The award also honours Bonsak for his professional
work, which includes nearly 50 years in the plumbing
industry. Before joining IAPMO in August 2016, Bonsak
served as executive manager of Energy Safe Victoria’s
Gas Installation and Appliance Safety division.
Bonsak said in Victoria, where he lives, one to two people
were dying every year of carbon monoxide poisoning
from installed gas appliances. After two young boys
died in their beds as a result of a faulty gas heater, he
spearheaded a public awareness campaign that included
training gasfitters to do carbon monoxide testing on
appliances. In the ensuing seven years, there have not
been any carbon monoxide-related deaths in Victoria
— the longest such period since gas was introduced in
Victoria in the 19th century.
IAPMO CEO GP Russ Chaney lauded Bonsak for how
much he has given back to his community over the years.
“I’m thrilled to congratulate Paul on behalf of all
IAPMO members and staff for being recognised and
awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for years
of foster care for more than 26 children in Australia,”
he said. “Paul’s groundbreaking work in founding the
Macclesfield Adult Riding Club and the Macclesfield
Riding for the Disabled are excellent examples
of his philanthropic work for others in need. His
compassionate and unstinting commitment to others
have led to this well-deserved recognition. We are so
very proud of Paul’s effort and his leadership. He is an
excellent example to all of us who desire to give back or
to lend a helping hand. Paul epitomises everything that
is good in our society!”
Bonsak finally acknowledged that his life hasn’t exactly
been ordinary, but he was still surprised to receive the
award. “My life has been a bit special; it has been good,”
he said. “I’ve been very fortunate and had a wonderful
life. And I’ve enjoyed doing what I did. It wasn’t a real
burden or something that was arduous; it was something
that I liked doing. There was a lot of laughter. We had a
lot of giggles and fun; stupid stuff and being dumb with
the kids.” PA
63
ASSOCIATIONS: IAPMO
Bonsak with his award after the
ceremony. He was honoured
for his service to children
as a provider of foster care,
founding horse-riding clubs for
the disabled and adults, and
for his work within the business
community.
History made in Bethlehem
IOPSA held the inaugural meeting for its Bethlehem region at the Gemsbok Club.
By IOPSA
It certainly was a lengthy process in putting this
event together, and IOPSA would like to thank
Mark and Linda of M&M Plumbing for making
this event an immense success. There was no
shortage of commitment in terms of making this
event happen, with Gert and Tokkie Fraser, Rudi
van der Merwe, and Andre van Zyl travelling a
round trip of 500km to attend and present in
support of this event in Bethlehem.
and PIRB initiatives. A good start for a small town being
an attendance of around 14 people.
It has been one of IOPSA’s goals to extend to outlying
areas as we have managed to do in the Gauteng,
Southern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal regions. IOPSA would
like to thank Mark and Linda for their commitment in
taking on the position of sub-regional coordinator for the
Bethlehem region. We look forward to future meetings to
identify and develop the region. PA
Steve Brown travelled from Durban — another extensive
round trip of 800km. Mark and Linda were able to
schedule a meeting with the local building control
officers at their offices; this in support of advising them
of the changes within IOPSA and the PIRB. IOPSA
extended an invitation to the building control officers to
attend the weekly IOPSA building control officer training
webinars.
One of the senior building inspectors attended the IOPSA
meeting that evening and was very supportive of IOPSA
www.plumbingafrica.co.za
January 2018 Volume 23 I Number 11