Plumbing Industry Ambassadors 2026
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The Master Plumbers’ Association of Queensland (MPAQ) is proud to announce the appointment of four new Industry Ambassadors who reflect the strength, professionalism and future of the plumbing industry.
Nicole Byrne, Shannon Shortis, Travis Hock and Lachlan Bell have been selected to champion the vital role plumbers play in protecting public health, supporting safe and sustainable communities, and inspiring the next generation of tradespeople. Each ambassador brings a wealth of experience, leadership and genuine passion for the profession. Through their involvement, they will support industry engagement, promote the value of the plumbing trade and help raise awareness of the critical role plumbers play in everyday life across Queensland.
MPAQ looks forward to working closely with Nicole, Shannon, Travis and Lachlan as they represent the industry and help strengthen the future of plumbing.
Nicole Byrne
Nicole Byrne is being appointed as a Plumbing Ambassador in recognition of her strong commitment to the plumbing industry and her experience as a dedicated small business owner. Nicole has proudly owned and operated Nuflow Central Queensland with her husband Ben since 2015, where she has played a key role in the administration, accounts and overall management of the business. Through this work, she has developed strong experience in business operations, customer engagement and industry promotion. Originally trained as a hairdresser, Nicole brings a highly people-focused skill set to the plumbing industry. Her background has provided her with the ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of clients, build strong relationships and represent both her business and the industry with professionalism and confidence.
Nicole is passionate about promoting the plumbing industry as a skilled, innovative and essential trade. She enjoys educating customers about modern plumbing solutions and advocating for high professional standards across the industry. Nicole is also familiar with the role of Plumbing Ambassador through her husband Ben Byrne’s previous involvement in the program and understands the importance of representing the industry positively and supporting industry engagement initiatives. Her experience in business, strong communication skills and genuine passion for the industry make Nicole an excellent representative of the plumbing profession.
Shannon Shortis
Shannon Shortis is being appointed as a Plumbing Ambassador in recognition of his extensive industry experience and his commitment to supporting and promoting the plumbing profession. With more than 16 years of experience in the plumbing and gas industry, Shannon holds a plumbing and drainers licence, a QBCC contractor licence and a Type A gas fitters licence. His endorsements include TMV, on-site sewage facility maintenance, and solar and heat pump systems, with previous experience also including backflow prevention. Shannon works with Our Plumber, where he has gained broad experience across the industry, including reactive maintenance, planned works, new installations, commercial and residential gas servicing, and warranty work for manufacturers. This diverse experience has provided him with a strong technical understanding of the trade and the importance of maintaining high standards of safety and compliance.
Plumbing is also a family trade for Shannon, with his father working as a plumber as well, which has helped shape his strong connection to the industry and appreciation for the important role the trade plays in the community. Shannon’s motivation for becoming an ambassador is to become more involved within the industry, support its ongoing development and give back to the profession that has provided him with a rewarding career. Shannon’s broad industry knowledge, hands-on experience and genuine passion for the industry make him a valuable ambassador for the plumbing profession.
Plumbing is also a family trade for Shannon, with his father working as a plumber as well, which has helped shape his strong connection to the industry and appreciation for the important role the trade plays in the community. Shannon’s motivation for becoming an ambassador is to become more involved within the industry, support its ongoing development and give back to the profession that has provided him with a rewarding career. Shannon’s broad industry knowledge, hands-on experience and genuine passion for the industry make him a valuable ambassador for the plumbing profession.
Travis Hock
Travis Hock is being appointed as a Plumbing Ambassador in recognition of his commitment to the plumbing profession and his enthusiasm for supporting and promoting the industry. Travis works with Keppel Bay Plumbing near Yeppoon and has built strong practical experience working across a range of plumbing services within the local community. His hands-on industry experience has provided him with a solid understanding of the important role plumbers play in maintaining safe, functional and sustainable homes and businesses.
Plumbing is also a family trade for Travis, having followed in the footsteps of his father in pursuing a career in the industry. This family connection has helped shape his strong appreciation for the profession and the opportunities it provides. Travis is passionate about being a positive role model within the industry and is keen to encourage others to consider plumbing as a rewarding career path. Through his role as an ambassador, he hopes to help promote the trade, support the next generation of plumbers and highlight the value of skilled trades within the community. His industry experience, strong work ethic and enthusiasm for encouraging others into the trade make Travis a great representative for the plumbing profession.
Plumbing is also a family trade for Travis, having followed in the footsteps of his father in pursuing a career in the industry. This family connection has helped shape his strong appreciation for the profession and the opportunities it provides. Travis is passionate about being a positive role model within the industry and is keen to encourage others to consider plumbing as a rewarding career path. Through his role as an ambassador, he hopes to help promote the trade, support the next generation of plumbers and highlight the value of skilled trades within the community. His industry experience, strong work ethic and enthusiasm for encouraging others into the trade make Travis a great representative for the plumbing profession.
Lachlan Bell
Lachlan Bell is being appointed as a Plumbing Ambassador in recognition of his commitment to the plumbing industry and his passion for supporting the next generation of tradespeople. Lachlan is the owner of Bell Boys Plumbing & Gas Pty Ltd in Brisbane, having established the business in 2022. Since starting his own company, he has demonstrated strong dedication to delivering quality plumbing and gas services while building a reputable and growing business. Lachlan is passionate about giving back to the industry and is particularly focused on supporting future generations of plumbers entering the trade. He recognises the importance of mentoring, sharing knowledge and encouraging young people to consider plumbing as a rewarding and sustainable career.
Through his role as a Plumbing Ambassador, Lachlan is keen to contribute to industry initiatives that promote the trade, support apprentices and highlight the opportunities available within the plumbing profession. His entrepreneurial drive, commitment to the industry and enthusiasm for supporting emerging plumbers make Lachlan a valuable ambassador for the plumbing profession.
Through his role as a Plumbing Ambassador, Lachlan is keen to contribute to industry initiatives that promote the trade, support apprentices and highlight the opportunities available within the plumbing profession. His entrepreneurial drive, commitment to the industry and enthusiasm for supporting emerging plumbers make Lachlan a valuable ambassador for the plumbing profession.
MPAQ looks forward to the positive impact Nicole, Shannon, Travis and Lachlan will have as ambassadors, helping to elevate the profession and inspire the next generation of plumbers across Queensland.
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