Plumbing SA | Winter 2024

Plumbing SOUTH AUSTRALIA WINTER 2024

Published by Master Plumbers Association of South Australia

ADELAIDE PIPELINE MAINTENANCE SERVICES Proudly South Australian owned and operated since 1952.

Our wide range of specialist equipment is operated by the most experienced technicians in the country and will enable us to find solutions to all of your sewer, stormwater and hydraulic problems.

APMS has pioneered the use of UV cure pipe relining in South Australia and continues to develop new and emerging technologies to provide safe and effective services to our wide range of clients.

We work throughout all areas of Southern Australia.

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE Water Recycling Combination Jetvac and Hydrojet Drain cleaning

Location of underground services

Confined Space entry

CCTV inspections of new and existing stormwater and sewer

Hydro-excavation (non destructive digging)

Patching and relining of pipework

w w w.a p m s - s a .c o m.a u

93-99 Mooringe Ave Camden Park SA 5038 8 42 7 2 52 5

s e r v i c e @ a p m s - s a .c o m.a u

Enviroheat Heat Pump Draw 0.6kw of power Require only a standard weather proof power point

MAXIMUM HEAT MINIMUM IMPACT

Has a back up element.

Start your journey today towards a greener tomorrow with Envirosun or Enviroheat

Warranty – 5 year tank, 3 years refrigerant components

Up to 71% more economical than traditional units Rebates up to $2000 may apply

Dual anodes for extra corrosion resistance.

All standard installation parts included – no hidden costs

Envirosun Solar Hot Water Tanks manufactured in Australia and Holland Copper collectors which are the most efficient on the market Circulation Pump manufactured in Europe All standard installation parts included – no hidden costs

1300 30 30 90 w w w.Greenhotwater.com.au

Standard Solar Thermostat & 2.4kw Element (available at any plumbing supplier) Warranty – 7 year tank and panel

INSIDE THIS EDITION...

FOREWORDS CEO Editorial

4

MEMBERSHIP Are They Really a Master Plumbers Member?

5

New Member Benefit: AMPOL Fuel Card

16

Member Benefits

24

Our Industry Supporters

26

SA & NT Industry Members

27

INDUSTRY Cbus: Set Yourself Up for Life

7

CBS: You Can’t Afford to be Complacent About Scams

8

12

Ray Hodge: Ray’s 17 Rules for Effective Self & Time Management

9

Apprentice of the Month: Isaac Glasgow

20

MPA SA - Triple Staff Birthday

21

SA Water: From 3 P’s to Four

Master Plumber Roadshows

page 13

Isaac Glasgow Apprentice

page 20

LEGAL Lynch Meyer: The Use of AI in Plumbing

10

EVENTS & SOCIAL MPA SA Roadshows

13

Triton Plumbing & Gas: Xavier Pudovkin Update

17

Member Projects

23

President’s Lunch Save the Date

25

Master Plumbers SA Event Calendar

25 PRESIDENT: Matt Sando DEPUTY PRESIDENT: Mike McEntee INDEPENDENT CHAIR: Daria McLachlan TREASURER: Damon Hammond COUNCILLORS: Matt Kirkbride, Rob Dineen, David Hurst, Steve Slack

MASTER PLUMBERS SA STAFF

PUBLISHED BY: Master Plumbers Association of South Australia Inc 213 Greenhill Rd Eastwood SA 5063 | PO Box 145 Fullarton SA 5063 Ph: (08) 8292 4000 Email: admin@mpasa.com.au | Website: www.mpasa.com.au PRE PRESS AND PRINTING: Keystone Printing

Ph: (08) 8231 9999 | Email: info@keystoneprinting.com.au

Nikki Spicer

Rachel Clark

Rhia Daniel

Senior Finance Officer

Administration Officer

e: andrew.clarke@mpasa.com.au

e: nikki.spicer@mpasa.com.au

e: rachel.clark@mpasa.com.au

Marketing & Membership Coordinator

Jodie Bischoff

Brock Perkins | Field Officer

Brittany O’Neill

Andrew Clarke | Executive Officer m: 0438 282 448

People, Careers & Wellness Manager e: jodie.bischoff@mpasa.com.au

m: 0499 975 475

e: brock.perkins@mpasa.com.au

e: rhia.daniel@mpasa.com.au

Administration Support Officer e: brittany.oneill@mpasa.com.au

Opinions expressed in Plumbing SA are not necessarily those of the MPA SA, nor does the MPA SA guarantee the accuracy of the statements made by contributors or advertisers or accept responsibility for statements they may express in this publication, nor does the MPA SA accept liability to advertisers for the publication of advertising which may be held contrary to the Competition and Consumer Act 2010. MPA SA reserves the right to refuse, cancel, amend or suspend any advertisement or insert without reason. All advertising pricing is correct at the time of publication but is subject to change without notice. Errors and omissions excepted.

CEO EDITORIAL

BY ANDREW CLARKE EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Housing and Skilled Labor – Two major issues engulfing SA

We are hearing the same two issues on a regular basis, with discourse around the answers running rife. As you’ve been made aware through your own experiences and media attention, these issues are that of housing supply and skilled labor. I don’t have the perfect solution to these crises; however, I am going to suggest a few things that need to change in our industry to re-adjust the momentum.

The housing problem has without doubt been exacerbated by a lack of management around public housing (the old South Australian Housing Authority – now changed to The Housing Trust). Positive public sentiment has decayed not only through the lack of maintenance for existing homes, but the lack of action around full renovations.

This mismanagement has now led to a review of the whole process – from the scrutiny of Head Contractors to the accountability of the Government Department to the Subcontractors engaged in works. Any process that has a number of stakeholders is complex, as there are many interests in play at one time. The forthcoming review that will involve myself is something that I look forward to, as it gives us a chance to ensure our tradespeople / business operators have some equity in the process.

The discussion held in Parliament House on Monday 1st July with Minister Champion, together with a handful of other Association bodies and selected Chairs of large Government Departments was positive; the words “best practice” kept bouncing off the walls. Hopefully “best practice” is prioritised in the standard the new Housing Trust achieves, moving forward.

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MPA SA is aware of the ambitious goal set by the Hon. Peter Malinauskas to build 40,000 new homes through new land releases. To date, there has been no time set on how long this will take, but it is a massive task that will require a huge level of coordination and labor plus available materials; knowing that on average SA builds around 10,000 to 12,000 new homes under normal conditions.

MPASA will always work with the current Government to increase the capacity of the state and stimulate the economy, but that is a massive task to achieve under the current labor shortage situation.“The tradie shortage” has been a topic surfacing and resurfacing for the last decade, and is particularly prevalent around the current housing crisis. How can we meet the demand for apprentices in the building and construction industry when many employers have experienced the challenges of maintaining solid engagement from school leavers? Many of our apprentices had their schooling and formative years disrupted by COVID, and struggle to stay engaged as they navigate the cost-of-living crisis at the start of their careers.

The cash incentives in the first few years are attractive to some participants but it ultimately comes down to the resilience, passion and drive to succeed in this industry that gets the majority of apprentices through to the end. We congratulate all those who have worked through these and welcome you to be part of the MPA. MPASA have looked heavily into other options to counteract these challenges, as we do have a concern that the future of our industry could elevate charge out rates for plumbers to record high levels in the next 10 years.

MASTER PLUMBERS SA

ARE THEY REALLY A MASTER PLUMBERS MEMBER? We love seeing our member stickers on work vans when we’re on the road! However, sometimes a van sticks out and we think “Hang on, I don’t remember them joining!”

In our head office, we’ve also had members of the office call in to make a complaint about a plumber, only to find that they’re not in our systems. “But they’ve got your logo on their shirts! And there’s a sticker on the van!”

We’re not omnipresent, and we can’t monitor every plumbing van on the road. But when we do find instances of false advertising from non-members, the matter is escalated to Consumer and Business Services.

A business is breaking Australian Consumer Law if it creates a misleading overall impression about the price, value or quality of consumer goods or services. It does not matter if the business intended to mislead or deceive – what matters is how its statements or actions affect the thoughts or beliefs of consumers.

Under our own Master Plumbers Association of South Australia Logo Licence Agreement, our members are granted a non-exclusive licence to use and display the logo in promotional materials. In case you need a refresher, under clause 16 of the Logo Licence Agreement: 1.6 The term of the Licence shall continue without limit provided that You maintain your status as a current financial Member of the MPA SA. The obligation is on You to ensure that You retain financial membership at all times when using the Logo and that your membership is current and paid up.

www.mpasa.com.au

1.7 Notwithstanding clause 1.6, the MPA SA may at any time terminate, suspend, amend or limit the Licence by written notice to You. Upon termination of the Licence pursuant to clause 1.7 You must: (a) immediately cease displaying the Logo on your Materials; and (b) undertake any and all acts necessary to permanently remove the Logo from all Materials within sixty (60) days of termination.

If you think you’re safe outside of the Adelaide metropolitan area, think again! Our Executive Officer was in the Riverland, driving behind such a non-member recently. Can you believe their luck? For consumers, we recommend calling the office on 8292 4000 to verify a member. It’s a short phone call that could save you $$$ down the line.

Plumbers who have not signed up as members of ours have not agreed to abide by our Code of Ethics, and we have very little power to go after them if the job doesn’t go as you’d hoped. But if a plumber is lying to you about being a Master Plumbers member before they even open their mouth, do you trust them to deliver the best service they can, for the best price?

For plumbers who have let their membership fees lapse – it’s much cheaper to get in touch with us than to have to get your uniforms re-issued and your work vehicle rewrapped in 60 days!

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Local service and support Our dedicated and experienced state-based teams can help get your super sorted so you can get on with running your business.

Contact Martha for your business super needs

Martha Coro – Senior Employer Engagement Manager, SA 0429 166 785

martha.coro@cbussuper.com.au

cbussuper.com.au

This information is about Cbus Super. It doesn’t account for your specific needs. Please consider your financial position, objectives and requirements before making financial decisions. Read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination to decide if Cbus Super is right for you. Call 1300 361 784 or visit cbussuper.com.au United Super Pty Ltd ABN 46 006 261 623 AFSL 233792 as Trustee for the Construction and Building Unions Superannuation Fund ABN 75 493 363 262 (Cbus and/or Cbus Super).

CBUS

SET YOURSELF UP FOR LIFE What is super?

Super is your money, paid into a super account by your employer.

It might be in addition to your salary, or it might be part of a salary package that includes super. Through your super fund, you invest this money to help it grow. The higher the return, the more money you’ll have to spend in retirement.

Where your super goes is your choice

When you start a new job, your employer will pay your super to the fund you choose.

If you don’t choose a fund, your boss may pay your super into a different fund (such as one you had with another job), which may not be right for you.

How to choose the right super fund

Which fund you choose could be one of the most important decisions you make about your super.

That’s because it could impact how much money you retire with and whether you’re covered by insurance if something happens to you.

A good place to start is with these questions: ü Does it offer an investment option which suits your needs? ü Does it offer access to advice services? ü Does it have competitive fees? ü Does it have strong, long-term investment performance*? ü Does it offer insurance cover designed to cover workers in high risk jobs like those in building and construction? ü Does it understand you and your industry? ü Do all profits go back to members?

To learn more about super, make sure you read the Apprentice Handbook on our Apprentice Hub or call 1300 361 784. * The Growth (MySuper) option received a top quartile performance ranking over 10, 15 and 20 years from the SuperRatings FCRS SR50 Balanced (60-76) Index Survey, period ending 30 March 2024. This information is about Cbus Super. It doesn’t account for your specific needs. Please consider your financial position, objectives and requirements before making financial decisions.

Read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination to decide if Cbus Super is right for you. Call 1300 361 784 or visit cbussuper.com.auUnited Super Pty Ltd ABN 46 006 261 623 AFSL 233792 as Trustee for the Construction and Building Unions Superannuation Fund ABN 75 493 363 262 (Cbus and/or Cbus Super).

If you employ workers remember to register for Portable Long Service Leave Starting a new job doesn’t mean starting all over again.

If you employ workers who are fulltime, part time, casual or are an apprentice in an eligible role in the construction industry and working on site for more than 50% of the time, then you must register them for Portable Long Service Leave.

Learn more at portableleave.org.au www.mpasa.com.au

7

YOU CAN’T AFFORD TO BE COMPLACENT ABOUT SCAMS Tips to protect your business Scammers look to exploit business owners who are busy running a business and might not recognise a scam email, phone call or social media approach when it happens. Scams aren’t always obvious from the get-go, but if you’re armed with awareness of how scammers operate and have some safeguards in place, you’ll be better equipped to avoid their scam attempts.

‘False billing’ is one of the most problematic scams for businesses with around $11.8 million lost to this type of scam in 2023, according to figures from the National Anti-Scam Centre. Scammers send fake invoices or call businesses out of the blue requesting payment for supplies or advertising bookings.

They hope that the person looking after the administrative side of things for the business may be too busy to verify if the payment request is legitimate, or simply may not know whether the advertising or promotional activities have actually been requested.

Another common scam tactic is informing businesses about a supposed change in bank details of a supplier or employee.

While the business may be confident that they owe the money and the amount, they end up sending money to a scammer’s account instead.

Businesses rely heavily on their phones, computers and internet access to interact with customers and suppliers and to manage all the paperwork associated with running a business.

Scammers try to create a sense of urgency for businesses by pretending to be from a telecommunications company and say there’s an issue with the business’ internet connection or their computer is sending error messages. The scammer may request payment or passwords to remotely access the business’ computer, claiming they’ll look into the problem to supposedly fix it.

Another brazen scam is where fraudsters pose as legitimate businesses in the building industry by responding to online posts on websites, work for hire platforms and social media.

In some cases the scammers call their victims and send out documents that look like a contract from the legitimate business and ask for a deposit.

South Australians have lost nearly $60,000 to these impersonation scams in recent months. Consumer and Business Services (CBS) has warned consumers about these scams, urging them to find contact details independently and call the business to verify who they are really dealing with.

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Never agree to purchase anything for your business over the phone. Always ask for the offer in writing. Then you can take the time to check whether the person who contacted you and their offer is legitimate.

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Never give an unsolicited caller remote access to your computer.

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Be suspicious if you receive an email or SMS with a link or attachment that asks you to log on to an online service with your username and password or to provide other personal information.

The link could take you to a fake website or download malware to your computer. If you’re unsure if an email or SMS is legitimate, contact the organisation by using contact details you’ve found yourself – e.g. searching online for the organisation’s website and contact details.

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Protect your computer with regularly updated security software and a good firewall. Before purchasing software, check independent reviews and make sure you only purchase from a legitimate supplier.

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Before paying an invoice, always check that the goods or services were ordered and delivered.

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If you’re unsure about a change to a supplier or employee’s bank account details, call them to confirm, even if you receive an email with an explanation.

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Train your staff to be on the lookout for scams or anything unusual.

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Create strong passwords for your business accounts – e.g. a password with more than 8 characters, a combination of upper and lower case and a symbol - and update passwords when there are staffing changes.

If you think you’ve been scammed

It’s important to act quickly to prevent any loss or further loss. If you think you’ve provided your account details to a scammer, contact your bank or financial institution immediately.

If you’re concerned that you’ve been hacked or you’ve given remote access to your computer, seek advice from a reputable computer technician. Please report scams to Scamwatch via scamwatch.gov.au/report-a-scam, and if you’ve encountered a scam online please report it through ReportCyber at cyber. gov.au/report-and-recover.

For more scams advice to protect yourself and your business visit scamwatch.gov.au.

MASTER PLUMBERS SA

RAY’S 17 RULES FOR EFFECTIVE SELF & TIME MANAGEMENT

BY RAY HODGE

I rarely repost previous articles but with the amount of time and self-management coaching I am doing, I thought I would give this twelve-year-old post a slight refresh.

1. Understand what your limits are. What agendas and schedules have you living out on the edge?

2. Know the amount of sleep you need and make sure you get it.

3. Get to know yourself. What are the conditions required to help you thrive with full energy?

4. Maintain both intellectual and physical fitness.

5. Clarify the outcomes you want, whether at work or outside of work.

6. Plan next week, this week; tomorrow, today.

7. Reposition a successful day from… how exhausted you are at day’s end to the ease with which you paced yourself.

8. Always ask, Who else can do this? Delegate and then follow up.

9. Learn to say no to other’s agendas—when appropriate—and yes to yourself.

10. Do tasks quickly with intense focus unless it has components of creative thinking within it.

11. Schedule the hardest things when your energy is high, the more mundane when energy is lower.

12. Work on one thing at a time.

13. Procrastinate on the non-critical; act now on the vital.

14. Ease the pedal back to 95%. Productivity will increase when you reduce angst and stress.

15. Leave work at work.

16. Stop doing what doesn’t count.

17. Reward yourself.

If you could do with some assistance in progressing your time and self-management and/or to decrease stress and overwhelm, feel free to get in touch.

Ray Hodge Business and Leadership Development Expert W: www.rayhodge.com.au

SAPIPERELINING

www.mpasa.com.au

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THE USE OF AI IN THE PLUMBING INDUSTRY BENEFITS, RISKS AND CHALLENGES

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been a game-changer in various industries, and the plumbing industry is no exception. It is used in smart leakage detection, predictive maintenance, and smart water management systems just to name a few. It also plays a role in analysing water efficiency and can also be useful to plumbing companies to monitor their safety and compliance framework.

However, there are some key risks that need to be explored and understood when using AI in your business.

This article examines some of the benefits of AI in the plumbing industry and some of the challenges faced with its ongoing use and development as its popularity, and reliance, continues to grow.

Smart Leak Detection and Prevention Systems

Water leaks are a persistent challenge in plumbing, leading to wastage and property damage. AI-powered leak detection and prevention systems can quickly identify leaks and prevent damage to plumbing systems.

AI algorithms are used through certain applications to monitor water usage and detect leaks.

AI powered systems can also analyse pressure in water pipes to detect leaks and shut off water automatically in case of a major leak. This can reduce the likelihood of costly repairs and downtime, and prolong the lifespan of the house, plumbing system, and infrastructure.

Traditional maintenance schedules are based on estimated lifetimes and can lead to unnecessary downtime or unexpected failures.

AI algorithms can analyse data from plumbing systems to detect patterns and anomalies1. This allows plumbing professionals to predict when equipment might fail and fix it before it becomes a costly problem.

Smart Water Management Solutions

AI is playing a transformative role in the plumbing industry, particularly in smart water management. It’s helping to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, improve customer satisfaction, and promote sustainability.

Smart water management systems can detect leaks, identify areas of excessive water usage, and track and adjust water flow based on usage patterns. This leads to enhanced efficiency in water usage and can help in conserving water.

Safety and Compliance

AI can also improve safety and compliance by monitoring operations in real-time to detect unsafe conditions or violations of regulations. When an issue is detected, AI can alert human operators or even take corrective action automatically.

AI and Compliance Framework

Predictive Maintenance

AI is also being used for predictive maintenance in the plumbing industry.

Compliance with plumbing codes and standards is essential to ensure safety and quality of work. AI can assist in monitoring compliance in several ways.

08 8374 0132 10 plumbing ad prepress

MASTER PLUMBERS SA

THE USE OF AI IN THE PLUMBING INDUSTRY BENEFITS, RISKS AND CHALLENGES

For example, AI-powered inspection systems can analyse images or videos of plumbing installations to check for code violations.

One of the main challenges is the need for high-quality data. AI systems require large amounts of data to learn and make accurate predictions.

These systems use machine learning algorithms to recognise different components and their configurations, comparing them with the standards.

However, collecting and labelling this data can be timeconsuming and expensive.

Additionally, AI can help in documentation and reporting.

It can automatically generate reports based on the data collected during inspections, reducing the paperwork for plumbers and ensuring that the records are accurate and up to date.

Risks in the use of AI in the plumbing industry Data Privacy and Security

One of the primary risks associated with the use of AI in the plumbing industry is data privacy and security. AI systems often require access to large amounts of data, which may include sensitive information.

Another challenge is the reliability of AI systems. While AI can help identify risks and violations, it may not always be 100% accurate.

There is a risk of false positives, where the system identifies a problem that does not exist, or false negatives, where it fails to detect a real issue.

Finally, as mentioned above, there are concerns about privacy and security. The use of AI involves collecting and processing sensitive data, which could be misused if not properly protected.

If this data is not properly protected, it could be vulnerable to cyber-attacks, leading to significant privacy and security issues.

However, with ongoing research and development, the role of AI in the plumbing industry is expected to continue to grow. Future directions may include more advanced smart water management systems, and AI-driven design and manufacturing processes.

It is important for all businesses to have a robust data and privacy security policy framework in place to ensure that the data collected and used in its day-to-day operations is properly protected against unauthorised access and use. It is also important to have the right plans in place to manage any data breaches if they occur.

In conclusion, AI is transforming the plumbing industry, bringing benefits in areas such as leak detection and preventative systems, predictive maintenance, smart water management, and safety.

Dependence on AI

Another risk is the potential over-reliance on AI systems.

While AI can greatly enhance efficiency and productivity, there is a risk that business owners or managers could become complacent and overly dependent on these systems.

This could lead to a lack of human oversight and the potential for errors if the AI system malfunctions or makes incorrect predictions.

As we continue to innovate and overcome challenges, the future of the plumbing industry looks watertight with AI. If we can assist your organisation with implementing and using AI, please contact us.

Evyenia Walton Partner Lynch Meyer Lawyers D: 8236 7608 E: ewalton@lynchmeyer.com.au

Whilst the use of AI within the plumbing sector could result in improved productivity and efficiency, it is important to keep the human factor and always check the output of an AI generated process or document to ensure that vital pieces of information have not been missed and that the output is fit-for purpose for its intended use.

Challenges and Future Directions

Despite the promising benefits, the use of AI also presents challenges. These include the need for large amounts of data, the risk of cyber-attacks, and the need for transparency and explainability in AI decisions. www.mpasa.com.au

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SA WATER

FROM THREE P’S TO FOUR: SOUTH AUSTRALIA TAKES ACTION FOR SEWER HEALTH South Australians, we know what you’re flushing. Wet wipes, condoms, tampons, tissues…

The list goes on! None of these items belong in our sewer network, so we need your help to keep our sewers healthy and limit the number of blockages and overflows.

You may have heard of only flushing the three Ps, but now there’s a new P that can be flushed.

Introducing the four Ps – paper (toilet), pee, poo and products with PROOF they’ve passed the new Australian and New Zealand Flushable Products Standard, AS/NZS 5328:2022. ‘ A local manufacturer has become the first Australian company to produce a certified flushable wet wipe, with its maiden batch now hitting Foodland’s shelves – providing consumers with a flush-friendly alternative to help reduce the impact of wet wipes on the environment and essential infrastructure.

When shopping for products, keep a watchful eye on the packaging and look for proof of certification to this new standard, to ensure what you’re putting down the loo is truly flushable.

When items other than the four Ps are flushed down the loo, they can easily become trapped in our sewer pipes.

This can cause blockages, which can lead to overflows inside your home, yard or in your street, often impacting the local environment too.

South Australia’s sewers are no stranger to wet wipes, with SA Water spending more than $2 million during 2022-23 to redirect ‘unflushable’ materials – such as wet wipes – from pipes, pump stations and wastewater treatment plants to landfill.

More than two-thirds of all overflows actually occur inside a customer’s property, so you’re doing yourself a favour by only flushing the four P’s!

Based in Woodville North, The Hygiene Co. – who makes the flushable wet wipes – recently became one of the world’s first manufacturers to achieve certification to the Australian flushable products standard.

In May 2022, Standards Australia released this standard defining what products shouldn’t be flushed down the toilet, while outlining testing criteria for manufacturers to determine if certain products are suitable to be flushed.

The Hygiene Co.’s flushable wipe fabric underwent seven stages of testing as part of the certification process, including clearing plumbing lines and breaking apart readily.

Made with wood pulp, the new wipes are part of the company’s stable of plastic-free cleaning and hygiene products under their CleanLIFE brand.

Three of the CleanLIFE products are certified as flushable and feature a ‘certified to flush’ symbol on its packaging.

While some products are labelled as ‘flushable’, it’s likely they don’t meet the Australian and New Zealand Flushable Product Standard, and are therefore not suitable for our sewer network.

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MASTER PLUMBERS SA

MASTER PLUMBER ROADSHOWs

www.mpasa.com.au

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RHEEM AUSTRALIA AWARDS $65K IN GRANTS TO SUPPORT APPRENTICE PLUMBERS More than 1,000 apprentice plumbers share their career aspirations, passion for a high-demand industry and ideas to pave the way for the future.

Sydney, Australia, 4 June 2024 – Rheem Australia has awarded $60,000 to 20 deserving recipients from across the country as part of the 2024 Rheem Apprentice Plumber Grants.

Established in 2012, the program aims to support up-andcoming apprentice plumbers in the progression of their studies and to help launch their plumbing careers.

Recipients receive $2,000 to assist with their TAFE/ RTO fees and textbooks and a $1,000 tool voucher. To acknowledge the outstanding cohort, five individuals were also given a special $1,000 Recognition Award, bringing the total value of grants to $65,000.

“Since its inception the Rheem Apprentice Plumbers Grants has awarded more than $420,000 to worthy apprentices. This year, we increased the number of grants on offer from 10 to 20, doubling our annual investment in the future of the industry,” says John Collignon, Marketing Director at Rheem Australia.

“Feedback from our judging panel indicates that the sector is in safe hands. The level of dedication, passion, and commitment to excellence from apprentices is a clear sign that many are eager to make their mark through a career in plumbing,” continues Mr Collignon.

Supporting the next generation of apprentices

To be considered for a grant, applicants were asked to share their personal career goals, the skills, and qualities they believe make a great plumber and how the industry can attract more apprentices.

Half (50 per cent) of this year’s recipients are of mature age (over 21) reflecting a growing trend for those switching careers to pursue a personal passion and the opportunity to contribute to their community in a meaningful way.

Greater gender representation and encouraging women to take up a trade continues to be a key talking point among apprentices. In a significant and positive step forward, 30 per cent of this year’s grant beneficiaries are women, a 50 per cent increase on 2023.

A common theme across all applicants is the importance of a supportive environment and open communication, which many believe is key to encouraging others to get involved in the industry or commence an apprenticeship.

“This year’s participants reflect a new wave of plumbers entering the industry, showing great tenacity and diverse thinking. When combined with their strong work ethic and focus on self-growth we know they will have a lasting impact on our sector,” says Mr Collignon.

“We would like to sincerely congratulate those who have received a grant, thank all of the applicants, their employers, TAFE and RTO teachers, and plumbing merchants for their support of the program,” concludes Mr Collignon.

25 YEAR  GUARANTEE

DON’T DIG IT... RELINE IT Fixing blocked drains once and for all 0408 815 679 | www.adelaidepiperelining.com.au 14

MASTER PLUMBERS SA

RHEEM AUSTRALIA AWARDS $65K IN GRANTS TO SUPPORT APPRENTICE PLUMBERS Rheem is proud to announce this year’s Rheem Apprentice Plumber Grant recipients:

About Rheem Australia – www.rheem.com.au

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Alix Luckman, NSW, Activ Plumbing Solutions Pty Ltd

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Chelsea Cooper, NSW, Mr Splash Plumbing Pty Ltd

Rheem has been manufacturing in Australia since 1937 and is the largest producer of water heaters in Australia. Its brands include Rheem, Solahart, Vulcan, Aquamax, Raypak and Everhot. It employs people throughout Australia and has manufacturing facilities in NSW and Victoria.

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Zachary Press-Ross, NSW, Delly’s Plumbing - Level Plumbing

For more information, contact:

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Samuel Roth, NSW, M.A Roth Plumbing

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Nicole Howarth, NSW, Joel Street Plumbing

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Jye Ryan, NSW, Chilli Pipe Installations Pty Ltd

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Nash Porter, NSW, Roach Plumbing Services

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Killian Slevin, QLD, Franzmann Plumbing

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Tarik Sabic, QLD, Spanner Plumbing

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Flynn Testa, QLD, King Solar Man

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Bethany Wilson, SA, Joel Wilson Plumbing & Gas

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Jack Gardener, TAS, Ben Careless Plumbing & Gasfitting

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Aaron Woods, TAS, Kiely Plumbing

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Lara Smyth, VIC, Hey Sista Plumbing

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Judd Binder, VIC, Total Comfort Plumbing Services

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Matthew Hrkac, VIC, Hub-Air Heating and Airconditioning Pty Ltd

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Hayden Brook, VIC, 4Shaw Plumbing & Airconditioning

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Jack Baker, WA, Exy Plumbing & Contracting Pty Ltd

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Callum Webster, WA, Perina Group Pty Ltd

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Elizabeth Leov, WA, Accord Plumbing & Gas Services

Iris Guo The IMPACT Agency t: +61 2 9519 5411 m: 0402 678 096 e: iris@impactagency.com.au Lucia McCabe The IMPACT Agency t: +61 2 9519 5411 m: 0450 706 033 e: lucia@impactagency.com.au

In addition, Rheem also granted the following apprentice plumbers with a special $1,000 Rheem Apprentice Plumber Recognition Award. §

Jessica Lancaster, ACT, Water Tight Canberra Pty Ltd

§

Jack Broom, QLD, Plumbform

§

Jason van Wageningen, TAS, Oyster Cove Plumbing and Gas

§

Bradley Kingston, NT, Deltareef

§

Steve Williamson, WA, Coral Coast Plumbing Pty Ltd

The 2024 judging panel included: Aimee Stanton, plumber turned DIY and Tiny House creator; Ray Jones, retired TAFE teacher; John Moss, former Rheem State Manager; and, Ray Brown, National Training Manager at Rheem. www.mpasa.com.au

15

Power your business journey with AmpolCard Be rewarded with the largest fuel network of ~1800 locations Australia-wide.

Master Builders and Ampol are proud to support your business with AmpolCard, the fuel card that helps you save money, save time and be rewarded on and off the road.

Take charge of on-road costs and save money on fuel Instant access to everyday fuel savings including: • 6.0cpl across all Premium and regular fuels • No transaction fee for the first 6 months, then only $0.38 per card per month*

Be rewarded Collect Everyday Rewards points to save on business expenses or convert them to Qantas Points^.

• 2 points per litre on Premium fuels • 1 point per litre on regular fuel • 1 point per $1 spent on eligible shop and servicing

Stay in control of fuel expenses and save time All vehicle expenses in one ATO-approved monthly invoice, 24/7 access to myAmpol, mobile payments with the Ampol app and options to integrate with Xero and MYOB.

Add extras for peace of mind Services and Repairs

Roadside Assistance

Add Services and Repairs for savings of up to 12% on servicing, tyres, tuning and more. +$2 extra per month, per vehicle*.

24/7 Australia-wide coverage and unlimited callouts for minor breakdowns. +$5.25 extra per month per vehicle**.

Apply at ampol.com.au with promo code MPASA

*AmpolCard T&Cs apply, available at https://ampol.com.au ^Everyday Rewards Membership is subject to the Everyday Rewards Terms and Conditions, available at: https://www.woolworthsrewards.com.au/terms.html Everyday Rewards points are offered under and subject to the AmpolCard Loyalty Program Rewards Scheme Terms and Conditions and the AmpolCard Term and Conditions, available at: https://ampol.com.au **AmpolCard Roadside Assistance T&Cs apply, available at https://ampol.com.au

Or scan to sign up

TRITON PLUMBING & GAS XAVIER PUDOVKIN UPDATE

We have previously fundraised for Triton Plumbing and Gas, as their son Xavier was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at the age of three and a half.

The Hon Mark Butler MP has been successful in providing “free access at Australian hospitals to a promising medicine not otherwise available in Australia, known as DFMO, thanks to funding from the Australian Government”.

For children who have recently completed treatment for high-risk Neuroblastoma, or who will be completing the treatment, DFMO has been shown to reduce the risk of relapse by 50%.

This is an incredible outcome for many Australian families affected by neuroblastoma.

However, it is important to note DFMO on its own is not a current treatment for relapsed Neuroblastoma and other treatment options are needed.

As a result, patients such as Xavier who currently have relapsed neuroblastoma or who have relapsed but then gone back into remission, are still often needing to fundraise to access the most promising treatments overseas.

No family should be priced out of seeking cancer treatment for their children. Xavier’s fundraiser is still active; if you can contribute, please scan the QR code.

www.mpasa.com.au

17

Accessories that are up to the job.

Oh so many reasons to choose Toyota for Business.

To find out more, visit your local Toyota Dealer or call 1800 679 247 | toyota.com.au/fleet

August 2023 HiLux SR5 model shown. Paint featured is an optional extra at additional cost. Vehicle shown fitted with optional Toyota Genuine Accessories sold separately. See your Dealer for Toyota Genuine Accessory suitability and fitment, & Owners’ Manual for GVM limit. Colours depicted may vary from actual. Visit toyota. com.au/vehiclepayload/. Use of recovery points has safety risks which must be assessed and managed before every recovery operation. Incorrect use of the recovery points may result in death, serious injury or vehicle damage. Always following warnings and instructions provided on the vehicle and in the Owner’s Manual.

T2024-020913. TOY2328/FP/ACC/297x210

www.mpasa.com.au

19

APPRENTICE OF THE MONTH isaac glasgow

Congratulations to Isaac Glasgow who won our Apprentice of the Month Award. Here’s a little get to know you about our award winner

What have you enjoyed about your apprenticeship so far?

What inspired you to become a plumber?

What do you like to do outside of work?

I always wanted to become a plumber.

I always felt like plumbing was the best suited trade for everything I wanted to achieve in the building industry.

What would you say to someone who is thinking of becoming a plumber?

Make sure to explore and look around at different companies. Purely because not all plumbing businesses conduct the same work.

I’ve learnt so much in such a short time. My current company (J & R Plumbing North) I’m at have taught me so much and show a lot of faith in the work I produce.

I love the beach, love my sports - both footy and basketball. I’m big on spending time with my family and hanging out with mates.

If you could choose a lifetime supply of one food, which food would you choose?

Spaghetti bolognaise for sure! I would live off it my whole life if I could.

There’s a lot of different areas you can go into in plumbing, like construction, or maintenance.

Need Pipe Relining?

Make PPS your subcontracting partner.

When you sub, we keep a low profile and just get on with making the problem disappear. No other company in SA offers trenchless pipe relining solutions that match PPS, so when you're faced with a tricky job you know you're working with the best partner to fix it.

Long-term Partnerships Guaranteed Solution Minimal Disruption Maintain Your Client Make a Profit Percentage on the Job

8297 1000 | www.ppssa.com.au 20

MASTER PLUMBERS SA

TRIPLE STAFF BIRTHDAY July is a busy month in the Master Plumbers SA/NT office!

We have three staff birthdays: Jodie Bischoff - People, Careers and Wellness Manager Nikki Spicer - Senior Finance Officer Rachel Clark - Administration & Payroll Officer We celebrated in the office with a very decadent chocolate cake and bouquets of flowers.

We can’t say what everyone’s birthday wishes are, or they won’t come true.

But if we had to guess, we’d say that our apprentices are working well on site, enjoy their work and get their timesheets in before the deadline at midnight on Mondays!

100 YEAR MEMBERS A J PAternoster & son pty ltd

W.F. Gray & Co Pty Ltd

50 YEAR MEMBERS A S Carlson & Sons Pty Ltd

E J Northway & Son Pty Ltd

Baldwin’s Plumbing & Gas

F S Scott & Co Pty Ltd

Bruce Harris Project Management Pty Ltd

Glenelg North Plumbers Pty Ltd

BT & RB Foreman Dineen Plumbing Eco Green Plumbing

Glenelg Plumbing Services Pty Ltd Hall & Baum N D Birchmore Pty Ltd Victor Plumbing Service

LIFE MEMBERS D. J. HEBBARD

T. DRIVER

S. B. HALL

B.HARRIS

Send your plumbing apprentice to PEER’s trade school!

Apply Now!

Why choose PEER? ›

Enrol your apprentice anytime

›

Industry relevant training with engaged trainers

›

We keep you regularly informed about call up schedules

›

Ongoing support to help your apprentice succeed

›

Award-winning Trade Training Centre

Haven’t seen our facilities?

Experience the PEER difference, tour our facilities.

Become a Plumbing Trainer with PEER! Are you looking for a career change?

Shape the next generation of plumbers.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Call 8348 1200 or visit peer.com.au RTO Code: 45744

MEMBER'S LATEST PROJECTS

#mpasa #masterplumbers

t to tag e g r o f Don’t ofsa a p m @ agram t s n I r in you e can w o s posts re! re-sha

#plumbingsa www.mpasa.com.au

23

Master Plumbers SA MEMBER BENEFITS Membership of Master Plumbers South Australia gives you immediate access to a vast array of products and services to meet your plumbing business and lifestyle needs. Make sure you’re taking advantage of what’s available.

Keystone Printing 10% discount for all marketing services & first consultation is free Call Celeste on 0466 519 982

National fleet discounts on the complete range of vehicles Ph: 1800 228 844 or www.hyundaifleet.com.au

WFI Insurance can provide MPA Members with competitive rates on insurance Call Mark on 0427 491 240 or visit www.wfi.com.au

Discount on all Loadex Hire equipment Located at 21 Opala St, Regency Park SA Or visit www.loadex.com.au

20% discount on initial implementation costs of simPRO Ph Ash Parrott on 0457 799 055

24

10% discount on all printing Located at 465 Morphett St, Adelaide SA Call Peter on 8231 9999

Solitaire Automotive Group

Members receive free preliminary legal advice by phone at no charge Please call Michael Hutton on 08 8236 7612

www.lynchmeyer.com.au

$1,000 towards sign writing on any new Ford Ranger or Transit Van

National fleet discounts on the complete range of vehicles Ph: 8368 5203

Located at 1 Main North Road, Medindie SA or Ph: 8269 9999

Special rates for MPA Members on WHS & HR Services

One hour complimentary business advisory session with a 10% discount on all consultancy Ph: 0403 341 105 Email: ray@rayhodge.com.au

Ph 0423 161 907 www.precision-hr.com.au

National fleet discounts on the complete range of vehicles Ph: 1800 444 847 or visit your local Toyota car dealership

Exclusive fuel card, with 4c per litre discount off pump price

CMI Toyota 3 year roadside assistance, plus $500 of genuine Toyota accessories along with fleet discounts

Special rates on EFTPOS systems and access to NAB Easy Tap payment terminal

MASTER PLUMBERS SA

THE PRESIDENT’S LUNCH FRIDAY 18 OCTOBER 2024 FROM 12PM WILLIAM MAGAREY ROOM ADELAIDE OVAL TICKETS ON SALE NOW SCAN QR CODE TO REGISTER

www.mpasa.com.au

25

OUR INDUSTRY SUPPORTERS Sponsorship of Master Plumbers makes It possible for us to add significant value to the service we provide to our members. We wish to express our sincere appreciation to our Branch Sponsors for their generous support.

Please support them by purchasing their goods or services.

For further details on our industry partnership deals or products, Contact Master Plumbers SA on 8292 4000 or admin@mpasa.com.au www.mpasa.com.au 26

MASTER PLUMBERS SA

SA & NT industry members Abey Australia

03 9747 7777

Rain Harvesting Pty Ltd

07 3248 9600

Architectural Water Solutions Pty Ltd 08 8947 3677

Reece Pty Ltd

08 8231 4444

Arthur J Gallagher

08 8172 8121

REHAU PTY LTD

1300 768 033

Australian Gas Networks

0447 930 657

Reliance Manufacturing Company

0408 834 572

AusPress Systems Pty Ltd

08 8374 3426

Rheem Australia Pty Ltd

08 8343 0062

BioCycle - Jowa Group Pty Ltd

08 8381 9100

Rhino Industrial Pty Ltd

08 8947 3400

Caroma Industries

08 8405 0311

Ri-Industries

08 8444 8100

CBUS

1300 361 784

Ridge Tool (Aust) Pty Ltd

1800 743 443

Chromagen Australia Pty Ltd

08 8346 8331

Rinnai Australia Pty Ltd

1300 555 545

Crystal Clear Purification Systems

08 8340 4344

Robert Bosch (Australia) Pty Ltd

0417 788 025

Davey Water Products

08 8346 0947

Rocla Pty Ltd

08 7285 1905

Eco Building Supplies

08 8277 2467

Saniflo

1300 554 779

Enware Australia Pty Ltd

08 8352 3577

Scott’s Plumbing Supplies

08 8261 6666

Gramall Hot Water Systems

08 8251 2979

Shore Hire

08 7077 0833

Harsmith Building Products

0408 516 682

SimPRO

1300 139 467

Hydraulic Consultant Association

0408 825 618

South Australian Plumbing Supplies 08 8682 4493

Iplex Pipelines

08 8256 2031

Storm Plastics Pty Ltd

In-Sink-Erator

1300 136 205

Studor Australia 02 9637 1042

KPI Business and Tax Advisory

1300 001 132

TAFE SA (Elizabeth Campus) 08 8207 9700

Milwaukee Power Tools

0438 827 937

TAFE SA (Tonsley Campus) 08 8207 2854

Office of the Technical Regulator

08 8226 5500

TAPS 08 8433 1200

PEER

08 8348 1200

The South Australian Water Corporation 1300 650 950

Perks

08 8273 9300

Tradelink

1800 PLUMBING

Pete’s Treat Waste Water Solutions

08 8556 4111

VTM Valves

02 6365 3121

Pickard Trade Centre

08 8366 7760

Win Attachments

08 8349 7390

Plastec Australia Pty Ltd

07 5413 4444

Wireless Communications 08 8274 0000

Plumbing Plus

03 9600 1899

Zip Heaters Aust Pty Ltd 0406 384 940

www.mpasa.com.au

08 8374 3277

27

Rheem Ultranamel Electric.

With a class leading 12 year warranty.* ®

• 12 year cylinder warranty available on all 80 - 400L storage water heater models.

• Rheem Ultranamel® protects the cylinder with a tough, durable coating.

• Designed for fast, easy like-for-like replacement.

• Full technical support and spare parts available.

• Designed using over 80 years’ Australian manufacturing experience.

• Mains pressure ensures full pressure to multiple outlets at the same time.

For more information, visit www.rheem.com.au/products

COMES ON STEADY, HOT AND STRONG *Rheem Ultranamel® Electric warranty 12 Years on cylinder, 1 Year parts & labour warranty on all components. For Domestic (non-Commercial) installations.

Conditions apply. See the Warranty set out in the Owner’s Guide & Installation Instructions or view at www.rheem.com.au/warranty.

INSTALL A