comfort guaranteed.* Plus register now at steelblue.com/sandboots and you go into the draw to win a FREE pair!^

REGISTER HERE: BBSB32568

steelblue.com/sandboots *^Terms and conditions apply. See website for details.

MASTER PLUMBER | WINTER 2017

55

Share the Carbon Monoxide safety message this winter.

BE CARBON MONOXIDE SAFE

You can’t see it, hear it or smell it.

Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless, poisonous gas which may be produced by faulty, poorly maintained or misused gas appliances.

Servicing appliances for winter means they’re clean and efficient, helping to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide.

Speak to your customers today about servicing their gas appliances.

For gas safety tips visit yourgas.com.au 56

MASTER PLUMBER | WINTER 2017