Master Plumbers’ Association of Queensland (MPAQ) life member and stalwart Bill Watson, was appointed today in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List as a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia (General Division) for his services to the plumbing industry.

Bill has been awarded this prestigious honour for his commitment and dedication to the plumbing industry. He has contributed over 45 years to the trade in leadership roles as an apprentice, employee, employer, business operator, industry regulatory representative, government board appointee, and accredited trainer.

Bill has contributed not just at a state level but also at a national level through his participation on Master Plumbers Australia and New Zealand, of which he is currently a director. Bill is also currently a councillor of MPAQ. Having gained a broad spectrum of expertise across the trade, Bill has been responsible for steering and implementing change for a number of key industry issues.
Kent Vickers, President of MPAQ, says,“We are extremely proud of Bill for his dedication and contribution to our trade, and this award is very well deserved”.

Bill has provided extensive past and present input into vocational education and training in addressing skill needs for the future – providing industry input to committees and workshops for the curriculum of pre-vocational and apprenticeship courses for the plumbing, drainage and gas fitting industry.

As an employer, Bill has employed and mentored over 20 apprentices, and a business operator he brings real world knowledge of the practical application for our trade.

Bill was the Chairman of the Queensland Plumbing Industry Council (PIC) and previously the Chairman of the Plumbers and Drainers Licensing Board. Bill is also a member of the Complex Licensing Panel, which sits under the Queensland Building and Construction Commission. He is passionate about ensuring a best practice occupational licensing system.

Kent Vickers says, “I would like to congratulate Bill on a lifetime of dedication and support in promoting our industry, which has seen so many tradespeople enjoy a better quality of life because of his contributions.”

Since the introduction of the Awards in 1972, there have only been a few plumbers awarded for services to our industry. Bill will be presented with his award at government house later this year.