10 wpc
WPC elects new board , chairperson
The following is an extract from the last quarter ’ s World Plumbing Council Review , which we share as a service to the plumbing industry and the WPC .
By the World Plumbing Council
Newly elected chairperson of the WPC , Shayne La Combre .
The World Plumbing Council ( WPC ) is pleased to announce that Shayne La Combre , CEO of Australia ’ s Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre ( PICAC ) and deputy chair of the WPC , has been elected unopposed to chair of the WPC for the 2016 – 2019 term .
The confirmation took place at the recent WPC Triennial Conference held in Cape Town , South Africa . The 11th Triennial Conference saw plumbing delegates from around the world gather to tackle key issues affecting the industry and the health and wellbeing of the international community .
This decision cements the important role that La Combre has played within the WPC and emphasises the role that Australia will play in the future of the WPC in achieving the organisation ’ s objective of developing and promoting the image and standards of the plumbing industry worldwide . For the next three years , the WPC will dedicate its efforts to further lifting standards of plumbing and improving access to fresh drinking water and sanitation globally .
The council places a strong emphasis on the importance of education and training in reaching these key objectives . As CEO of PICAC , one of the world ’ s most pre-eminent plumbing training centres , La Combre is perfectly positioned to drive this strategy in the years to come . PICAC is a global reference point and industry hub , and was recognised as National Small Training Provider of the Year in 2015 by the Australian Training Awards . The WPC will continue to support vital projects around the world to promote education and training within the industry . PICAC was heavily involved in the Community Plumbing Challenge — a joint initiative between the WPC , IAPMO and World Skills , for both 2015 and 2016 — with a plan to further increase support and participation in the coming years . In this term , the WPC will use such projects to advance key messages , such as the importance of access to sanitation and clean drinking water , the dangers of asbestos , and the disastrous effects of lead contamination in plumbing systems for the health and wellbeing of our communities .
Under the leadership of the Executive Board , the WPC will take on a range of new initiatives and objectives , with key portfolios being managed by the board members around the world . The first of many strategic planning and programme development sessions will occur in December this year , at the Executive Board Strategic Planning Meeting to be held in Hong Kong .
Since first being elected to the WPC Board in 2011 , La Combre has dedicated his efforts to promoting the message of the WPC . An example of this has been demonstrated through PICAC , by holding the largest World Plumbing Day ( WPD ) event in Australia every year . WPD is a key initiative of the WPC and highlights the important role plumbing plays in the health , safety , and sustainability of our community . The 2016 event held at PICAC saw over 450 industry representatives in attendance and the plans for 2017 will see the biggest event yet , to be held at multiple PICAC campuses .
This current term will culminate in 2019 , when Melbourne will be host to the 12th Triennial WPC Conference , which will run over three days at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre . After working tirelessly to secure and co-ordinate the event , the newly appointed chairperson promises that the 2019
March 2017 Volume 23 I Number 1 www . plumbingafrica . co . za