The Master Painters Awards for Excellence shine a spotlight on the skill, innovation, and professionalism that define Queensland’s painting and decorating industry… writes MPA Queensland President Chris Munday
More than an awards night, it’s a celebration of the people and businesses who set the benchmark for quality, integrity, and pride in our trade.
Hosted in spectacular style at the Star Casino Brisbane, the most recent Awards brought together a record 398 guests for an unforgettable evening of connection, celebration, and craftsmanship.
Chris Munday
The event opened with the stage coming alive with the spirit of fire, a symbol of unity, drive, and enduring purpose, fuelling the energy and setting something extraordinary in motion that drives our profession forward.
From heritage restorations and decorative finishes to major commercial and residential projects, each award recognised true excellence, work that reflects dedication, mastery, and passion for the craft.
Every entry was inspected and judged against clear, independent criteria, ensuring that recognition was earned, not claimed.
Why the awards matter
The Awards for Excellence form a cornerstone of Master Painters Queensland’s mission: to raise industry standards, enhance business success, and strengthen the reputation of painting as a skilled, professional trade.
Winning, or even being a finalist, delivers tangible business benefits, helping members command premium pricing, convert more client quotes, and elevate their personal and business brands under the respected banner of an Award-Winning Master Painter.
These accolades are not just about prestige; they are proof of professionalism.
They demonstrate to clients, builders, and the broader community that painting is not something “anyone can do”, it’s a craft that demands skill, training, precision, and pride.
A reason to belong
Entry to the Awards for Excellence is exclusive to Master Painters Queensland members, and that exclusivity carries real value.
For painters and businesses not yet part of the Association, the Awards represent a clear incentive to join, to access recognition, credibility, and connection that help grow their business and their reputation.
Membership with MPA is about more than belonging; it’s about standing for something. It’s about being part of an organisation that champions professionalism, supports members business, and works to lift the image of our industry for everyone who earns their living through the brush.
Building pride and opportunity
Behind every award-winning project is a team of painters, apprentices, and business owners, whose dedication brings quality painting to life.
Their achievements build pride in our trade and demonstrate that painting is not just a job, but an aspirational career and a pathway to building a sustainable business.
It’s about recognition for the skill, patience, and craftsmanship that transform spaces and elevate perceptions of what it means to be a professional painter.
Always open. Always evolving
The Awards for Excellence are open for entry all year round, providing members the opportunity to showcase their work as it happens.
Each year, the program continues to grow in prestige, influence, and impact, shaping the image of painting as a respected, professional, and rewarding career for generations to come.
Proud to be a Painter. Proud to be an Award-Winning Master Painter.
Overall SC1-SC2 Winners East Coast Painters
“Winning these awards immediately lifted the spirits of the whole team.They can see why we insist on such high standards in every aspect of the job and for them to be recognised for their incredible skills at a state-level is an amazing achievement.
I am looking forward to using our awards to help educate the public about the value a real painter and decorator can provide and ultimately lift the standard of painting across the industry.”
About
“East Coast Painters are a second-generation family-owned business, painting across South East Queensland for over 55 years.
“Their exceptional customer service and attention to detail has helped them to build a strong and loyal customer base. The small team focuses on residential repaints where the experienced leading hands lead and mentor apprentices to ensure skills and processes are passed down through the business.
“Charlton is a professional painter with over 30 years of experience. With his industry experience and knowledge he is well respected by his peers and customers.
“Charlton is particularly passionate about the future of the industry and is always keen to educate customers and apprentices whenever possible. Managing a family business and a family of three teenagers, Charlton appreciates any spare time he can get – spending time in the boat, four-wheel drive, caravan or the pub.”
Overall winners Cat1-6 LEISURETEX PROPERTY MAINTENANCE PTY LTD
“For Leisuretex Property Maintenance, being nominated for the Master Painters Association (MPA) Best Overall Painter of the Year 2025 is a milestone that celebrates more than two decades of growth, and dedication to excellence.
“Founded by Jaison Guljas, a third-generation painter, Leisuretex began as a small family painting business built on skill and resilience. Over the past 25 years, it has evolved into a trusted, property maintenance company delivering painting, waterproofing, concrete rectification, and height access solutions.”
“Undeniably, the company’s success today is driven by having good relationships, a passion for shared goals and having strong teams, in sales and operations. Recently, Leisuretex has been building partnerships within the Strata Community Association (SCA) and completing a wide range of projects that include strata buildings, multi-storey high-rise buildings and heritage listings.
“A major highlight has been the launch of Aftercare, an exclusive service designed to keep painted buildings looking their best for longer between repaints – a reflection of the company’s commitment to long-term client satisfaction. Behind the brand, Jaison’s wife, Anna, plays a key role in marketing and communications, helping to tell the Leisuretex story and strengthen its reputation across Queensland.
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“With new offices now open in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast, and an expanded sales team, or the “Avengers” of the business, Leisuretex continues to grow stronger every year.
“Being part of the MPA Awards is an honour that goes beyond recognition – it’s about celebrating the painting industry. We love seeing the incredible range of skill and creativity displayed across projects and the outstanding quality of Queensland painting.
“Awards night is always a highlight – being in a room with hundreds of other painters, but in a slightly different context, where competition turns into camaraderie. It’s a night where we all come together to support one another, share stories, and celebrate our trade and our successes in business.
“We proudly display our awards to clients as a reminder that we hold ourselves to the highest professional standards – standards that are recognised and judged each year by the very best in our industry.
“Winning a company award isn’t about bragging rights – it’s about recognition for the hard work and dedication that your team puts in day after day. For a business, it’s a powerful way to validate the quality of their workmanship and the professionalism of their people.
“Awards give employees a sense of achievement and belonging, showing them that their efforts truly make a difference and are valued by both the company and the wider industry. It’s not about showing off – it’s about celebrating the craft, the teamwork, and to inspire everyone to keep raising the bar.