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Our Council

Peter Matthews – President

As the Founder and CEO of Solar Service Guys, Peter boasts over two decades of experience in the electrical industry. Peter is passionate about the electrical and renewable energy sectors and currently is the president of Master Electricians Australia.

In both 2018 and 2019, Peter was celebrated as the Young Entrepreneur of the Year, and in 2019, he also received the prestigious Master Electrician of the Year award, solidifying his reputation as an outstanding leader in the industry, with Solar Service Guys playing a significant role in these achievements.

Peter’s leadership has seen Solar Service Guys flourish, expanding its team to over 100 employees who provide services across the entire nation. They have successfully visited and served over 70,000 homes throughout Australia, a testament to their commitment to delivering top-notch solar solutions and services.


John Horan – Immediate Past President

John has more than 20 years’ experience in the Electrical industry, holds an MBA, and founded North Queensland based Electrical Company Horan and Bird in 2004.

Horan and Bird, winner of the Australian Service Business of the year in 2012, employs nearly 100 people and is currently one of the largest Solar installers in Australia. In 2011 they were proud to build the first Renewable Energy Centre in Queensland for research and development innovation in Australian energy solutions.


Sarah Loveday – Senior Vice President

Sarah is Managing Director of Loveday Electrical, a medium sized electrical and air-conditioning contractor specialising in domestic construction and maintenance. With Loveday Electrical established 35 years ago, Sarah is a third-generation electrician.

In addition to her electrical trade Sarah has qualifications in business. Sarah Chairs the MEA Women in Contracting committee and has been the founding member of the MEA North Brisbane Branch. Sarah was the South QLD Women in Contracting of the Year and Master Electrician of the Year in 2017.


Leo Ward – Junior Vice President

In 1974 Leo began his journey as an electrical apprentice working for a ‘one-man band’ electrical contractor in Brisbane and learnt to be resourceful from the beginning. From there he completed his apprenticeship with a larger national company, where he spent many years operating in a vast array of endeavours from mining to high rise office towers, hospitals to power stations, to becoming a full-time estimator.

Leo has been a member of the ECA/MEA for the past 15 years. During this time, he became involved in the FNQ Branch, took on the role of Branch Coordinator and was recognised earlier this year with Life Membership.

Several directions occupy Leo’s time, including Chairman of FNQ Football, the Advisory Forum with Cairns TAFE, operating a cattle breeding property and importantly, opportunities to catch up with his family in Australia and abroad.


Brooke MacGregor – Treasurer

Brooke purchased Genergy Australia from her parents 11 years ago. As the Managing Director, she sits at the helm of a 20 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. She is passionate about the electrical industry and also small business, recognising it as the backbone to the economy.

Brooke has been an active member of Master Electricians Australia since 2012. She had been on the Women in Contracting Committee since it restarted in 2016 and was recently appointed as SEQ and Acting SA Area Manager. Brooke is also the Treasurer of the Vietnam Veterans Mine Clearing Team Cambodia Inc and a mother to two beautiful boys.


Owen Blamires – Councillor

As an electrical contractor for the past 29 years in the domestic, commercial, and industrial areas, Owen Blamires has always promoted and upheld the high standards of the electrical industry to his staff and the public. Owen has a strong commitment to the electrical industry, especially in the areas of training and safety.

Owen has been an ECA member for the past 19 years and served on the ECA Board for the past nine years. Owen came to ECA with an endeavour to represent grassroots members and further the objectives of ECA and benefits of a modern association to all members.


Michael Saunders – Councillor

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 organisations.


Ben Haines – Councillor

Ben is the Managing Director of an electrical contracting business, employing 70 staff, and working predominantly in the Tier 2 construction and commercial service sector.  Ben’s focus is on improving safety culture and worker competence, developing business systems that improve efficiency and reliability, and the adoption of new technology.


Seth Atkinson – Councillor

Seth Atkinson embarked on his journey as a Qualified Electrician in 2023, gaining extensive experience across diverse sectors of the industry. In 2015, driven by his entrepreneurial spirit, Seth founded Terawatt, an electrical company that has consistently delivered innovative solutions and remained at the forefront of technological advancements. His unwavering commitment to safety, technology, and the growth of the electrical business has been pivotal to his success.

In 2018, Seth further expanded his professional reach by acquiring Keith Atkinson Electrical, his father’s well-established company on the Sunshine Coast. This strategic move showcased Seth’s dedication to preserving his family’s legacy while broadening his business ventures.

Passionate about key areas within the electrical industry, Seth actively advocates for safety measures, ensuring the implementation of best practices to protect both workers and clients. He also demonstrates a profound interest in emerging technologies, particularly in Electric Vehicles, recognizing their potential to revolutionize the industry.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Seth actively engages with his local community and cherishes his role as a husband to his wife, Stephanie, and proud father of four children.


Robina Samios – Councillor

Robina is the Managing Director of an electrical contracting business that employs 30 staff and exclusively works with new home residential builders on over 700 homes per year. Her electrical business has been known for its strong reliability, problem-solving abilities, and initiative for more than 30 years. Robina is passionate about the electrical trade and was recognised for her efforts by Master Electricians Australia, winning the 2021 National Women in Contracting of the Year award.