In the deco inspired surrounds of the luxurious Grand Hyatt Melbourne, an enthusiastic crowd of 500 celebrated the achievements of their peers at the Plumbing and Fire Industry Awards on Saturday 5 August.
The sold out event, now in its third year, is a collaborative event presented by the Master Plumbers, the Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre (PICAC), the Plumbing and Pipe Trades Employees Union (PPTEU), the National Fire Industry Association (NFIA), and for the first time this year, the Association of Hydraulic Services Consultants Australia (AHSCA), who has joined forces with the other stakeholders as a fifth presenting partner.
Several VIPs were in attendance on the night including The Hon. Senator Kim Carr, Senator Kimberley Kitching, Mr Peter Khalil, Member for Wills, Mr Shaun Leane, Parliamentary Secretary to the Special Minister of State and Parliamentary Secretary for Infrastructure, and Councillor Oscar Yildiz of Moreland City Council and Founder and CEO of Bully Zero Australia Foundation.
Setting the scene for a night of top class entertainment was MC and star of stage and screen, Tim Campbell, performing an excellent rendition of The Jackson Five’s ‘Can You Feel It?’
With the nominees and guests eager to find out who this year’s winners were, the first set of awards were announced recognising indigenous and female industry professionals, excellence in OHS, education and sustainability, and outstanding contributions from the fire protection industry.
A short break for entrée service allowed guests to mingle and visit the media wall for photos and to congratulate the first round of winners. Next up was the AHSCA suite of awards, followed by those presented to the plumbing industry’s top apprentices.
The feature act for the night was well known to nearly everyone in the room – The Black Sorrows, with front man Joe Camilleri pumping out hit after hit from their back catalogue of songs to a packed dance floor of fans.
Energy levels were high and the room buzzed with anticipation as the final three premier awards were announced. Project of the Year was presented to Cooke & Dowsett for their impeccable work on Simonds Stadium, Mark Pasini was presented with the plumbing industry’s most prestigious Award, the Andrew Letten Gold Medal, and finally, Fire Industry legend Lou Maglio took out the William P. Hite Leadership Excellence Award.
Tim Campbell and his band returned to the stage to keep the party going until midnight on what was a wonderful evening of celebration and success.
A massive congratulations to all of the award nominees and winners and a huge thank you to their family, friends, colleagues and peers who attended the event, making it a huge success.
An event of this calibre doesn’t happen without the commitment of sponsors and the PFIA Stakeholders Committee sincerely thanks the many organisations who provided their support.
You can see all the photos from the event on the awards Facebook page facebook.com/PFIAAwards which also has links to the award presentation videos.
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2017 PFIA – Winner and Finalists
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AHSCA Commercial Plumbing Affiliate Award
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Finalist
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Cooke & Dowsett
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Finalist
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Geschke Group
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Winner
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NSG Plumbing
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AHSCA Corporate Sponsors Award
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Finalist
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Greg Brittain - Zip Industries
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Finalist
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Scott Johnson - Rheem Australia
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Winner
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Dean Rowlands - SpecRep Services
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AHSCA Tom Clements Consultant of the Year Award
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Finalist
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Mark Pearson
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Finalist
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Nick Spanu
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Winner
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Bruce Clements
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AHSCA Commercial Plumbing Affiliate Award
Proudly sponsored by Davey Water Products
NSG Plumbing
NSG Plumbing are active contributors to the AHSCA and often provide relevant advice and commentary at the general meetings. Norm and his team are well liked and respected by the AHSCA members.
AHSCA Corporate Sponsors Award
Proudly sponsored by AHSCA Victorian Chapter
Dean Rowlands - SpecRep Services
Dean has the ability to perfectly balance a level of professionalism with a healthy sense of humour. He has a detailed knowledge of all aspects of his product range and a wealth of experience across the wider plumbing industry.
AHSCA Tom Clements Consultant of the Year Award
Proudly sponsored by Conex Banninger
Bruce Clements
Bruce has been a longstanding member and valued contributor of the AHSCA. He has previously served on their Board of Directors and demonstrates the integrity and professionalism expected by the Association.
Although it has been discussed at Board level for many years, 2017 is the first year that the Consultant of the Year Award has been named in honour of the Association’s inaugural President, Tom Clements – Bruce’s father.
A special thanks to our sponsors:
Conex Banninger & Davey Water Products.