Sparkies shine at National Excellence Awards Night

Australia’s best and brightest sparkies were acknowledged at the National Annual Excellence Awards held by Master Electricians Australia (MEA) and the Electrical Contractors Association (ECA) on Saturday 22 September.

A total of 16 awards were handed out to individuals and businesses who have demonstrated outstanding achievements in the industry.

The star of the event was Brisbane-based Power Integration, which took home three awards, including the Residential Project in excess of $400K title, and a highly commended Smart Wiring Project of the Year award for its work on flood-affected property.

Power Integration was also granted the honour of receiving the Green Project of the Year award for its million-dollar project at the Coolum Hyatt estate off David Low Way. The company’s expertise in providing smart wiring, security, and energy management and lighting control has not gone unnoticed.

Company director Glenn Powell said it was an honour and a privilege to be acknowledged by leading members in the industry.

“Power Integration is truly honoured to be acknowledged by ECA and MEA in these sectors,” said Powell. “There was such a diverse field of awards this year and everyone has done outstandingly well. Awards such as these are great in allowing everyone to meet each other in person and share stories and experiences with one another.”

Commlec, from Melbourne, also shined on the night, taking home the Smart Wiring Project of the Year award for completing a residential domestic home project involving automated lighting, blinds, curtains, swimming pool and CCTV intercom, as well as the use of iPad and remote accessibility appliance and utilities. Commlec was also bestowed the honour of Residential Project of the Year valued under $400K for its work on a domestic house in Blackrock, Melbourne, and the Commercial and Utilities Project award for its work on a sportsground in Maribyrnong-Maidstone, Melbourne.

The Master Electrician of the Year was awarded to Power Concepts, operated by Mathew Timms and Dave Segav in Darwin. A young enterprising electrical contractor, Timms is an active member of the ECA group, having adopted Safety Connect and attended the recent MEA/ECA conference in Melbourne. Clients state that Power Concepts promotes safety, provides prompt and reliable service, and displays a level of quality and workmanship far exceeding that of other contractors.

Ray Culpan, a life member of the ECA, received the prestigious President’s Award. Culpan and his wife Ros have made huge contributions to the ECA’s Gold Coast branch, of which Culpan was also Chairman for many years.

The honour of National Business Woman of the Year went to Janelle Miller from A&J Electrical, who has been part owner of the company since 1983 and is also the ECA Brisbane Branch Coordinator.

The Apprentice Encouragement Award was proudly received by Michael Egan from Brisbane-based R&H Electrical, who commenced his school-based apprenticeship in March 2008 and is mentored with ApprenticeConnect.

ECA Group business development manager Andrew Bailey said he was impressed by the high standard of the award recipients this year.

“I’m extremely proud of all our award winners this year,” Bailey said. “Their stellar efforts throughout the year have certainly raised the bar for excellence within the electrical industry, and we’re pleased to recognise and acknowledge outstanding electrical contractors who are true master electricians.”

Bailey said it was particularly tough competition this year for all award nominees. “The standard of Master Electricians’ work is improving year on year, and all the national award winners have demonstrated they are well and truly industry leaders,” he said. “I’m sure all award winners and nominees will continue to aim toward the highest standards of electrical work regardless of their field.”

Other winners included Excel Solar for the Toowoomba Solar Farm, Sunelec for the Dandiiri Contact Centre in Zillmere, Wattrix for the Mining Refuge Chamber and GTL for a new bottling plant function centre refurbishment. The Innovative Product of the Year award went to Joe Hudson from Remote Solar for the Remote Solar Isolator.