Following is a profile on each of the candidates for the election of Councillor, (five only positions).

Candidates for Councillor:

Ben Haines:

Managing Director of an electrical contracting business and been a member of MEAQ for the past 15 years. We employ 70 staff and work predominantly in the Tier 2 construction and commercial service sector.  My focus is on improving safety culture and worker competence, developing business systems that improve efficiency/ reliability and the adoption of new technology.

Leo Ward:

I have been part of the electrical contracting industry since 1974 in a variety of positions culminating in starting my own company in 2003, being based in Cairns.=

Power & Data Support Services is located in a regional area of Queensland, where the need to be resourceful and providing inspiration to the team and clients is a mainstay our existence. Our company specialises in critical power systems supporting medical facilities and Defence installations, as well as maintaining resources to enable a variety of commercial and industrial electrical services.

I have been privileged to be an area branch co-ordinator for the Far North Queensland region for Master Electricians Australia, and in 2019 was elected as a member representative Councillor. I enjoy the opportunity to return the favours this electrical industry has provided to me, and the mateships gained.

I am a proud recipient of a Life Membership and Alumni to Master Electricians Australia, and a strong advocate of rural electrical safety. Where time permits, I enjoy being part of our Football community (retiring Chair of FNQ Football), a member of Advance Cairns, the Cairns Chamber of Commerce, and Shorthorn Society (Stud cattle breeder).

Brooke MacGregor:

Brooke purchased Genergy Australia from her parents 12 years ago. As the Managing Director, she sits at the helm of a 26 year old business that has grown into a significant entity in the SEQ stand-by power sector. She draws on her Bachelor of Business and Masters of Professional Accounting (QUT) to run a successful company that focuses on operational efficiencies and safety while offering great customer service through the use of new field technologies.

Brooke strives to create a safe and happy culture and works to ensure Genergy Australia remains a successful, reputable electrical contractor, believing the reputation of her company is paramount.

She is passionate about the electrical industry and also small business, recognising it as the backbone to the economy.   Watching her parents as small contractors struggle and nearly hit the wall several times usually for issues out of their control, she is driven to fight on behalf of the small operators. Which is why Brooke has nominated to be part of the MEA Council.

Brooke believes that it is imperative that small businesses are supported to run profitable, safe and professional operations.

Brooke has been an active member of Master Electricians Australia since 2012. She has been on the Women in Contracting Committee since it restarted in 2016 and is the SEQ Area Manager and also has served on the MEA Council since 2019.

Owen Blamires:

I have operated a diverse Qld regional country multi-faceted electrical contracting business as both Director and owner for 41 years.

Successfully trained 18 electrical apprentices to become competent tradespersons.

I currently hold the regional councillor Board member of MEAQ position and have done so for many years.   Whilst being the regional representative I uphold the vision of all small electrical contractors, to be kept well informed and ensuring their voices are heard and acted upon.

I am currently involved in consultancy and mentoring in the electrical industry and especially passionate in the area of renewable energy including solar and battery storage.

Along with my enthusiasm for the electrical industry is my compassion for those less fortunate and I have had the honour using my accumulated electrical skills in humanitarian areas of less fortunate communities such as the remote islands of Vanuatu and east Timor.  The teams worked together to provide sustainable solar and electrical power systems to schools and hospitals.  Along with other volunteers, I am a foundation member on the MEA Powerup Committee.

Tas Mohammed:

I have been in the electrical industry for the past 24 years and started my own business, Brightlite Electrical Services in 2004. I have been an active member of the Master Electricians Australia (MEAQ) since starting my business and have been participating in branch meetings, conferences and Roadshows. MEAQ has supported my business growth throughout that time. I have previously employed apprentices and we have been servicing major customers across SEQ.

I am highly conscientious and self-motivated trouble-shooter seeking continuous improvement with a large emphasis on safety and training. It is my commitment and passion for the industry which drives me to continually support the local community by taking on school-based work experience students who are interested in working in the electrical industry and providing them with the opportunity to work closely with a qualified tradesperson and to give them a better understanding of the industry. I believe that I will be a great addition to the MEA committee with my diverse cultural background that enables me to think outside the square. I will be able to draw from my many business experiences and contribute my ideas to MEA to ensure the longevity of the organisation that has supported me.

Michael Saunders:

Michael left Marist Brothers Ashgrove as an enthusiastic 17 year old to start his apprenticeship in the South Burnett. Upon completion of Michaels apprenticeship, he made the move to Townsville where he has called home for the past 21 years. Michael has been the director of NQ Electrical for the past 6 years and he believes that the small electrical contractors are the life blood of the industry.

Michael is currently a MEAQ Councillor, Townsville Master Electrician’s branch coordinator and Club Clipsal Advisory Member. Michael believes devoting his time to these organisations is vital in giving back some of his vast experience that he has gained in his life’s journey to this date.

Michael is well respected in the electrical industry and with his vast experience in both business and social organisation’s he believes he has been a great asset to Master Electricians members as a councillor and would enjoy continuing his role upon re-election.