Kent Vickers has been involved in the Queensland plumbing and gas industry for over 30 years. As the owner and operator of Queensland Industrial Gasfitting Services (QIGS), Kent delivers Type B gas installations, services and advice to others in the industry. Joining the MPAQ board in 2011, Kent has held many positions as a representative of the gas industry and was elected President in November 2017. Kent believes the success and reputation of MPAQ is driven by the professionalism of the industry experts leading the organisation and a diligent and robust level of dialogue with local, state and federal governments. “This level of representation and support for all our members is the reason I believe every plumber and gasfitter in Queensland should be a member of MPAQ."
MPAQ Council
Meet the Council
As a third-generation plumber, Pat Robertson has a strong connection to the plumbing and gas industry and has been a member of MPAQ since 2006. Working across all facets of plumbing, drainage and gas fitting as the owner of Reliable Plumbing Gas and Solar, Pat has a strong focus on maintaining a high level of standards in our industry.
Commencing his plumbing apprenticeship in 1994, Michael Ryan has been fortunate enough to be involved in some of Queensland’s largest projects with Beavis & Bartels. Moving up from a tradesperson to his current role as Managing Director, Michael leads an excellent team of men and women and has a passion for giving back to MPAQ and the industry in general through his role as MPAQ Vice President. “Anyone interested in becoming a member, I’d strongly suggest joining based on the interactions and opportunities to collaborate with other plumbers and the peace of mind knowing you can call the Association if you have any difficulties.”
Kelvin Slade held the position of MPAQ President from 2013-2017 and has been a member of MPAQ for over 25 years. Kelvin conducts post-trade training on behalf of MPAQ across Australia while running Slade Brothers Plumbing with his wife, Mandy. Throughout his plumbing career, Kelvin has developed a strong interest in Legionella management and has devoted many years to researching guidance, legislation and best practices in all things Legionella control. “The association provides strength in the collective voice for our members, who provide the critical service to the standard of living we enjoy in our society.”
John Salmon runs Salmon Plumbing on Brisbane’s northside, a well-established business that has been operating since 1991. As the MPAQ Treasurer, John enjoys being on the board of MPAQ and sees it as an opportunity to improve our industry, which is so important to the wider community. “Without a strong voice advocating for plumbers for over 100 years we would not have such a strong regulatory framework protecting our trade today. Add on member benefits, training, events, and the help and support you get from the Association, and I believe it is the best way for any plumbing business owner to engage with and improve their industry.”
Commencing his plumbing business, Connectors “The Plumbing People” Pty Ltd in 1973 and with over 45 years’ experience in the industry, Bill Watson carries out work for industrial, commercial and domestic premises’ in the Brisbane area, specialising in backflow prevention, solar and heat pumps and TMV. As the former Chairman of the Plumbing Industry Council and a Director of Master Plumbers Australia, Bill joined MPAQ in 1977 and was made a Life Member in 1995 and a Trustee in 2011.
With a career that commenced in 1971, Bob Kimlin has been a representative for the North Queensland plumbing industry on the MPAQ board since 1994. As an active member of the regional chapter and following two stints as MPAQ president from 1996-1998 and 2002-2013, Bob was awarded Life Membership in 2014. Throughout his tenure, Bob has enjoyed the comradery and connection between members of MPAQ and how this community of plumbers purposefully support each other throughout all of Queensland. “I have always wanted to return something to the industry as it has allowed me to achieve success in my work and personal life.”
Harle Gall has been in the plumbing industry since 2004, completing his apprenticeship before opening his own business in late 2008. Joining the Laser Group in 2013, the business now falls under O'Brien Plumbing Goondiwindi and covers a broad spectrum of services within the plumbing industry in the Goondiwindi and surrounding areas. Having joined MPAQ in 2009 for the peace of mind of having an industry body with all the range of services that MPAQ provide, Harle went on to join the MPAQ Council to give a perspective from a rural background and have a say in polices that affect our industry.
Dennis Yarrow has been working in the plumbing industry for over 35 years, commencing his Plumbing apprenticeship in 1979 and established Yarrow Plumbing Services Pty Ltd in 2003. Dennis believes that his MPAQ member has allowed him to keep up-to-date not only with the technological changes within the plumbing industry but also with the administrative changes. Dennis enjoy the challenges that are associated with being on the MPAQ Council, and endeavours to make positive changes within our industry on a day to day basis. “I strongly believe that being a member of the MPAQ is a pre-requisite to having a successful plumbing business because without the advocacy of the MPAQ, there would be no Plumbing Industry, certainly not one that we would all be proud to be associated with.”
Mark Denning leads the team at Fallon Solutions as Managing Director. With a background in management accounting, marketing and general management, Mark’s role is to support the trade professionals at Fallon Solutions to deliver exceptional customer experiences in the residential home services market in Southeast Qld. “It can be very isolating owning your own business and it is easy to lose sight of the big picture and be left behind. Being a member of MPAQ can help owners of small business achieve their goals whether that be life work balance or building a profitable saleable asset.”
Melissa Millar has assisted her husband with the establishment and running of Millar's Plumbing Service, evolving the business from a subcontractor to a successful small business. With a B.A. in Education, Melissa placed her career on the sideline to assist with the family business and now enjoys utilising her insights to view the way learning has changed over the years and implementing strategies in her business to provide a strong training framework. Melissa advocates for the support of apprentices and the businesses providing them with learning opportunities in various small business committees. “I am passionate about ensuring that active small business voices lead the way for key stakeholders to make informed decisions about the needs of small businesses. As a collective group we are stronger in ensuring small business and our industry has the support we need to prosper and evolve in ever changing times.”
Brad Seymour has over 30 years of experience as a Senior Executive, Company Director and Entrepreneurial Proprietor in Australia, New Zealand, South-East Asia and India. In recent years, Brad has refocused on his core passion of growing Australian SMB’s and their leaders through direct involvement in several Board & corporate advisory business engagements across a diverse range of industries. As a consultant to the MPAQ board, Brad provides key insights on strategic planning and how MPAQ can maintain the important work it does. “In an ever-changing world of regulation, margin and process challenges and complexity it’s the smart operators that succeed. Whether it be access to critical information and expertise, opportunities to be part of the voice of rationale and change or simply sharing stories at a Golf Day with likeminded colleagues - these are the reasons Plumbers & Gas Fitters should join, stay and fully engage in their industry body, for their future and the future of the many generations to follow.”
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