Plumbing SA
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
Confined Space entry
Hydro-excavation (non destructive digging)
www. apms-sa.com .au
93-99 Mooringe Ave
Location of underground services
CCTV inspections of new and existing stormwater and sewer
Patching and relining of pipework
service@ apms-sa.com .au
MAXIMUM HEAT MINIMUM IMPACT
Start your journey today towards a greener tomorrow with Envirosun or Enviroheat
Up to 71% more economical than traditional units
Rebates up to $2000 may apply
Camden Park SA 5038 8427 2525
Draw 0.6kw of power
Require only a standard weather proof power point
Warranty – 5 year tank, 3 years refrigerant components Enviroheat Heat Pump
Has a back up element.
Dual anodes for extra corrosion resistance.
All standard installation parts included – no hidden costs
MASTER PLUMBERS SA STAFF
Andrew Clarke | Executive Officer m: 0438 282 448
e: andrew.clarke@mpasa.com.au
INSIDE THIS EDITION...
& Baum Plumbing Member Profile page 20
MPA President’s Lunch page 10
Matt Sando
COUNCILLORS: Matt Kirkbride, Damien White, David Hurst, Steve Slack
Jodie Bischoff People, Careers & Wellness Manager e: jodie.bischoff@mpasa.com.au Nikki Spicer Senior Finance Officer e: nikki.spicer@mpasa.com.au
Brock Perkins | Group Training Team Leader m: 0499 975 475 e: brock.perkins@mpasa.com.au
Ayden Orchard | Field Officer m: 0487 407 186 e: ayden.orchard@mpasa.com.au
Rachel Clark Payroll & Administration Officer e: rachel.clark@mpasa.com.au
Brittany O’Neill Group Training Organisation Co-ordinator e: brittany.oneill@mpasa.com.au
Tina Reis | Business & Compliance Officer m: 0472 744 473 e: tina.reis@mpasa.com.au
CEO EDITORIAL
C E O E D I T O R I A L
By Andrew Clarke Executive Officer
BY ANDREW CLARKE
EXECUTIVE OFFICER
MPA SA push for licensed plumbers to install all stormwater systems
MPA SA has formally submitted a comprehensive proposal to Consumer and Business S i (CBS) part of the Building and Construction Industry Review, advocating for a regulatory cha stormwater installations be carried out exclusively by licensed plumbers For decades, this issue has remained unresolved, but we now have a critical opportun meaningful reform Consumers building new homes are frequently misled by poor adv unlicensed individuals such as handymen, irrigation installers or builder’s labourers stormwater systems in an effort to reduce costs This practice, based on the misconc prices equate to better value, has led to substandard installations that result in signific damage, costly repairs, and long-term financial burdens.
Parliament House – Canberra Visit
Master Plumbers Australia and New Zealand (MPANZ), visited Parliament House, Canberra on Thursday 6th November to meet with key Ministers, and various Advisors to advocate on behalf of our members and industry. Some of the key political personnel we spoke to included:
• Hon. Dan Tehan MP – Shadow Minister for Energy and Emissions Reductions
• Zac – Advisor to Hon. Alex Hawke MP – Shadow Minister for Industry and Innovation
• Jake – Advisor to Hon. Claire O’Neil MP – Minister for Housing, Homelessness and Cities
• Hon. Tim Wilson MP – Shadow Minister for Industrial Relations & Employment and Business
The broader building and construction industry must address these shortcomings Poo stormwater installations contribute to structural failures, escalating maintenance cost damage. I have also included in my submission damning evidence that proves higher r leads to higher complaints to SA Water in respect to sewer blockages and drainage is p that legislative change be enacted to ensure stormwater systems are installed to the highest professional standards, safeguarding consumers and the integrity of our built environment.
• Ashley and Laura – Advisors to Hon. Minister Andrew Giles MP – Minister for Skills & Training
• Ned – Advisor to Hon. Senator Andrew Bragg – Shadow Minister for Productivity & Deregulation / Housing & Homelessness
• Hon. Scott Buccholz MP – Shadow Minister for Skills & Training
The question of ‘’What would be the costs and benefits for consumers, plumbers and other tradespeople in the construction industry if the current exemption for stormwater piping work was removed?
• Amy – Senior Advisor to Hon. Katy Gallagher – Minister for Women, Government Services, Finances and Public Service
• Riley – Advisor to Senator the Hon. Murray Watts – Minister for the Environment & Water
Currently, work on stormwater drainage pipes not exceeding 90mm in diameter is exempt the Act aS outlined in the PGE Regulation 2010 There are no restrictions on who can install, maintain or repair stormwater pipes less than 90mm in diameter.
MPANZ had nine Directors representing all States and Territories, our messages were laid out in simple terms and covered specific areas of each portfolio. Our purpose was to discuss opportunities for collaboration on national productivity, innovation, and workforce priorities, highlighting how the plumbing industry can help drive Australia’s industrial innovation agenda, strengthen small business capability and contribute to the clean energy transition. Key Discussion Points included:
Snippets of the response in the submission read:
1. enabling industry innovation and Productivity
The removal of the exemption under the South Australian PGE Act, which currently allows anyone to install stormwater pipes below 90mm, could have both costs and benefits for consumers
• The plumbing industry is at the centre of Australia’s housing, infrastructure and clean energy transition, directly contributing to national productivity and sustainable goals.
Below is a number of the potential impacts with this removal of the exemption:
Benefits of Removing the Exemption
• Support is sought for innovation incentives and digital transformation programs that help small and medium plumbing businesses adopt AI, compliance technology and advanced digital tools.
Improved Quality of Installations:
• National access to Australian Standards at no cost to licensed practitioners would drive compliance, innovation and efficiency across industry.
By requiring qualified professionals to install all stormwater pipes, the overall quality of workmanship would likely improve. Poorly installed stormwater systems can lead to significant issues, such as blockages, poor drainage, water pooling, and even property damage, as well as the impact on the SA Water infrastructure particularly during heavy rainfall Addressing these issues upfront could save consumers from costly repairs in the future.
• Industry strongly supports a review of the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) and governance structures such as the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) to ensure greater accountability and industry representation in decision making.
2. Workforce Development, skills and employer support
Increased Compliance with Standards:
• The plumbing industry faces significant skills shortages, particularly as experienced tradespeople retire and demand rises for housing and infrastructure delivery.
Qualified professionals are more likely to follow industry standards and regulations, ensuring that stormwater systems function efficiently. This would improve public safety, prevent environmental degradation (e g , erosion or flooding), and enhance the lifespan of the system
• Employers, especially small businesses, face high costs when apprentices attend training, losing both wages and productivity time.
Reduced Long-Term Costs:
• MPANZ are calling for increased government funding to cover wages while apprentices are attending their respective training campus, ensuring that training participation does not financially disadvantaged employers.
While the upfront cost may increase, better-quality installations would reduce the likelihood of future repairs, maintenance, or complete system replacements This would represent a long-term saving for consumers.
• Greater support is also needed to expand mentoring, pastoral care, and financial incentives during the first two years of apprenticeships to improve completion rates.
• Industry supports the establishment of a national Continuous Professional Development (CPD) framework and licensing consistency to enhance workforce mobility and recognise upskilling across jurisdictions.
3. lead Free and safe Drinking Water
• Ongoing progress on the national transition to lead free plumbing products, in line with health based guidelines.
• Request for the continued Government support for education, regulatory alignment and clear implementation time frames across all jurisdictions.
• Bidets, handheld bidet sprays (bidet hoses) and combination toilet bidet seats are increasingly popular in both residential and commercial installations. While beneficial for hygiene and water efficiency, these fixtures introduce a potential cross connection hazard between potable (drinking) water supplies and Wastewater systems if not properly protected.
4. encouraging Collaboration and Fair business Practice
• Small and medium plumbing businesses face increasing cost pressures due to insurance, payment delays, and unfair contract terms.
• There is an opportunity to collaborate on industry led innovation partnerships, where fair contracting and payment practises underpin investment in training and modernisation.
In summary, the day was highly productive despite several disruptions caused by internal Federal Parliamentary processes, including in-house voting requirements. These interruptions, while unavoidable, did not detract from the quality of the discussions. All participants agreed that the engagements were constructive, and we look forward to advancing our conversations and continuing to advocate strongly for greater support and recognition across our industry.
C O N T A C T U S
• About 23% of energy used in Australian homes goes to hot water systems. The bathroom is where water heating is used the most, followed by laundry (washing machines) and kitchen activities.
• The plumbing industry is facing a labor shortage, due to growing population and investment in construction and renovation on the rise.
• The market size of the Plumbing Services industry in Australia is $22.2bn in 2025
• There are 28,615 businesses in the Plumbing Services industry in Australia, which has grown at a CAGR of 0.8 % between 2020 and 2025.
MEMBERS
LEGAL
liability issues
Plumbers are experts. Only licensed plumbers can carry out plumbing work. Plumbers not only have to do work properly and use proper materials but, as experts, they might also be required to provide advice to their customers. Any advice given whether verbal or written must be good and proper.
Often a plumber has to design a plumbing system for a job and, in that case, the plumber owes their customer a duty of care to properly design. Sometimes a plumber installs a device (like a filter, tempering valve or a backflow prevention valve) that must be regularly maintained. An aspect of the plumber’s duty of care when installing such devices is to provide advice to the customer about maintenance and spare parts. This can be done simply and effectively by providing some form of written fact sheet which describes:
• the type of maintenance that is required;
• how often the maintenance is required; and
• what sort of parts must be replaced and how often.
Providing this information to your customer is usually sufficient to discharge your duty of care. It is best practice to recommend that only spare parts approved by the manufacturer or supplier should be used. We all know that there are aftermarket (also known as OEM) parts available which might be cheaper but they are not necessarily approved by the manufacturer or supplier of the original device. Your fact sheet should contain a warning about using these sorts of “cheaper” parts. If the manufacturer or supplier does not say anything about approved spare parts, you should ask the question of them. At the very least, your fact sheet should direct the customer to the manufacturer or supplier for advice about the appropriate parts to use.
If you are called to a job to do maintenance on one of these devices and the customer wants you to use “cheap” parts, you should warn the customer (in writing) that cheap parts are not recommended and before you start work you should get written instructions about which parts they want you to use. If you do that, and the customer tells you to use the cheaper parts and there is a problem with them down the track, you will be able to point to your written advice and the written instructions from the customer to defend yourself against a claim. using approved parts is best practice because, if those parts fail, you will have a defence to any claim against you on the basis that you:
• used and recommended approved parts; and
• you did not make those parts so you are not responsible for their failure. On the other hand, if you use “cheap” parts and they fail, you may have some liability if you did not:
• Give proper advice (usually in the form of a warning) before using them; and
• Obtain written instructions from your customer to use the cheaper parts despite your advice. The above is general advice only. If you need advice about your situation, you should call us. The first half hour of our time will cost you nothing!
michael Hutton - Partner Lynch Meyer Lawyers
mhutton@lynchmeyer.com.au
D: 8236 7612
PLUMBING BUSINESS CONTRACT PACK
The tax-deductible Master Plumbers SA Business Contract Pack helps you safeguard your business against risk.
Update Terms & Conditions Update Terms & Conditions
Terms & Conditions in digital & hard copy to protect your business, plus a checklist and a quote template.
Dispute Resolution Dispute Resolution
Conflicts can happen. Know where you stand and what your responsibilites are
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2025 PRESIDENT’S LUNCH
Our 2025 President’s Lunch was a fantastic celebration held on Friday, 17 October, in the beautiful William Magarey Room at Adelaide Oval.
We were delighted to once again have the fabulous Jess Adamson as our host, bringing her signature energy and charm to the event.
It was an honour to welcome The Hon. Peter Malinauskas MP, Premier of South Australia, The Hon. Connie Bonaros MLC, and South Australian Skills Commissioner, Cameron Baker, who joined us for this special occasion.
With almost 400 guests in attendance, the room was buzzing as we celebrated our plumbing apprentices, the future of our industry, recognised our membership milestone recipients and were thoroughly entertained by the incredible Jack Daniels and Mick Colliss.
master Plumber aPPrentiCes aWarDs
Our apprentices represent the future of our industry, and we’re proud to celebrate their achievements at our annual President’s Lunch.
Each year, we present a range of awards that recognise the qualities we value most in our apprentices including strong work ethic, leadership, and a positive attitude. We are proud to congratulate the following award winners:
High achievement in a 1st year apprentice award
Peter Tsitsinaris (DPS Distinctive Plumbing Solutions)
High achievement in a 2nd year apprentice award Luke Owen (Platinum Plumbing & Gas Solutions)
High achievement in a 3rd year apprentice award
Cody Ramage (Purple Trade Services)
High achievement in a 4th year apprentice award Ben Manning (Axis Services)
rising star award
Corey Gillings (Urban Plumbing)
excellence in leadership and initiative award Alex Bain (Jordan Plumbing)
most outstanding apprentice award
Mitchell Carter (Klein Plumbing & Gas)
member milestone aWarDs
Each year, Master Plumbers proudly recognises members who have demonstrated long-standing commitment and continual support of the Association.
This year, we were thrilled to celebrate Northway Plumbing, who marked an incredible 75 years of continual membership.
Brett and Grant Calladine joined us to commemorate this significant achievement, representing a legacy of dedication to both the plumbing profession and the Association.
We also had the pleasure of acknowledging eight members who reached their 25-year milestone, a testament to their long-term commitment to excellence and to the Master Plumbers community, this included Priority Plumbing, Hannam Plumbing, Keith White Plumbing, Precise Plumbing, Bury Plumbing, M A Oliver Plumbing & Gasfitting, Ridge Tool (Aust) and Crystal Clear Purification System.
Congratulations to all our milestone members, and thank you for your ongoing dedication and contribution to our industry!
JaCk HolDer GolD meDal
The Jack Holder Gold Medal is the most prestigious award presented to apprentices within the plumbing industry.
It recognises outstanding skill, dedication, and commitment to excellence among the next generation of tradespeople.
The award is named in honour of the late Jack Holder, a distinguished leader who served as President of the Master Plumbers Association of South Australia as well as Master Plumbers Australia.
His lifelong contribution to the plumbing industry and the Association was recognised nationally when he was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2012.
This year, we were proud to have four outstanding finalists for the Jack Holder Gold Medal.
Each finalist demonstrated exceptional technical ability, professionalism, and a strong commitment to their trade, qualities that reflect the spirit of this award and the future of our industry.
We congratulate our finalists Zak Laver, Jed Barnes, Colin Richardson, and Samuel Glapa on their achievements and dedication.
A special congratulations goes to Jed Barnes, who was named the 2025 Jack Holder Gold Medal recipient. Jed recently completed his apprenticeship with Hindmarsh Plumbing, and we look forward to seeing him continue to excel and make valuable contributions to the plumbing profession in the years ahead.
To all those who attended and contributed to this year’s event, thank you for your continued support and participation. Your involvement helps us celebrate the achievements and dedication within our industry.
We look forward to welcoming you all again in 2026 for another memorable celebration of excellence in plumbing.
FineD, sanCtioneD anD DisqualiFieD For leGislation breaCHes
Builders and tradespeople who do the wrong thing tarnish the industry’s reputation and put consumers and other building industry workers at risk. Consumer and Business Services (CBS) takes strong action against tradies that work unlicensed, perform shoddy work, or leave others out of pocket. Prosecutions and disciplinary actions finalised so far from last financial year’s investigations include 4 matters relating to the building and trades sector and an assurance received from a company for alleged breaches.
ProseCutions / DisCiPlinary aCtion
Action was taken through the court and the South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (SACAT) with the following outcomes.
• An unlicensed contractor was fined $6,000 and ordered to pay $2,570 in compensation to affected consumers and prosecution costs of $1,160.
• Another contractor prosecuted for unlicensed activity and accepting payment for services that he failed to provide within a reasonable time was ordered to pay $34,423 in compensation to affected consumers and $2,224 towards the victims of crime levy.
• Action against a business that acted negligently in completing work at seven different properties resulted in the company’s reprimand and it received an $8,000 sanction. The company’s director received a $4,000 sanction.
• Disciplinary action against an individual over unsafe and non-complaint electrical work resulted in SACAT ordering the installer be disqualified from: holding an electrical contractor’s licence or worker’s registration, being director of an electrical contractor company, and being employed or engaged in an electrical contractor business. These disqualifications apply until further order. assuranCe
A garage and shed company was investigated for failing to obtain building indemnity insurance and demanding a bigger deposit than allowed under regulations for building work contracts. The company provided a written assurance to CBS that it would not engage in such unlawful conduct in the future. Written assurances are publicly available on the assurances register on the CBS website, along with the names of other traders who have provided written assurances that they will not engage in certain unlawful conduct.
otHer enForCement aCtion
CBS’ enforcement action extended well beyond these finalised matters, launching investigations into other concerning business practices in the building and trades industry. Formal warnings have been issued in some instances, while other investigations are continuing. CBS works hard to maintain a fair playing field for licensed trades and welcomes reports from industry and members of the public about tradespeople operating without a licence, outside the scope of their licence, or tradies not complying with other aspects of consumer protection laws. Reports can be made via the online CBS complaints form.
Uponor PE-Xa Plumbing System
than 6 billion metres installed since 1972.
Congratulations! To all of the apprentices that have completed their apprenticeship last quarter
aidan Draper alex sapac
Jesse Heath adrian Vagenas
Dylan Vandenbos
YOUR LEVY, YOUR INDUSTRY
DO YOUR PART TO HELP:
Train more apprentices Fund practical, job-ready training
Grow a skilled, local workforce
Scan to learn more about how the mandatory levy helps your industry.
The mandatory CITF Levy threshold has increased to �100,000 ex GST from 1 January 2025. Conditions apply.
urbanplumbing.com.au
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BUSINESS GUIDE - CHARGE OUT RATES
Calculating your hourly charge out rate is an important factor in running a business and can determine the long term profitability. Setting the right charge out rate ensures your costs are covered whilst also turning a profit, it shows consistency to your clients and gives you a clear understanding of your earnings, costs and profits. In order to get it right there are a number of factors to consider, the charge out rates must match the market, suit the skills and experience of the tradie, cover your costs and ensure profitability.The formula for charge out rate calculation is quite simple:
billable hours
The estimated billable hours for the year needs to be calculated, which takes into account any annual, public holiday and sick leave as well as non-billable hours such as those spent on administration.
Example: Gordon works 8 hours a day 5 days a week but takes 20 annual leave days and 10 public holidays per year.
5 days x 52 weeks = 260 days
260 Days – 30 Days leave = 230 Days
230 Days x 8 hours = 1840 Hours worked per year
Gordon kept a months’ worth of timesheets and calculated he spent 1.5 hours each day on nonbillable work, so worked hours each day would then be 6.5.
In this case billable hours would now be 230 Days x 6.5 billable hours per day = 1495 billable hours per year.
Calculate your income
Decide on the income you would like to be paid per year, considering what you need for living expenses, savings and investments. (You may also need to add in workers comp and payroll tax as applicable.) Divide your income by the number of billable hours to calculate your hourly rate.
Example: Gordon would like to earn $100,000 per year plus 12% superannuation.
$100,000 x 1.12 = $112,000 salary plus superannuation
$112,000 / 1495 = $74.92 Gordon’s hourly rate per hour.
overhead Costs
Overhead Costs must be added into the calculation, these may include Insurance, Tools, Rent, Electricity, Phone, Internet and Motor vehicle maintenance.
Example: Gordon has calculated his overhead costs total $27,500 per year broken down as follows:
PI, PL & MV Insurance
$8,000
Accountant - $3000
Business and licenses- $1000
Add a profit margin
Depreciation $3000
Office - $1500
Gordon wants a profit margin of 25% in order to grow the business long term, this will ensure a healthy cashflow for unexpected expenses, time off, business investment and growth
Tools and Equipment hire $3000
MV - $5000
$93 31 + 25% = $116 64
Phone & Internet $3000
Adjustments
Gordon divides his total overhead costs by the billable hours $27,500 / 1495 =$18.39 overhead costs per hour. This will bring Gordons Hourly rate to $74.92 + $18.39 = $93.31
Add a profit margin
Gordon must also consider whether he will charge additional fees such as a call out fee for assessing and quoti which may also include 15 – 30 minutes of work.
After Hours Rates may need to be considered for work on weekends and evenings which may attract a mark-up 20%
Gordon wants a profit margin of 25% in order to grow the business long term, this will ensure a healthy cashflow for unexpected expenses, time off, business investment and growth.
$93.31 + 25% = $116.64
adjustments
Research of the rates in the area are also worth comparing to determine whether your charge out rate is fair an competitive without undervaluing your work
In addition to the abovementioned costs any additional expenses must also be charge to the client such as cos materials and hire of equipment or cost of equipment used which may be divide over the anticipated jobs to ascertain the equipment cost charge out rate
Gordon must also consider whether he will charge additional fees such as a call out fee for assessing and quoting which may also include 15 – 30 minutes of work. After Hours Rates may need to be considered for work on weekends and evenings which may attract a mark-up of 20%. Research of the rates in the area are also worth comparing to determine whether your charge out rate is fair and competitive without undervaluing your work. In addition to the abovementioned costs any additional expenses must also be charge to the client such as hire of equipment or cost of equipment used which may be divide over the anticipated jobs to ascertain the equipment cost charge out rate.
MEMBER OF THE MONTH
Tell us about Hall & Baum Plumbing?
Hall & Baum Plumbing began operations in 1952, founded by Brian Baum and Malcolm Hall in Camden Park. The company initially specialised in new homes and small construction projects. After Malcolm’s retirement in 1978, Brian’s son Grant joined the business in 1979, followed by his brother Greg in 1981.
As the company grew, Hall & Baum expanded into large-scale construction and maintenance work. In 1982, Adelaide Pipeline Maintenance Services (APMS) was established, marking the company’s entry into the civil market with the purchase of South Australia’s second JetVac unit and first robotic CCTV drain camera system.
In 2013, Streamline Plumbing was launched to service the government housing sector. That same year, Brian’s granddaughter Rachael Baum (Greg’s daughter) joined the business to oversee accounts, followed by Ryan Baum (Grant’s son) in 2014 after completing his apprenticeship at Jordan Plumbing. In 2022 Green Hot Water was added to the Hall & Baum Group.
Today, Rachael and Ryan proudly represent the third generation of family leadership at Hall & Baum Group. Their vision is to continue building on the company’s strong foundations and carry the family legacy forward to its 100th year — and beyond.
1. What inspired you to join the plumbing industry, and how did you get started?
ryan: For me, joining Hall & Baum was a natural progression — I practically grew up in the office. From the age of 12, I spent a week of every school holiday working there, learning the trade and getting a firsthand look at the family business. After finishing Year 12 on a Friday, I was already interviewing with the MPA the following Monday. Watching my grandfather, father, and uncle over the years, I always knew that plumbing was the path I wanted to follow.
2. How has the plumbing industry evolved since you started? What are the most significant changes you’ve witnessed?
Greg: In 1982 I joined the business and became involved in our small contracts, maintenance, and hot water division. In 1983 we purchased a Motorola 2-way radio system for the vehicles to contact base. In 1985 when Telstra launched pagers, we added this to our fleet, this was quite a step forward at the time and improved our service delivery significantly. In 1987 the Motorola mobile phone (the brick phone) was introduced, this was a game changer for us, then along came the smart phone and the internet- the rest is history.
The other thing that has changed radically is the way the sales and marketing of your business is done. Yellow pages were HuGE and now almost forgotten, who can forget NOT HAPPY JAN. If you weren’t on the first page in the plumbing and hot water sections you weren’t in the game, how things have changed.
3. What do you see as the biggest challenges facing today’s plumbers and the industry as a whole?
ryan: The rising cost of doing business, increasing competition, and growing consumer and employee expectations are placing significant pressure on companies across the industry. At the same time, there is a shortage of experienced, longserving tradespeople who take genuine pride in their workmanship and uphold the standards of the plumbing profession.
4. What innovations or technologies do you believe have had the most impact on the plumbing trade over the years?
ryan: CCTV Drain Cameras, Pipe Relining, Leaking locating gear, composite lower cost materials and probably the biggest one is job management software. Press tools have their place in the industry but In my opinion they have taken away the craftsmanship resulting in fast poor quality plumbing.
5. What advice would you give to young apprentices or new business owners entering the plumbing industry?
Greg: My advice to anyone wanting to pursue a career in the plumbing industry is to genuinely try to be the very best at what you do and have a long term view, it’s a great industry and if you work hard, it will set you up for the rest of your life.
6. How has your membership with the association supported your professional journey?
rachael: Over the years the association has guided us countless times with queries relating to payroll, they are the gurus when it comes to anything regarding the plumbers award. We have also worked closely with them throughout the many apprenticeship journeys of our employees, it’s always a positive experience speaking to their staff.
the team at Hall & baum Plumbing
7. What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned in your career?
Grant: Always keep records, cross check materials and treat materials not used as loss profit. Keep up with your accounts, plumbers are well known for falling behind in this area.
8. What are some of the biggest projects or challenges you’ve tackled in your career?
Grant: Running the Blood Bank Pirie Street construction build for Hansen Yuncken as a third year apprentice and having to tell tradesman 3x my age what to do. Rogerson Building at the Womens and Childrens Hospital where I was the project administrator and manager. It was the largest project in Australia at the time. Delphin Property Group, this was for the development of Delphin Island at West Lakes, Hall & Baum installed the sewer, water and fire mains and the entire stormwater network.
the team at Hall & baum Plumbing
9. What is your experience as a female in the plumbing industry?
rachael: My experience in what is traditionally and still is a very male dominated industry has been almost entirely positive. Possibly because I have worked here since a very young age but I have always felt supported and respected within my job and I like to think people I work with feel that same way about working with me. I think Ryan and I have different strengths that complement each other and it’s interesting being able to highlight different perspectives in certain situations that may otherwise be overlooked.
10. What legacy do you hope to leave in the plumbing industry?
Greg: I feel my legacy is the continuation of the family business into its 75th year and to have my daughter Rachael and nephew Ryan fully committed to seeing the business reach its 100-year milestone, the fourth generation is not far away, I think our father Brian would be extremely proud.
11. What message would you like to share with the next generation of plumbers?
Grant: Head down bum up, work hard and be proud to work in the plumbing industry. You have to be honest to your clients, always show respect, always show up on time and communicate well.
SAPIPERELINING
APPRENTICE OF THE MONTH
What are the biggest challenges you have faced so far?
I struggle on the academic side of things and so trade school has been a challenge but the staff have been very supportive and doing this with other apprentices is helpful.
How do you see your plumbing career progressing?
I hope to continue working for my host Purple Trade Services as I’m quite enjoying the work I’m doing with them and I also hope to work for myself one day Cody ramage
Sept 2025
luke owen
Oct 2025
What do you enjoy most about plumbing?
I enjoy plumbing because of the variety of work it offers as well as the endless amounts to learn.
What inspired you to become a plumber?
A friend of mine who is with Master Plumbers told me he enjoyed the work and thought I’d find it interesting, and I wanted to get into a trade as well so I decided to go with plumbing.
What do you enjoy most about plumbing?
The work culture and learning new things, making mistakes and being shown how to improve and get better, solving problems on my own.
What inspired you to become a plumber?
Nov 2025
How looked up upon the trade is and how many things you can learn from it whether it’s communication skills, Neatness or Gaining knowledge.
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SA & NT INDUSTRY MEMBERS
Abey Australia 03 9747 7777
Aptella Pty Ltd
08 8115 2525
Arthur J Gallagher 08 8172 8000
Austworld 1300 780 430
Australian Gas Networks 0447 930 657
BioCycle - Jowa Group Pty Ltd 08 8381 9100
Billi 1800 812 321
Business Benchmark Group 03 9001 0878
Caroma Industries Limited 08 8405 0311
Chromagen Australia Pty Ltd 08 8346 8331
CMG Adelaide 08 8223 7666
Crystal Clear Purification Systems 08 8340 4344
Davey Water Products 1300 232 839
Dill-Tech 0407 425 315
Elson Australasia 1300 169 026
Emmetts
03 5362 3010
Energy Hothouse 0422 122 777
Enware Australia Pty Ltd 08 8352 3577
Forge Plumbing Australia 1300 120 100
Fusiontech Australia 08 8186 0269
Jetwave Group 08 8371 3599
Geberit 02 9889 7866
Gould Instruments 07 4779 6760
Gra-Mall Hot Water Systems 08 8251 2979
Halgan 08 9939 8030
Harsmith Building Products
0408 825 618
Harvey Norman Commercial 08 8150 8000
HazardCo 1800 954 702
Iplex Pipelines 08 8256 2031
Lightening Building Products
MM Kembla 1800 804 631
Office of the Technical RegulatorDepartment for Energy & Mining 08 8226 5500
Officeworks
299 217
8337 3377
2 0 2 6 E v e n t s
M A R C H
A P R I L
M A Y
J U N E
J U L Y
A U G U S T
O C T O B E R
1 1 M e m b e r E x p o &
W o r l d P l u m b i n g D a y
1 7 P o r t L i n c o l n R o a d s h o w
1 8 W h y a l l a R o a d s h o w
1 9 P o r t A u g u s t a R o a d s h o w
2 5 L o n s d a l e R o a d s h o w
2 9 M t G a m b i e r R o a d s h o w
8 A F L P o r t A d e l a i d e M e m b e r R o u n d
1 3 P t A d e l a i d e R o a d s h o w
2 0 M u r r a y B r i d g e R o a d s h o w
2 7 T o n s l e y R o a d s h o w
3 M o d b u r y R o a d s h o w
1 0 G a w l e r R o a d s h o w
1 7 R e n m a r k R o a d s h o w
2 2 M o u n t B a r k e r R o a d s h o w
2 8 M a r i o n B a y R o a d s h o w
2 9 W a l l a r o o R o a d s h o w
5 N o r w o o d R o a d s h o w
1 6 P r e s i d e n t s L u n c h
* A F L C r o w s M e m b e r R o u n d - d a t e t o b e c o n f i r m e d *
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