North QLD sparkies set to outshine Australia’s best’

North Queensland’s best and brightest sparkies are now in the running to take out top gongs at this year’s Master Electricians Australia (MEA) National Excellence Awards after being recognised for their outstanding contributions to the industry in the Sunshine State.

Horan & Bird, which provides its electrical services in Townsville, Cairns, Ayr and Mackay, is hoping to take out the coveted national award, after being announced as the North Queensland Accredited Master Electrician of the Year.

Horan & Bird Director John Horan said it was a huge honour to be recognised as the best in the top end, and he was looking forward to showcasing his business to the rest of the country.

“There are so many good quality tradies in North Queensland that it was certainly a surprise to be announced as the region’s Accredited Master Electrician of the Year,” Mr Horan said.

“With more than 14,000 North Queensland clients on our books, we strongly invest in providing outstanding customer service, which is one thing that really sets us apart from other contractors around the country.

“North Queensland sparkies punch well above their weight so I think all the winners from our region are a pretty good chance of taking out a national award next month.”

Horan and Bird also took out the award for Commercial Project of the Year for their work on the Walkabout Caravan Park in Townsville. The Apprentice of the Year award went to fourth year apprentice Samuel Whiting, also from Horan & Bird in Townsville.

The other winners of the North Queensland MEA Excellence Awards include:

  • Business Woman of the Year – Lisa Viczko from KP Walsh Electrics in Townsville
  • Residential Project of the Year – ADP Electrical Pty Ltd for their project on Sundown Road, Innisfail
  • Industrial/Mining Project of the Year – ICS Electrical Contractors for their Townsville Port Upgrade for Glencore

The North Queensland winners will now go on to battle out against the other states, with national winners announced at a gala dinner during MEA’s 2014 Electrical Industry Conference at Noosa on September 27.

MEA Queensland State Manager Stephen King said the awards were a wonderful opportunity to recognise outstanding quality, attention to detail and high standards of professionalism within the industry.

“Being an Accredited Master Electrician is all about being the best in the business with a commitment to safety, reliability and innovation,” Mr King said.

“It was fantastic to see so many nominations from North Queensland sparkies who are excelling in all of these areas and really raising the bar to provide the highest levels of workmanship and electrical safety.

“Winners from the other states are going to have a really tough time knocking these stellar North Queensland contractors off the podium at the national awards.”

Interview opportunities available.  Contact Rebecca Manley at SAS Media & Communications on (07) 3171 2960 or 0404 799 896