Member news

Vale Barry Cooper

The Master Plumbers and Mechanical Services Association of Australia is saddened by the loss of Life Member and industry stalwart Barry Cooper.

Barry was renowned as a significant contributor to the plumbing industry by all who knew him during a career that spanned seven decades. In addition to his wealth of knowledge specific to plumbing, Barry was also known for his business intelligence and was a respected adviser to many who sought his counsel, recalls good friend and fellow Life Member, Bill Durham.

“Barry was a very knowledgeable man across many areas of plumbing and business and someone whom I respected a lot,” Bill told Master Plumbers. “He was also a very reliable confidant. “We shared a passion for plumbing and the need to provide quality training programs for the next generations of plumbers.” Bill said Barry was keen to help others “take our learnings, like we did the plumbers before us, and build on them to propel our industry into the future.

“During my time as President of Master Plumbers I was very keen to get Barry involved with the Association at Board level,” Bill continued. “It is the people of Barry’s calibre, with a passion for the industry and its development that enable our industry to grow the way we need it to.” From humble beginnings as a first-generation plumber, Barry grew his business Coopers Plumbing, to employ a team of almost 50 people. In the later years of business, Barry led his then family-run business into property development where they were able to sustain a very successful and proud period in the business’s history. “I am full of respect for everything Barry was able to achieve during his career and I credit that (Barry’s success) to the professional way in which he always conducted himself.” Bill said.

“Barry was a man of great dignity. He kept a wonderful home with his family, was an immaculate dresser and had amazing people skills. When he spoke, people listened.” Barry was a distinguished member of the Master Plumbers Association and Major Contractors Division and a passionate advocate for developing the next generation of plumbing professionals, forging a legacy that will remain for many years to come. Vale Mr Cooper.

Vale Geoff Moroney

The Master Plumbers and Mechanical Services Association of Australia is deeply saddened by the loss of long-time member Geoff Moroney.

Geoff enjoyed a long and successful career in plumbing that spanned five decades. He was well known throughout the Central Victoria region where he was the local Chairman of Master Plumbers for a number of years. Geoff was also Chairman of the Master Plumbers Conference Committee for a period of time and was influential in his role as Chairman of the Bendigo Master Plumbers Charity Golf Day for 20 years, a charity golf day that has raised over $330,000 for children’s charities. Geoff’s contribution to the plumbing industry and his selfless charity work leaves behind an extraordinary legacy. He was a friend to all working contractors and pushed the benefits of Master Plumber membership as a key to success in business. Geoff’s business, Moroney’s Plumbing & Supplies, has been a member of Master Plumbers for almost 40 years. He will be sadly missed.

Protect your employees’ personal information

As an employer who collects personal information about your employees, it is important the right processes are in place to manage that information. By sharing their information, you are exposing your employees and your organisation to potentially serious consequences, including identity theft, fraud and lawsuits.

Here are some simple do’s and don’ts to protect personal data:

DO’s DON’Ts

Store personal data in locked cabinets or on a secure IT system.

Minimise personnel access to data.

Securely dispose of data when it is no longer required. Don’t share employees’ data unless necessary (e.g. when required by government).

Don’t publish data without employees’ authorisation.

Don’t retain data when it is no longer required for any business or legal purpose.

Make sure you understand your responsibilities under the Privacy Act. If you’re unsure, visit www.oaic.gov.au and access their business guidance resources.

This article was brought to you by Cbus, the industry super fund for building, construction and allied industries as guidance only and does not constitute as advice. Cbus encourages employers to seek their own independent legal advice in relation to privacy obligations. For more information about Cbus, visit www.cbussuper.com.au or call us on 1300 361 784. Cbus’ Trustee: United Super Pty Ltd ABN 46 006 261 623 AFSL 233792 Cbus ABN 75 493 363 262

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