ABOUT US
JOY in water
A family owned business of over 45 years, we are Australia’s leading Stormwater specialist. Working with councils, engineers and contractors we build risk-free, clean water solutions for the future. Our products and services cater for every project, and our experienced team provide advice and support in sales, delivery, installation and maintenance.
We are the innovators and problem solvers of the industry, with an investment in collaborative research and development that sets the standards for others to follow. Removing contaminants and gross pollutants from water is an ongoing challenge, and finding a cost-effective, high performing solution is our goal. Building a happy, healthy future for you and your family is our purpose.
A Constantly Changing Environment
Most importantly, to provide highly efficient and effective water improvement solutions, we are abreast of the many stringent and constantly changing requirements of water sensitive urban design.
Our philosophy of continuous improvement through research also means the team at SPEL is always at the forefront of water quality innovation working with engineers (both environmental and civil) and planners to find unique solutions to real-world challenges.
Experience
Field Testing for Improved Water Quality
Field Testing for Improved Water Quality
We work on high-quality solutions for stormwater pollutant removal. SPEL undertakes ‘proof of concept’ testing in a laboratory to demonstrate a product has potential in controlled, predictable conditions. Our main emphasis then becomes field-testing, ensuring these products will deliver in the real world.
The universities are engaged to independently conduct the field testing on all SPEL water quality improvement devices and report on the results.
Innovation
A Constantly Changing Environment
Stormwater Shepherds
Improving the quality of our urban waterways
Stormwater Shepherds are a not-for-profit imitative targeting plastic pollution in riparian environments. With urban generated pollution accounting for a staggering 80% of ocean plastic, it is our mission to stop it at the source.
Our 2020 strategic goals in stormwater management and pollution directly address this issue through prevention, action and lobbying.
Prevention – Driving positive outcomes through education.
Action – Community clean-ups restoring our riparian environments.
Lobbying – Thought leadership on sustainable stormwater infrastructure management.
Our Team
At SPEL we’re as passionate about our people as we are about our stormwater. After all, it’s people who make a business great, and we’re no exception.
OK, we might be strict on a few things – respect, humility, sharing cake on your birthday, and putting the empty milk container in the bin, but after that – it’s over to you.
We are a team that encourages personal growth and drive, nurtures kindness and support, and fuels creativity and imagination. We’re also pretty keen on sprucing up barista and BBQing skills, and the odd table tennis move. It’s what makes us well rounded.
We know what makes this business great. It’s our people and the relationships they continue to build and nurture with you, our customer.
EXECUTIVE TEAM
Andy Hornbuckle
What is Joy in Water to you? Joy in Water is driving up Rainbow Beach and swimming in the pristine perfection of Lake Mckenzie on Fraser Island.
Interests outside of work: Spending quality time with family and friends, preferably by the water, and reading as much as I can to keep learning!
Cameron Hales
Hidden SPEL Talent: Probably the world’s worst bass player
SPEL Secret: Actually really like Zoom
Carl Lassen
Hidden SPEL Talent: Can read five different languages plus Australian.
SPEL Secret: Love to travel and meeting different cultures and have visited over 30 countries. Working on increasing number of languages spoken from three to enjoy my travels even more.
James Hales
Hidden SPEL Talent: A seriously good fitter
SPEL Secret: Very passionate about finding cheaper, quicker ways to do things without sacrificing on quality
John Lovett
Hidden SPEL Talent: How to stay employed
SPEL Secret: 35 years of them…………
Lai Adolfo
Executive Assistant to AH
Hidden SPEL Talent: Jack of all trades
SPEL Secret: My fitness routine involves jump rope drills
Carl Santos
Manager-Client Support
What is Joy in Water to you? Joy in water for me is snorkling or diving and having a cold one at the beach.
Interests outside of work: Playing basketball, playing the guitar, and travelling with family and friends
Stefhan Dwyer
What is Joy in Water to you? Surfing and spear fishing in the tropical waters of the South Pacific with my son and daughter.
Interests outside of work: Surfing the Noosa points with my family, in particular, teaching my 6 year old daughter to ride the waves. I also love cooking and creating new meals with my family, and enjoying a glass of wine at the end of the day.
NSW/ACT TEAM
André Magar
SPEL Secret: I am an adventure seeker at heart
Andrew
Buggins
Hidden SPEL Talent: Passionate, positive and tirelessly encouraging others to work hard and succeed
SPEL Secret: If I gave it away it would no longer be a secret!
Henry Ha
Hidden SPEL Talent: Able to keep secrets
SPEL Secret: See above!
Jarvis Pederson
Coordinator
Hidden SPEL Talent: Innovating and solving problems
SPEL Secret: Proud to help deliver high quality SPEL projects
John Makin
Designer
Hidden SPEL Talent: A competitive person, my priority is my goal
SPEL Secret: If I can, find an answer to my 'Why' question
Phillip Zervos
SPEL Nickname: Philosophical
Hidden SPEL Talent: Problem Solving
SPEL Secret: Having many talents!
Robert Chesterfield
Manager
Hidden SPEL Talent: Focus, determination and grit
SPEL Secret: I love good quality seafood
Tom Hales
Hidden SPEL Talent: Persuasive
SPEL Secret: Can’t go a day without a Mrs Macs Pie
Zaid Ali
Hidden SPEL Talent: Animal lover, for a pet cat and a couple sheep
SPEL Secret: Would prefer to watch live sports over movies. Enjoys road trips, camping and fishing with family and friends.
Matt Charles
Hidden SPEL Talent: I keep calm and get the job done
SPEL Secret: Will do anything if asked nicely
Alrik Estrada
SPEL Secret: I wish power naps gave me more power
Rhoda Tolentino
Hidden SPEL Talent: I always find a way to do a fantastic job
SPEL Secret: Passionate about food and cooking
QLD TEAM
Leon Attwood
What is Joy in Water to you? It's discovering an untouched billabong in the heart of the great dividing ranges or enjoying the serenity of the islands off Australia's East Coast.
Interests outside of work: I love all things outdoors and enjoying time with family and friends.
Chad Wright
Development Manager
What is Joy in Water to you? For me, Joy in Water is diving on the Great Barrier Reef.
Interests outside of work: Spending time with my family and friends on the beaches of South East Queensland.
Peter Hancock
Development Manager
What is Joy in Water to you? Joy in Water for me is when it is in its solid state, cube form, making that beautiful clinking sound in a glass of rum.
Interests outside of work: I love Kayaking and Permaculture.
Sarah Hornbuckle
Toby Attwood
Tom McNaughton
and Maintenance
What is Joy in Water to you? Joy in Water for me is everything about the reef—fishing, snorkelling and watching the beautiful fish.
Interests outside of work: I love exploring Australia.
Clint Hornbuckle
Bernie Leahy
Leading Hand
Angela Beltran
What is Joy in Water to you? For me, Joy in Water is simply sitting by the beach, watching and listening to the waves.
Interests outside of work: I love watching films and series, and I enjoy cooking.
Anne Savellano
Assistant
What is Joy in Water to you? Joy in Water is the thrill of wavy boat rides and a picnic by the beach with friends and family.
Interests outside of work: Keeping up my childhood pastime of colouring books and spending time outdoors with my family and our dog.
Oya Casaclang
What is Joy in Water to you? Joy in water for me is walking the shores of Boracay while sipping on a choco banana peanut milkshake, playing in the sand with my kids, and enjoying sunsets on the beach.
Interests outside of work: I love travelling, specifically going to the beach with my family. Philippines has a lot of beautiful beaches. I'm also an avid photographer.
SA/WA TEAM
Glen Stone
Hidden Talent: I love playing acoustic guitar and singing around a bonfire with good friends
SPEL secret: I live by the motto; "It's not over until you say it's over!"
Tom Wibberley
Manager
Paul Garcia
SPEL secret: Long drives and good music is one of my best stress reliever.
VIC/TAS TEAM
Kurt Jensen
Hidden SPEL Talent: Can capture a perfect photo, if I can sit still for long enough
SPEL Secret: I spend my weekends ‘fixing something’ on my ute or going for a drive in said ute
Lee Parker
Hidden SPEL Talent: I can sketch a reasonable likeness of most people
SPEL Secret: I enjoy singing country music, but can't
Dan Thorp
Hidden SPEL Talent: Dual Trade Electrical & Instrumentation Technician
SPEL Secret: I play hockey right handed and cricket left handed.
Jacob Pettman
SPEL Secret: I enjoy the outdoors, adventure sports and strength training
David Knight
SPEL Nickname: Teacher
Hidden SPEL Talent: Educating myself in fishing.
SPEL Secret: Long history of teaching cricket
David Pham
Manager - Pipe
Hidden SPEL Talent: Nothing is hidden with me!
SPEL Secret: I’ll tell you in a year.
Pier Salandanan
SPEL Secret: I love technology and the environment with a certain knack for adventure.
Robin Radoc
Hidden SPEL Talent: Draftsman of SPEL Stormwater from the Philippines
SPEL Secret: Dad of a 5-year old girl asking for siblings so she can have playmates
Karen Tapiador
Hidden SPEL Talent: I keep things organized
SPEL Secret: Multi-tasker Super Mom
MAINTENANCE TEAM
Michael Maguire
Manager
What is Joy in Water to you? Boating or jetskiing at Moreton Island with family and friends.
Interests outside of work: Playing soccer at my local club and spending quality time with my family.
Lyn Lumabas
SPEL Hidden Talent: Multi-tasking and oh! Spinning pen around my fingers.
SPEL Secret: A terrible singer
Dan Woodford
Development Manager
What is Joy in Water to you? Joy in Water is enjoying the serene waters of Hemmant Quarry Reserve.
Interests outside of work: Going outdooes and discovering Queensland's national parks.
Oscar Salisbury
Coordinator
Hidden SPEL Talent: I love every sport and have soft spot for Melbourne Storm
SPEL Secret: I wish I could go into hibernation in the winter months.
Michael Kougias
Development
Manager
Hidden SPEL Talent: Extensive professional background in environmental soil & water remediation
SPEL Secret: Been fishing the NSW coastline since I was a boy.
Joseph Bautista
Estimator
SPEL Secret: I love outdoor sports and music
Daniel Tirados
Officer
Hidden SPEL Talent: I whip up super spicy food for unsuspecting friends.
SPEL Secret: That's not coffee in my morning mug, it's Coke
Matt Hockey
SPEL Nickname: Matty
Hidden SPEL Talent: Loves anything Country and trained in the arts of archery. Used to play wing for his rugby team but still seems to make the props look small
SPEL Secret: If he had the choice, he would build an entire new country out of SPEL floating wetlands. Master of Wetlands!
What is Joy in Water?
Whether it’s ice cubes cooling your drink, building sandcastles at the beach or exploring the waterways and estuaries in your kayak, the joy we experience from clean water is precious – and it’s worth fighting for.
12 million tonnes of plastic enter our water system each year, killing marine life, impacting our climate and ecosystem, and finding its way into our food and drinking water. Without drastic change, these numbers will continue to rise.
Clean water is our right, but we must act now to ensure its future. The joy, laughter and calm we experience depends on it.
What is Joy in Water?
Research & Development
We have a strong focus on continuous improvement – constantly developing solutions to deal with the increasing pressures on the environment and its water systems.
In keeping with our commitment to improve the world’s water and wastewater quality, we work with five respected universities – Queensland University of Technology (QUT), University of Sunshine Coast (USC), University of South Australia, Griffith University and University of Warwick (UK). With these establishments we undertake lab and field-testing to confirm product performance. We also work closely with Manly Hydraulics Laboratory in full-scale lab testing of new products.
FIELD TESTING FOR IMPROVED WATER QUALITY
Field Testing for Improved Water Quality
We work on high-quality solutions for stormwater pollutant removal. SPEL undertakes ‘proof of concept’ testing in a laboratory to demonstrate a product has potential in controlled, predictable conditions. Our main emphasis then becomes field-testing, ensuring these products will deliver in the real world.
The universities are engaged to independently conduct the field testing on all SPEL water quality improvement devices and report on the results.
A CONSTANTLY CHANGING ENVIRONMENT
A Constantly Changing Environment
Most importantly, to provide highly efficient and effective water improvement solutions, we are abreast of the many stringent and constantly changing requirements of water sensitive urban design.
Our philosophy of continuous improvement through research also means the team at SPEL is always at the forefront of water quality innovation working with engineers (both environmental and civil) and planners to find unique solutions to real-world challenges.
Sister Companies
Since commencing operation in 1972, All Pumps Sales & Service has been dedicated to providing solutions in all fields of fluid handling. All Pumps have been customising pumps to the exact requirements of clients in the civil and building industries with a range of robust, reliable pumps and environmentally approved pollution control systems.
Hydrostor has been manufacturing Fibreglass Reinforced Plastic pump stations since 1972. Designed in accordance with BS4994 Hydrostor’s FRP pump stations are manufactured for many applications and in a wide range of specifications to handle substances such as water, sewage, farm effluent, petroleum products and chemicals.
