Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre

Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre The Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre (PICAC)
has state of the art campuses in VIC, NSW & QLD

What an afternoon at the MCG! Last week was our 5th Annual AFL Footy Finals Luncheon and what a day it was.From the mome...
02/09/2026

What an afternoon at the MCG!

Last week was our 5th Annual AFL Footy Finals Luncheon and what a day it was.

From the moment guests arrived, the MCG was buzzing with conversation and community spirit - bringing our industry together for a great afternoon with an even greater purpose.

Most importantly, the event helped raise vital support for the Indigenous Plumbing and Sanitation Foundation (IPSF) and Big Brothers Big Sisters Australia - two organisations working to create greater opportunities and stronger futures within our communities.

A huge thank you to Russell Robertson for returning to MC once again, our host Sarah Burt, our incredible panel of footy stars and everyone who helped make the afternoon such a success.

And of course, thank you to our Platinum Sponsor Incolink, our Gold Sponsors, industry partners, guests and supporters. Your generosity and commitment made this event possible.

We’re proud to have once again brought our industry together for an afternoon that demonstrates the impact we can make when we work together.

Thank you for being part of it - and we’ll see you at the MCG next year!

Many accept aches and pains as "just part of the job." But they don't have to be.Research shows:• 69% of tradies believe...
30/08/2026

Many accept aches and pains as "just part of the job." But they don't have to be.

Research shows:
• 69% of tradies believe being sore is normal.
• 60% regularly experience work-related aches and pains.

Aches and pains might be common in the trades, but they shouldn't be ignored. Research shows that more than 90% of tradies experienced work-related pain or injury in the past year, reinforcing the importance of speaking up early, seeking support and taking steps to prevent small issues from becoming long-term injuries.

Whether it's stretching before work, improving lifting techniques, speaking with your employer or visiting a physiotherapist, acting early can help keep you doing the job you love for longer.

Looking after yourself isn't taking time away from work - it's investing in your future.

PICAC is proud to announce that our Australian competitors have excelled at the Apprentice Competition, which wrapped up...
17/08/2026

PICAC is proud to announce that our Australian competitors have excelled at the Apprentice Competition, which wrapped up last week in Ann Arbor, USA.

This rigorous five-day competition brought together the top apprentices from across the United States, Canada and Australia, putting their technical skills, knowledge and professionalism to the test.

Representing Australia in the international contest were Pasquale Angelino, a graduate plumbing apprentice from Master Plumbers and employed by Geschke Plumbing, and Jake Stopinski, a graduate fire protection apprentice from Fire Industry Training and employed by Leemark Fire Protection.

Both apprentices performed incredibly well throughout this year's competition, and we congratulate them on their outstanding commitment, professionalism and excellence in their respective trades.

A special congratulations to Jake Stopinski, who was awarded the Allyn Parmenter and George Bliss UA Directors of Training Award. The award recognises the apprentice contestant who demonstrates exceptional leadership and embodies the United Association's Standard for Excellence.

This is an incredible achievement and a testament to Jake's dedication, professionalism and commitment to excellence in the fire protection industry.

Well done, Jake and Pasquale! You've represented Australia, PICAC and your industries with great pride on the international stage.

A huge thank you to the partners behind the AFL Finals Luncheon.As we get ready for another fantastic afternoon at the M...
17/08/2026

A huge thank you to the partners behind the AFL Finals Luncheon.

As we get ready for another fantastic afternoon at the MCG, we want to take a moment to recognise the incredible organisations helping make the 5th Annual AFL Footy Finals Luncheon possible.

Our Platinum Sponsor, Incolink, together with our Gold Sponsors, have played an important role in bringing our industry and community together to support two organisations doing meaningful work: the Indigenous Plumbing and Sanitation Foundation (IPSF) and Big Brothers Big Sisters Australia.

Thank you for supporting the event and helping us turn a great day of footy into something that can have an even greater impact.

We can’t wait to welcome everyone to the MCG!

The AFL Finals are coming up soon, and so is one of our favourite events of the year.Join us for the 5th Annual AFL Fina...
16/08/2026

The AFL Finals are coming up soon, and so is one of our favourite events of the year.

Join us for the 5th Annual AFL Finals Luncheon Series at the iconic MCG as we come together to celebrate the excitement of finals footy while supporting two incredible causes.

Funds raised from the event will support two remarkable organisations making a real difference in communities across Australia.

Big Brother Big Sisters of Australia help young people reach their full potential through life-changing mentoring relationships. By connecting children and young people with positive role models, the organisation provides guidance, support and opportunities that can have a lasting impact.

The Indigenous Plumbing & Sanitation Foundation works alongside remote Indigenous communities to improve access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene outcomes. Through education, training and community-led initiatives, the Foundation is helping create healthier communities while building pathways into skilled trades and long-term employment.

Join us as we celebrate AFL Finals season while making a meaningful contribution to two worthy causes.

📅 Thursday 27 August 2026
⏰ 12:00pm – 3:30pm
📍 MCC Dining Room, Melbourne Cricket Ground

Final Tickets still available: https://form.jotform.com/261197685843875

💧 National Backflow Prevention DayEvery year on 16 August, National Backflow Prevention Day recognises the critical role...
15/08/2026

💧 National Backflow Prevention Day

Every year on 16 August, National Backflow Prevention Day recognises the critical role backflow prevention plays in protecting Australia's drinking water.

Backflow prevention devices help stop contaminated water from flowing back into the potable water supply, safeguarding public health in our homes, workplaces, hospitals and communities. While these systems often go unnoticed, they are an essential part of our plumbing infrastructure.

At PICAC, we're proud to support the plumbing industry by delivering nationally recognised Backflow Prevention training across Australia. Our courses equip licensed plumbers with the knowledge and practical skills to install, test and maintain backflow prevention devices in line with Australian standards and industry requirements.

As our built environment continues to evolve, ongoing training and professional development are essential to maintaining safe, reliable water systems for generations to come.

Today, we recognise the plumbers, trainers, water authorities and industry professionals whose expertise helps protect one of our most valuable resources - clean, safe water.

Learn more about PICAC's Backflow Prevention training and how we're helping build a skilled, future-ready workforce. https://www.picac.edu.au/

Your most important tool isn’t in your toolbox. It’s you. August is the National Tradies Health Month – a reminder that ...
14/08/2026

Your most important tool isn’t in your toolbox.
It’s you.

August is the National Tradies Health Month – a reminder that your health is one of the most important tools you take to work every day.

The plumbing and fire protection industries are built by skilled people who take pride in their craft, support their teams and keep communities safe.

But building a long and rewarding career starts with looking after yourself along the way.

Because a stronger industry starts with healthy people.

PICAC has reached 5 Million Training Hours!This week, we celebrate a milestone that belongs to our entire industry.Five ...
13/08/2026

PICAC has reached 5 Million Training Hours!

This week, we celebrate a milestone that belongs to our entire industry.
Five million hours of learning. Five million hours invested in the future of plumbing, fire protection and emerging technologies.

This achievement didn't happen by chance. It represents the collaboration and commitment of thousands of apprentices, students, trainers, employers, industry partners and our Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), all working together to build a stronger, more skilled workforce.

But this milestone isn't just about hours.

It's about apprentices taking their first steps into the industry.
It's about qualified tradespeople continuing to build their expertise.
It's about trainers sharing decades of knowledge and experience.
It's about employers investing in the next generation.
And it's about our RTOs, whose dedication to quality training has helped shape millions of hours of learning across Australia.

Every training hour represents a person. A skill learned. Confidence gained. A safer workplace. A stronger industry. A future strengthened.

While 5 million is an incredible number, the impact behind it is even greater.
Thank you to every learner, trainer, employer and industry supporter who has contributed to this milestone.

Here’s to the next chapter of industry training.

Australia’s approach to lead-free plumbing standards differs from that of many comparable nations.While many developed c...
12/08/2026

Australia’s approach to lead-free plumbing standards differs from that of many comparable nations.

While many developed countries moved early to protect public health well over a decade ago. Australia has just extended the deadline for lead-free plumbing to 2028.

• United Kingdom - restrictions from the 1980s; 0.25% limit since 2013
• United States & Canada - 0.25% weighted average lead content limit since 2014
• New Zealand - enforcing 0.25% from 2026
• European Union - moving to a stricter 0.1% standard by December 2026

Let that sink in.

These examples show that international jurisdictions are at different stages of implementation, with some having longstanding limits and others continuing to strengthen standards.

Meanwhile, the Australian Building Codes Board kicked the deadline to 2028.
Victoria has now broken ranks and has demonstrated that the transition is achievable. Certified compliant products are already available within the market. The case for further delay is not supported by the evidence.

This sits within a broader national discussion about timing, consistency and alignment with international best practice.

PICAC, alongside a coalition of industry organisations, supports ensuring public awareness of the issue and a continued focus on protecting public health.

Australia should be setting standards consistent with global best practice - not lagging behind them.

Meet your hosts for the 2026 AFL Finals Luncheon SeriesWe’re excited to announce the hosts who will be leading this year...
11/08/2026

Meet your hosts for the 2026 AFL Finals Luncheon Series

We’re excited to announce the hosts who will be leading this year’s 5th Annual AFL Finals Luncheon Series, proudly raising funds for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Australia and the Indigenous Plumbing & Sanitation Foundation (IPSF).

Returning as MC is Russell Robertson, former AFL player renowned for his spectacular marks, passion for the game and engaging personality, Russel will once again take the reins as host for another memorable afternoon at the MCG.

Joining him as our panel host is Sarah Burt, who brings a wealth of experience across television, radio, print and digital media, having worked with organisations including Fox Sports, the AFL, Channel 7, 3AW and many of Australia’s leading sporting publications.
Together, Russell and Sarah will help deliver an afternoon of networking, entertainment and fundraising, with an exciting lineup of special guests still to be announced.

📅Thursday 27 August 2026
🕛12:00pm -3:30pm
📍MCC Dining Room, Melbourne Cricket Ground

All funds raised will support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Australia and the Indigenous Plumbing & Sanitation Foundation (IPSF).

Tables and individual tickets are still available.

Register here: https://form.jotform.com/261197685843875

Address

6/306 Albert Street
Brunswick, VIC
3056

Opening Hours

Monday 7am - 5pm
Tuesday 7am - 5pm
Wednesday 7am - 5pm
Thursday 7am - 5pm
Friday 7am - 5pm

Telephone

+611300222727

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