“CityNews” spoke with some of the 2023 ACT National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) winners.

THE National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) has recognised the industry’s best with the 2023 NECA ACT Awards.

“Congratulations to our winners, who have not only showcased outstanding examples of the best our industry has to offer, but have also shown what is possible for the future of our industry,” the association’s CEO Oliver Judd says in a media statement. 

“Our NECA members should be proud of the sector’s success and what these finalists have achieved throughout some very difficult periods. The standard of work has been incredible.”

“CityNews” spoke with some of the local winners.

Award-winning ‘vibrant, cost-saving uplift’

PHASE 4 Electrical & Data received the ACT chapter’s, best medium commercial project in this year’s NECA Awards for the electrical installation and refurbishment of the Canberra Centre, Scott’s Crossing Project, says project manager Zac Hayward.

“This project included the demolition of the existing S84 ground floor and re-fit with a vibrant, energy efficient arcade, landscape and amenity facilities, design and facilitation for the supply of power to Canberra’s first hawker-style eatery Tiger Lane, as well as infrastructure upgrades to the existing centre including new switchboards, entry ramps, boom gates and LED upgrades,” he says.

“This project has given the Canberra Centre a vibrant uplift to attract more customers, whilst providing cost savings from energy efficient initiatives. Winning the award was fantastic as it was great to have our hard work recognised in what was such a competitive field.”

Zac says Phase 4 Electrical & Data was started by Tony Polak and Jeremy Fooks in 2002, making this year their 21st in the business.

“We offer all facets of electrical and data services from high-end residential through to large-scale commercial with offerings in lighting control and automation solutions also,” he says.

“We are a hardworking and friendly team that strive to go the extra mile for our customers by ensuring faultless workmanship and ensuring your electrical needs are met on time and above expectations.

“We are very much customer focused and take the utmost pride in our work, this is proven by our latest award.

“I am coming into my eighth year at Phase 4, and I envision many more with them.”

Phase 4 Electrical & Data, 13 Yallourn Street, Fyshwick. Call 6262 3500, or visit phase4.com.au

‘Exceptional performance’ from top apprentice

ZACH Watson was honoured with the ACT NECA Apprentice of the Year Award in recognition of his exceptional performance throughout his apprenticeship training, says Robert King, Power Protect general manager.

“Throughout his four-year tenure as an apprentice at Power Protect, Zach demonstrated an unwavering commitment to mastering the electrical trade, supported by the expertise of the ACT technical trade team,” he says.

Power Protect, a division of BGIS, is one of Australia’s leading providers of Critical Power solutions, says Robert.

“The company specialises in offering a comprehensive range of equipment essential for ensuring a continuous and reliable supply of clean electrical power to critical systems,” he says.

“Power Protect boasts an extensive client base spanning various sectors, including government and the public sector, data centres and telecommunications, healthcare providers, utilities companies, industrial and mining operations, among others.

“Their product portfolio covers all potential requirements for critical power solutions and includes top-tier global brands in key equipment categories: uninterruptible power supplies, batteries, racks and cabinets, generators, and harmonic filter and power factor correction solutions.”

Furthermore, Robert says Power Protect consistently keeps pace with technological advancements and emerging trends in the field, ensuring its product range remains at the forefront of innovation.

“Our dedicated projects team collaborates with you throughout the entire process, engaging with IT, facilities, network and security experts to deliver a tailored solution that guarantees reliability and performance,” he says.

Power Protect, 23 Whyalla Street, Fyshwick. Call 1300 877626, or visit apac.bgis.com

Determination wins apprentice Alex an award

ALEX Henderson won the Industrial Apprentice of the Year award, for his work through Inviting Lighting, says owner Carl George.

“Alex has been with us for two years, he does a lot of work on generators which is really interesting,” says Carl.

“Alex is very determined, if he doesn’t know something he will go home and study it so he knows for the future, so he is very driven too.

“Inviting Lighting specialises in mostly domestic work, such as extensions, renovations, but we also do new builds, home automation, TV and data works, any commercial electrical work and LED lighting and CCTV upgrades.”

Carl started the business six years ago to give running his very own business a crack.

“But, I have been in the industry for 15 or 16 years now,” he says.

“It has been pretty successful, too.”

Carl says his clients are always pleased with the results he and his team achieve.

“Clients have described Inviting Lighting as endlessly helpful, tidy, priced well, punctual and reliable, professional, friendly, and offer great workmanship as well as having a very pleasant manner,” he says.

“I personally love being out and about in Canberra meeting lovely clients and helping them modernise their home or helping with whatever electrical issues they may have.”

Inviting Lighting. Call 0435 101466, or search Inviting Lighting on Facebook.