Think Gippsland. Think Tequa.
About Us
Tequa is Gippsland’s leading multifaceted Plumbing, Civil, Construction, and Liquid Waste Management company, proudly serving the region since 1975. With offices in Sale and Traralgon, and a depot in Bairnsdale, we are strategically positioned to support communities from Warragul in the west to Mallacoota in the east. With over 50 years of experience, Tequa provides creative, future-focused solutions for the domestic, commercial, industrial, and land development sectors. Whether you need help fixing a leaking tap or completing a multi-million dollar infrastructure project, our experienced team has the skills, equipment, and know-how to get the job done - on time, on budget, and to the highest industry standards Our success is powered by a diverse team of skilled professionals- from apprentices to senior project managers and administrative support
We deliver a comprehensive range of services across plumbing, civil construction, liquid waste management, and roofing. Our team specialises in everything from residential repairs and emergency call-outs to large-scale commercial, industrial, and land development projects. We offer expert solutions in drainage and sewer infrastructure, directional drilling, underground service locating, split system air conditioning, gas fitting, roofing, and compliant liquid waste disposal No matter the size or complexity of the job, we have the skills, equipment, and experience to deliver high-quality outcomes across Gippsland
Servicing from Warragul in the west to Mallacoota in the east!
Our Journey
The company you see today started as P&R Smolenaars Plumbing Pty Ltd in 1975, a family-run business that opened its doors with a small base in Sale. The business flourished and was dedicated to quality workmanship and customer service right from the start, and more family members joined the ranks In 1998 P&R Smolenaars Plumbing Pty Ltd changed its name to Smolenaars Plumbing Pty Ltd to reflect this growth.
Twelve years later, the company transitioned to the Laser Plumbing franchise and with demand continuing to grow, the Traralgon branch opened in 2009. Committed to attracting and retaining Gippsland’s best plumbers, our reputation for dependable workmanship and customer service grew in all areas of our business In 2020 we opened a depot in Bairnsdale to better service our broad range of clients. Midway through 2022, we continued our evolution, transitioning from Laser Plumbing to Tequa
We have consistently delivered premium plumbing services across Gippsland as well as suburban and metropolitan Melbourne Our skilled plumbers are backed by a leadership team with a combined experience in the plumbing and construction industries that spans decades Under the guidance of Company Director Daniel Smolenaars, supported by our management team, we have cemented our reputation for delivering firstclass projects on time and within budget 50 years after our 1975 opening day, we have over 100 talented and dedicated employees and three business entities. Our position as industry leaders and innovators is etched in our DNA.
Company Timeline
Daniel Smolenaars commences Plumbing apprenticeship
P&R Smolenaars Plumbing Pty Ltd is established
Daniel purchases 100% of business
Gippsland Pipelines
Re branded to Tequa
Our
Mission
To Exceed Expectations
Our Vision
We will build on our established reputation for complete customer care, employee engagement and industry innovation We embody our core values and pride ourselves as the leading provider of dependable plumbing solutions We make it our responsibility to ensure every Tequa client understands they are valued and their job is important
Our Values
Raise the Bar – We live our lives by challenging boundaries, exceeding the expectations of our customers and our community, and lifting the standards of what our service could be
Passionate about People – We give nothing less than what we would expect for ourselves. By this standard, we will enhance the well-being of our team, clients and community.
Courage to Act – We will accept the challenge, take ownership and overcome fears together Through belief in ourselves and each other, we will lead the way
AnotefromourManagingDirector
“We proudly deliver premium plumbing, civil, construction and liquid waste services across Gippsland and into Melbourne for an extremely diverse range of clients Whether you have a small domestic job to tend to, or a multi-million dollar project with impacts across regions and industries, we will provide the best solution for you And we will deliver it on time and within budget
With almost 100 employees today, our beginnings as a family business remain central to our values Our motivation will always be to deliver the best service and exceed expectations with our results.
Almost 50 years into our business journey, we have more resilience and focus than ever before. We don’t just want to be good at what we do. We intend to raise the bar for our industry and set the standard for excellence.”
Daniel Smolenaars Managing Director
Service & Maintenance
About Us
Our team is on call 24 hours a day, looking after your plumbing requirements With a reputation of finding solutions for our clients over many decades we are proud of our ability to deliver a service that exceeds expectations With access to the latest technology, both jobs big and small are a part of our daily operations From construction, to repairs, upgrades and compliance we have a team of experienced technicians.
Our services
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Residential Plumbing
Emergency Plumbing
• Commercial Plumbing
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Leak Detection
Blocked Drains
• Drainage Repairs and Upgrades
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Stormwater Pit Installation
Hot Water Systems
Roof and Gutter Replacement
Programmed Service Maintenance
Contract Plumbing and Maintenance
• Water Jetting
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Back Flow Installation and Servicing
Air Conditioning Installation
Fire hydrant testing
Backflow Installation
Hydraulic Plumbing
Agreements Gas servicing and repairs
Gas appliance installation, service & repair
Gas leak detection
Gas Hot Water Systems
Civil
About Us
No project is too big or too small for our Civil Crews, from a sewer and water connection to significant infrastructure projects With Gippsland’s largest fleet of equipment, combined with a highly skilled and experienced team, we get results.
We deliver a comprehensive range of civil services with a strong focus on quality, safety, and efficiency. Our experienced team specializes in large-scale infrastructure projects across Victoria, offering expert solutions in stormwater drainage, sewer installations, hydro excavation, directional drilling, trenching, underground service locating, cable hauling, civil drainage, and pipeline construction. When it comes to pipelines, we manage the entire process from route planning, trenching, and welding to non-destructive testing, hydrostatic testing, corrosion protection, and detailed inspection and reporting Our commitment to meticulous planning and precise execution ensures we meet the highest standards of compliance and performance
Our services
• Sewer, Water and Gas Pipeline Installation
• Trenchless Directional Drilling
• • Conduit installation and cable hauling Service Locations -BYDA Accreditation (Dial before you dig)
• Hydro excavation
• VEDN Compliant
• Emergency repairs to mains
• Pipeline Butt Welding and Electrofusion
• Project Management
• • Skid Steers
• • General Civil Works
Tip Trucks
Hydro Excavator Excavator + Backhoes
Directional Drilling
About Us
Directional drilling is essential for modern infrastructure projects, providing a non-destructive method that reduces surface disruption and environmental impact. It is particularly effective in urban areas, environmentally sensitive zones, and locations with existing infrastructure. Trust Tequa to deliver precise and reliable directional drilling services tailored to your project’s needs, ensuring timely and budget-conscious delivery.
We have a skilled directional drilling team, with modern equipment, qualified operators, and pipe & cable locators Our drilling team has mastered the art of minimising the environmental impact of projects, whether it’s a single shot or across multiple kilometres of works We have all the resources in-house to provide HDPE pipe installations up to a size of 400 mm and up to 150metres in length Tequa Trenchless, combined with the resources of our Civil Team, has successfully delivered on key infrastructure projects for the region over many years.
• Up to 300mm diameter and up to 90m at one time
• Up to 300mm diameter and up to 90m at one time
• Up to 720mm diameter and up to 150m at one time
Construction
About Us
Our plumbing construction team prides itself on servicing a wide range of commercial projects. With decades of experience, our team has widely diversified skills and is well equipped to take on anything from a high- ly technical challenge to large scale project management. Delivering on time and to the highest standards is on our DNA. Our dedicated project managers take each and every project on with the aim of exceeding expectations, while working with our clients to overcome challenges as they arise
• Commercial/Construction Plumbing
• Fire Service - Including pumps, tanks, Hydrants and hose reels and Residential Sprinklers
Including commercial Kitchens,
• Gasfitting – Small and Large Scale, Emergency shut off valves and solenoids.
Roofing:
• Civil Stormwater
• Small to large hydraulic plumbing
• Sewer manholes and pumpwells
• Hot water system repairs and replacement
• Roofing and wall cladding
Our roofing team has a proven track record of tackling multiple projects of differing scales. Large scale jobs requiring multiple crews through to more specialised and technical roofing projects are all well within our capabilities Partnering with all the main suppliers, our team is able access all the latest on trend products both for roofing and cladding
• Domestic Roofing
• Re Roofing
• Shed Roofs and Cladding
Our services (Small & Large Scale)
• Wall Cladding and Architectural Panelling
• Commercial and Roofing
• Guttering and Downpipes
• Hand & Guard railing
Liquid Waste Management
About Us
Tequa Liquid Waste stands as your ultimate resource for comprehensive liquid waste disposal Our expert team, equipped with cutting-edge technology, adeptly manages liquid waste for residential, commercial, and industrial clients. Our specialisation extends to the series of large-scale septic tanks, grease traps, holding tanks, portable toilets and more. Our streamlined and effective service allows us to safely collect, dispose and recycle hazardous or toxic liquid waste forms We offer the flexibility for on-demand or scheduled waste management services We recognise the important role of timely liquid waste removal in maintaining the smooth operation of your business. Our team is dedicated in delivering a hassle-free, simplified solution that meets your unique needs. Choose Tequa Liquid Waste for a waste solution that not only meets but exceeds expectations, ensuring your operations continue without a hitch
Our services
• Liquid Waste Collection
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• Grease Traps Portable Toliets
• Pumping Out
• Septic Tank Cleaning
• Liquid Waste Disposal
• Programmed Service Maintenance
• Phas Contaminated soil
As a commitment to our focus on sustainability and the responsible disposal of liquid waste, Tequa has joined the Victoria Waste Management Association a not-for-profit that work to promote best practice and the highest industry standards through providing services to its members and advice on industrial relations, occupational health and safety issues, and environmental regulations
Our People
We have a team of experienced technicians, and we continue to invest in all levels of training As part of our employee engagement strategy, we established the Tequa Academy to identify relevant training and development opportunities for all our team members.
Tequa Academy
The Tequa Academy ensures training for our staff in:
• Our internal systems
• Latest industry developments
• Areas of specialisations
• New technologies
We are determined to provide our clients with the best possible team with industryleading knowledge and experience combined with the best and latest practices This commitment to ongoing training and development is essential to realise our vision for complete customer care, employee engagement and industry innovation. It also empowers us to guarantee innovative solutions delivered on time and within budget to an exceptional standard
ExecutiveTeam
Managing Director
Chief Executive Officer
Chief Operations Officer Chief Financial Officer
Adam Helmke
Daniel Smolenaars
Trent Fairweather
Nicola Schembri
DepartmentManagers
Civil Manager
Chloe Milligan
Civil General Manager
Steve Bartlett
Project Manager
Michael Pedley
Traralgon Maintenance Manager
Aidan Huizer
Shawn Ray
Daniel Bird
Stewart Rees
David Hill
Charlie Walker
DepartmentManagers
Procurement Manager
Bernadette Dillion Regional ManagerGippsland
Operations Manager
Brad Langford Civil Supervisor
Ben Bassler
Mal Duncan
Our Projects
Project: Latrobe City Council Logistics Precinct
Value: 5 04 Million
Completion date: July 2024
The new Gippsland Logistics Precinct project for Latrobe City Council seen us complete a range of services including a new 10 2m deep precast concrete sewer pump station & 80,000ltr emergency storage vessel Rising sewer tying into Gippsland Waters existing gravity sewer infrastructure via a cast insitu 6m deep x1500mm wide discharge manhole 640m of gravity sewer ranging in sizes from 450mm to 225mm VC and depths from 7 7m to 4 5m in depth, including cast insitu manholes Boring a new 225mm PE main beneath Tramway road into the development and reticulating a total of 850m of water main through the precinct. The project came with its own set of challenges of unstable ground and ground water, however our experienced team triumphed over these issue’s through years of experience, meticulous planning and a curiosity of over coming any challenge thrown at them. The project also involved importing over 2000 tonne of imported material to build the surrounding areas around the sewer pump station and rising sewer discharge manhole Perimeter fencing, hardstands, driveway, concreting and bollards finished off the project We are very humbled to be part of this amazing and challenging project Seeing Morwell and surrounding towns befit from this development to attracting new and existing industries to the region
Our Projects
Project: Gippsland Water - Sale Sewerage Pump Station
Value: 3.5 Million
Completion date: June 2023
The Sale Sewerage Pump Station No 2 was a challenging yet successful infrastructure project, replacing an aging pump station built in 1974 The new pump station has a greater capacity and improves the site's aesthetic appeal The project's scope involved constructing two 5 5-meter-deep manholes, installing DN450 GRP gravity sewer mains, DN250 s/steel rising mains pipe, and Cassion constructing a new concrete wet well to a depth of approximately 7.5 meters below the surface. The project dealt with unstable ground, groundwater, and navigating overhead powerlines. Our team overcame these challenges through careful planning, a robust dewatering system, and learning on the many years of our teams' combined field experience. The project also involved demolishing the old pump station, removing redundant pumps, electrical cabling, odour control, and retrofitting the old wet and dry wells for emergency storage The site was reinstated, and the project was completed with the construction of new concrete slabs, driveways, crossovers, and a Colourbond perimeter fence
Tequa is proud to have played a crucial role in the project, representing a significant investment in the town's infrastructure With the new pump station's increased capacity and efficiency, the Sale community can expect a reliable supply of sewerage services for years to come, significantly impacting the community's well-being and quality of life
Our Projects
Project: Construction of DN180 Heyfield to Coongulla Interconnect Pipeline and Pump Station
Value: $3.75million
Completion date: July 2022.
The Heyfield to Coongulla Interconnect project, ranked among Gippsland Water’s top 10 initiatives for 2022 Requiring the installation of a 180mm PE below-ground water main over 11kms, and an upgrade to the existing pump station Gippsland Water’s Coongulla and Glenmaggie systems had been suffering from instability of treatable water supply. The aim of this project was to enable the supply of water from a different location, Heyfield, to ensure continuity of the service Previously, water had been transported to Coongulla and Glenmaggie when the local treatable water supply had run out By enabling the system to pipe water from Heyfield, the company will be able to avoid this outcome in the future and reduce community impacts that result from supply interruptions.
Our Projects
Project: Cowes Cultural Centre
Value: $882,000
Completion date: January 2024
Tequa had the opportunity to work on an exciting project for the Phillip Island and Cowes communities. The project involved completing the civil and hydraulic aspects of a new building designed as a 'passive house' – a sustainable and energy-efficient building standard that presented some unique challenges for our team
To ensure that the building had access to safe and reliable water, we installed a new 150mm fire service and water supply system, along with domestic and hot water supply. We also provided essential fire protection measures such as hydrants and hose reels, supported by diesel pumps and insitu tanks To manage the building's stormwater runoff, we installed UPVC drainage downpipes and connected them to a large SPEL stormwater retention/reuse tank
This enabled the building to collect and reuse recycled water for flushing toilets and garden irrigation, reducing the demand for fresh water. We also excavated and installed sanitary pipework and a 5000-litre grease interceptor for the new kitchen.
Finally, we handled the civil stormwater collection and discharge around the property, ensuring that all groundwater was properly managed Working in a tight works area, around protected tree zones, and through severe rock presented some significant challenges for our team, but we overcame them with skill and determination It was a fantastic project, and we ' re proud to have helped the community achieve their sustainable building goals with such high-quality fixtures and equipment.
Our Projects
Project: Stockdale Primary School Gymnasium Upgrade
Value: $730K
Completion date: January 2024
The team recently completed a detailed and technically challenging project at Stockdale Primary School, installing a wide range of Lysaght profiled sheeting across two new buildings
The scope included precise flashing work and curved sections, with the buildings clad in a mix of profiles and multiple Colorbond colours. Materials such as Custom Orb, Spandek, Klip-Lok, and Longline added variety and depth to the overall appearance
A standout feature of the project is the double-layered Danpal triangular wall cladding installed on the southern gymnasium wall This unique element adds a distinct architectural touch and showcases the team's skill in delivering specialised cladding solutions.
Our Projects
Project: Minor Works and Pole to Pit contract (Baw Baw, Latrobe, Wellington and East Gippsland regions)
Value: $2-3 million
Completion date: June 2025
Our scope of work on this project is to install Pole to Pit electrical infrastructure to support the installation and maintenance of Ausnet assets This project is taking place across the Baw Baw, Latrobe City, Wellington and East Gippsland local government areas, right to the eastern Victorian border
Project: RAAF Base Maintenance
Value: Various
Completion date: Ongoing
Tequa performs daily maintenance tasks at the East Sale RAAF Base to ensure that the plumbing system remains operational for the Australian Defence Force This includes preventative maintenance, reactive repairs to breakdowns, fixing burst water mains, addressing roof leaks, and other necessary maintenance requirements Additionally, Tequa provides emergency after-hour services as needed
Project: Various
Value: Various
Completion date: Ongoing
For over 25 years, Kubale Constructions has been delivering high-quality projects on time and on budget across Gippsland We have proudly partnered with them on several of their most notable developments, including the Warragul Leisure Centre and the Yarram Ambulance Station, showcasing our commitment to excellence in plumbing solutions for large-scale community infrastructure
Project: Various
Value: Various
Completion date: Ongoing
Working with McCorkell means partnering with a builder that leads with integrity and values its people, projects, and clients We appreciate McCorkell’s collaborative approach and commitment to quality, values that align strongly with our own focus on exceeding expectations Together, we ’ ve delivered standout projects such as the Berninneit Cultural Community Centre and the Cowes Cultural Centre, where teamwork and shared standards have led to outstanding results
Our Projects
Project: East Sale RAAF Base – Gas Reticulation Project
Value: $2 2 million
Completion date: September 2022
Tequa constructed a new natural gas below-ground reticulation system, connecting all existing buildings, hangars and infrastructure Including the replacement of existing end-of-life pipework and decommissioning of redundant pipe work We installed approximately 4.4km of new PE pipework, ranging from 160mm to 32mm
Project: Water Reticulation Design and Construct
Value: $1 5 million
Completion date: September 2022
Tequa designed and constructed a new potable water reticulation system to replace the existing end-of-life pipework Approximately 2km of new copper pipework will be installed inside the roof cavity, ranging from 100mm to 200mm
Project: Air5428 Pilot Training System (PTS) Facilities at Sale RAAF Base
Value: $7 million
Completion date: January 2020
Tequa installed a hydraulics package including sewer, hot, cold and non-potable water, low-pressure gas reticulation, sanitary plumbing, hot water plant, AFFF stormwater collection, stormwater, flame traps, rainwater storage, jacking pump systems for cold and rainwater We also completed car park and road asphalting, temporary building works and temporary fencing.
Our Systems
Tequa’s commitment to quality control is not a one-time event; we are dedicated to ongoing evaluation and improvement This approach keeps us constantly learning, evolving, and innovating in our operations rather than simply implementing and leaving a system unchanged. This commitment is key to providing sufficient and suitable resources for each project, so our team can always deliver their best quality work. Our operations have transformed since we implemented our cloud-based system. Thanks to this innovation, we can now complete forms and documents swiftly and accurately from anywhere. Field updates are also provided in real-time, and we can track the location of our vehicles and fleet continuously. Our cloudbased system also ensures continuity of service. If a team member is unavailable, assigning a substitute who can easily catch up on the project by reviewing the file is effortless It also promotes seamless communication among everyone involved in our projects All relevant documents are accessible to all parties, eliminating delays caused by waiting for information and confirmations This ensures that our team members are always on the same page, promoting efficient project delivery
Testimonials
Tequa has become a valued part of the team at our Traralgon plant. Their commitment to safety, professionalism, and technical expertise has been evident across every stage of their work, from regular gas servicing to major shutdowns and upgrade projects. Given the sensitive and safety-critical nature of our site, their ability to deliver compliant Type B gas services with minimal disruption is a huge asset We rely on partners who understand the importance of 24/7 plant operations, and Tequa consistently delivers with a proactive, can-do approach
David Camilleri – Traralgon Plant Manager – Graymont
Tequa has consistently demonstrated a high level of professionalism, technical expertise, and reliability in our ongoing collaboration At JBI Engineering, we ' ve had the pleasure of working closely with Tequa on both direct initiatives and as part of broader project teams involving external stakeholders. Their ability to seamlessly integrate into complex, largescale builds, while maintaining clear communication and delivering on deadlines has made them a trusted partner. Whether navigating plumbing or construction challenges or contributing to strategic planning, Tequa brings a solutions-oriented mindset and unwavering commitment to quality We look forward to continuing our successful partnership on future projects
John Bailey – Managing Director – JBI Engineering
Bega operates 24/7 here in Gippsland, so having a responsive and reliable plumbing partner is essential We've had a successful working relationship with Tequa for over 15 years, and their team, especially Aidan and Lachie understand the importance of keeping our operations running smoothly Together, we developed a proactive maintenance program that helps minimise breakdowns and ensures any issues that do come up are resolved quickly Their commitment, responsiveness, and understanding of our business make Tequa a valuable partner we know we can count on Greg Sommerville – Reliability
Planner – Bega Dairy
Working Together
Tequa guarantees the best plumbing, civil and construction solutions for all needs We deliver innovative work efficiently and within budget
Our integrated quality control systems ensure that when plans are modified, everyone who needs to be consulted can immediately access necessary information. Potential solutions can be analysed for the best outcome, and we can implement them quickly Our combined skills, knowledge, years of experience, and dedication to open communication and shared learning work to our clients’ advantage And as a company, it keeps us moving forwards
Whether you are calling our office to enquire, talking to our workers in the field or strategising and planning with our leadership team, you can assure you are working with the best. Our commitment to continual
improvement goes beyond formal training programs and is a value embedded throughout our business Our greatest asset is each other
At Tequa, we seek out the best recruits for our team in all business areas, and all work to bring out the best in each other. Our opportunities for a rewarding career keep our team engaged, passionate, and ready to find the best solution for every job they tackle, no matter how big or small
