2022 Plumbing & Gas Industry Awards

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2022 WINNERS!

Cody Sharp and Richard Petherbridge School Based Apprentice of the Year

Matthew James and Michael Kinnane Merv Harris Memorial Bursary Paul Adams and Reuben Thomson Second Year Apprentice of the Year

Daniel Crimmins and the Hon. Di Farmer MP Third Year Apprentice of the Year and Reece Queensland Apprentice of the Year AITC School Based Apprentice of the Year Winner: Cody Sharp, Super Bowl Plumbing

Cody Sharp, a student at the Australian Industry Trade College, is completing his school-based apprenticeship with Super Bowl Plumbing on the Gold Coast. Having been attracted to the trade due to its hands-on nature, Cody demonstrates a solid technical knowledge of plumbing and drainage for someone so early in his career. Described by his employer as a hard worker that always shows up on time, Cody has already overcome adversity on site and his confidence has grown in the process. With a bright future ahead, Cody hopes to one day be able to take on his own apprentice and impart his experience and knowledge.

Construction Skills Queensland Merv Harris Memorial Bursary Award Winner: Matthew James, Allanna Plumbing Services

Matthew James is a second-year apprentice with Allanna Plumbing Services in Brisbane and is described by his employer as reliable, responsible, and as having exceeded expectations, especially given he is only halfway through his apprenticeship. With a goal to complete his Certificate IV right after his apprenticeship, Matthew aims to work his way up to supervisor level and gain the ability to run job sites and learn as much as he can about all the varied plumbing pathways available to him. Impressing his teachers at the Service Trades College with his ability to understand the industry, Matthew has a bright future ahead.

Rheem Second Year Apprentice of the Year Winner: Reuben Thomson, Shaw’s Plumbing and Gas

Reuben Thomson is a mature-aged apprentice with Shaw’s Plumbing and Gas in Brisbane. Successfully transitioning from an accounting background, Reuben hasn’t looked back since participating in work experience and commencing his apprenticeship only 18 months ago. Reuben demonstrates strong communication, adept problem-solving skills, and meticulous attention to detail. Demonstrating a strong level of technical knowledge incorporating legislation, industry standards, and licensing requirements in Queensland, Reuben impressed the judging panel with his initiative, his dedication to all aspects of the plumbing industry, and his passion for helping customers and building networks in the industry.

Third Year Apprentice of the Year Reece Queensland Apprentice of the Year Winner: Daniel Crimmins, Calibre Plumbing and Drainage

Daniel Crimmins set himself apart for the judging panel through his very high level of technical knowledge, his passion for the industry, and his willingness to see projects through from start to finish. Described by his employer as persistent, detail-oriented, and an asset to the business, Daniel Crimmins joined the plumbing industry after a decade-long career as a motorcycle mechanic when he tasked himself with finding a new passion through a career change in his early thirties. While also studying for a Bachelor of Health Science, Daniel has found his calling with his apprenticeship through Calibre Plumbing and Drainage in Brisbane and looks forward to establishing himself as a tradesperson in the commercial sector and gaining skills and knowledge across a wide range of areas.

The Service Trades College Fourth Year Apprentice of the Year Winner: Henry McGahan, Tru-Flow Services Pty Ltd

Henry McGahan is a fourth-year apprentice with Tru-Flow Services in Ipswich, gaining experience on a range of high-level civil and commercial plumbing projects including Defence projects through to high-rise units. Aspiring to one day own and run his own plumbing business, Henry is described by his employer as a reliable, humble, and knowledgeable team member who showcases great leadership and has excelled throughout his apprenticeship through numerous challenges. Henry enjoys working on challenging projects and was attracted to the industry because of the diversity that the trade offers on a day-to-day basis.

The Hon. Mick de Brenni MP, Mark Brodhurst-Hill and Anne Neuendorf Tradesperson of the Year

Rochelle Turner and Paula Brodhurst-Hill Andrea Vogler Women in Business

Shane Yourell and Lachlan Cooke Businessperson of the Year

PLUMBING & GAS

Department of Energy and Public Works Tradesperson of the Year Winner: Mark Brodhurst-Hill, Q Plumb and Gas Pty Ltd

Mark Brodhurst-Hill is a plumber, gas fitter, and business owner who is passionate about the industry and who strives to be the best at what he does. He is also a problem solver his customers and team can rely on. Having started his business over 12 years ago, Mark has endeavored to utilise innovative approaches combined with technical knowledge and a good eye for detail to deliver outstanding service. With a focus on networking, training, and mentoring, Mark has ingrained continual improvement and lifelong learning in himself, his business, and his staff and is most proud of guiding his team to grow in both technical ability and knowledge.

Austbrokers Comsure Andrea Vogler Women in Business Award Winner: Paula Brodhurst-Hill, Q Plumb and Gas Pty Ltd

Paula Brodhurst-Hill joined her husband Mark in business in 2016. With a background in marketing and communications, having worked for major retailers and Queensland’s largest university, Paula was able to bring a fresh approach to the business. With a focus on making Q Plumb and Gas a profitable and sustainable leader in the industry, Paula injected a new vision, set higher goals, and worked hard to shake things up as a business, leading to increased profitability and turnover in just a few short years. Paula is an active participant in business and networking groups and aims to challenge preconceptions of the plumbing and gas industries to improve its reputation in the wider business community as a highly skilled profession.

RWC Businessperson of the Year Winner: Lachlan Cooke, Tropical Coast Plumbing

As a plumber, Lachlan Cooke has over 22 years of experience striving to provide the best plumbing service and support to customers. As a business owner, Lachlan is a leader with vision, and he advocates that all employees are equally important and all roles are pivotal to each other. Initially based in Mackay, rapid growth and demand have seen Lachlan take Tropical Coast Plumbing and extend their reach and influence across Rockhampton, Yeppoon, and soon to include Clermont and Townsville. Listening to customer feedback, diversifying the services offered by the business, and a high level of engagement and encouraged contribution from team members have been the secret to his success, which is evident in excellent staff productivity, commitment, and purpose.

Zip Water Industry Leadership Award Winner: Paul Halliday, Emerson Automation Solutions

Paul Halliday has been entrenched in the backflow industry since 1995 when he filled in for the owner of Valvtec. Soon after, he became the QLD Sales Specialist covering Cairns down to the Mid Coast of New South Wales following overwhelming feedback from customers. Over the past 27 years, Paul has been involved in teaching through various industry bodies and you’d be hard-pressed to find a plumber with a backflow licence that doesn’t know his name. Paul is described by his peers as passionate, trustworthy, dependable, ever-present, and a solution provider, always there to help troubleshoot or share his industry and product wisdom. To his colleagues, Paul is a loyal mate and a true asset to Emerson.

BUSSQ Service Excellence Award Winner: Evermore Plumbing & Gas Pty Ltd

Evermore Plumbing & Gas specialises in all aspects of maintenance plumbing across the domestic, industrial, and commercial industries. As a team that always endeavours to adhere to a consistently high standard of work by implementing best practices and offering top-quality materials and service, customer service is their number one priority and they’re led by the belief that their clients’ needs come first and foremost. With a focus on nurturing relationships with repeat clients overtaking on new clients, and on the wellbeing of their team, Hannah and Damian have fostered a sense of community and team pride within their business, which is evident in the glowing references provided by their clients.

AHSCA Hydraulic Consultancy Design of the Year Winner: Jacobs Group (Australia) Pty Ltd, Caboolture Hospital Redevelopment

The Caboolture Hospital Redevelopment design completed by Jacobs Group Australia was of a very high standard. The judging panel was most impressed with the presentation of the hydraulic services design drawings, the consideration taken in the design process, and coordination of the project. The design included several additional water supply, distribution safety, and reliability measures necessary for a large public health facility. The level of detail and product data provided indicated that sufficient research and consideration had been undertaken to ensure that the residents of Caboolture, and its surrounds, had access to a modern, well-equipped, and serviceable facility.

Gas Project of the Year MM Kembla Outstanding Copper Plumbing & Gas Project of the Year Winner: Shaw’s Plumbing and Gas, RNA Showgrounds

Shaw’s Plumbing and Gas completed the upgrade to the hot water system at the RNA Showgrounds in Brisbane. The team calculated the required volumes of water and delivered a gas fired system that exceeded the expectations of the client with a more compact and energy-efficient solution. A Rheem Tank Pak system incorporating a manifold of 5 Rheem High Efficiency continuous flow units with vertical flues, storage tank, and secondary return line dramatically cut gas consumption while intelligent controls ensure stored water can cope with the showgrounds demands. This allows for quick recovery and provides continuous hot water.

simPRO Domestic and Residential Technical Award Winner: Oz Plumbing and Gas, Cambridge

Oz Plumbing and Gas were engaged in the transformation of a 100-yearold cottage located three kilometers from Brisbane’s CBD. The small size, steep gradient, and limited frontage of the block posed several challenges for the duration of the project as site access was limited. The site’s internal drainage was a combined sewer and most of the plumbing fixtures featured in this project were below the level of the sewer connection, which added additional complexity. Meticulous attention to detail was required to execute all aspects of plumbing, drainage, and gas to ensure the work performed reflected the integrity of the home’s design and craftsmanship. The team installed luxurious plumbing fixtures and incorporated the use of state-of-the-art systems to deliver an outstanding project.

Commercial and Industrial Technical Award Winner: Calibre Plumbing and Drainage, Moreton Bay Trailer Boat Club – Commercial Hospitality Building

Calibre Plumbing and Drainage were engaged to upgrade the plumbing, drainage, gas, and fire services to the Moreton Bay Trailer Boat Club for the most significant refurbishment of the club since it was built 56 years ago. This was a challenging task for the team who faced many uphill battles such as the mud flats the building was originally constructed on and dealing with water ingress to their trenches and compaction issues on the highly reactive soil. The team used innovative techniques to overcome the challenges and produced an amazing finish. The project includes four new bars, a new kitchen, four new amenities blocks, new hot water systems, a new fire system complete with a diesel pump, new storm water, trade waste, and sanitary drainage including pump out stations.

Evermore Plumbing and Gas and BUSSQ Service Excellence Award

Jacobs Group Australia Pty Ltd and Chris Tritton Hydraulic Consultancy Design of the Year

Kent Vickers and Trent Rae Gas Project of the Year Adam McLucas and Trent Rae Outstanding Copper Project

Damian Connor, Daniel Campbell Paoli and Brett McIlvride Commercial and Industrial Technical Award

AS 4176 WMKA 21044 WMKA 21069