Ladies and Gentlemen, my name is Michael O'Keffe. I am delighted to have Shirley by my side, to enhance this evening and to assist me in overcoming my shyness. I operate a plumbing business in North Rocks and have been in business since 1969.
There is a proverb in Africa: "we do not inherit the land from our parents, we borrow it from our children". Based on that
theory, we as members of the most versatile profession in Australia have an obligation to ensure that we maintain high standards and knowledge of technology to enhance the environment and lifestyle of our generation and our descendants.
6000 years ago in Babylon, when artisans first worked with lead, constructed drainage and developed an awareness of the need
to dispose of waste, they could not have invisaged the innovation and technology of the 21st Century.
The long break between the Roman civilisation and the end of the nineteenth century was a period almost devoid of plumbing.
The Western world has advanced and particularly Australia, has embraced technology and improved lifestyle. We gather here tonight to enhance our own education and to enjoy a social evening with peers.
It is heartening to see the partners of plumbers, who so often are the first contact the customer has with a business, sharing
the evening. Unfortunately a rare experience in our profession.
It is my pleasure to introduce Mr. Jack Crawford, to open the Seminar. Jack commenced business with Samuel and continued as Crawford and Samuel until 1988, involved in commercial and industrial work. A man of high integrity and honesty, who was and is still respected within the profession and the community. Jack was State President of The Master Plumber's and Mechanical Contractors Association of NSW in 1985 and was also President of the innaugural World Plumbing Conference in 1985.
From 1990 to 1997, Jack was employed by the Master Plumber's & Mechanical Contractors Association of NSW as an Industrial
Officer and as the Membership Coordinator, giving the benefit of his valuable experience, over the previous years. Jack was awarded the prestigous honour of life membership, of the Master Plumber's & Mechanical Contractors Association of NSW in 1994 and continues to give freely of his time and knowledge to fellow professionals. In march 2000, Jack was elected to the position of Treasurer of the Associatioin, which he undertakes with diligence and dedication.
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