The Master Plumbers Association of Queensland (MPAQ) held its annual Plumbing and Gas Industry Awards on 21 July to recognise individuals and companies in 19 categories.

The theme of this year’s awards was ‘Unmasking Excellence’, which refers to recognising and unmasking the achievements of outstanding apprentices, plumbers, gasfitters, hydraulic consultants, companies and other industry individuals.

“The increasing level of competition over the past few years highlights the huge developments within the industry in recent times. Plumbing is a lifesaving industry and an emphasis on further training and technical development is imperative in ensuring this industry is always evolving and bettering itself year on year,” says MPAQ’s executive director Penny Cornah.

A number of VIPs attended the event, including the Minister for Housing and Public Works the Hon. Mick de Brenni MP, Shadow Minister for Housing and Public Works Stephen Bennett MP, Shadow Minister for Energy, Biofuels and Water Supply Michael Hart MP, Federal Minister for Griffith Terrie Butler MP, Plumbing and Pipe Trades Employees Union Qld president Gary O’Halloran and Queensland Building and Construction Commission commissioner Brett Bassett.

Breakfast announcer on 92.5 Gold FM Spida Everitt was MC for the evening, announcing the finalists and award recipients alongside the award sponsors.

“The plumbing industry is growing in leaps and bounds and this is reflected in the high level of passion, innovation and clever approaches to work displayed by all of our nominees. It is so important that the Association acknowledges the exceptional work that plumbers, gasfitters and other industry individuals play by protecting the health and safety of the community,” says Penny.

Award recipients included:

• Christopher Powell from Planet Plumbing – Apprentice of the Year.
• Helen Yost from Tradettes Plumbing, Brisbane (an all female crew of plumbing tradies) –  Queensland Building and Construction Commission Women in Plumbing & Gas Award.
• Steven Ross from SkillsTech Australia – Tradelink Industry Mentor of the Year award.

For a complete listing of winners, go to https://www.mpaq.com.au/news-media/press-releases/industry-awards-night.