
There is plenty of current running through Barcam Electrical Service, and after almost 70 years of keeping Mackay connected, the locally owned business has yet another reason to celebrate, taking home Queensland’s Master Electrician of the Year award for 2026.
For a company that has been part of the region since 1957, the recognition carries particular significance. Now 69 years into its journey, Barcam remains locally owned and operated, having looked after Mackay homes, businesses and worksites across three generations of local families.
The announcement was met with plenty of excitement from the team, along with a wholesome appreciation for the people who have helped build the business into what it is today.
“We felt excited to be nominated and to be announced as the ‘State Winner’. We were very excited and appreciative to each and every member of our team whose dedication and hard work has assisted us to have the company that we do, both past and present,” the team said.
While the award celebrates the business as a whole, Barcam sees it as recognition of the collective effort happening both behind the scenes and out on site.
“Winning Master Electrician of the Year is recognition for the hard work and dedication from our team in both management and the field,” the team said.
“Collectively this is essential and how we have continued to service the industry both electrically and as a long-standing local company who continues to grow.”
It’s an achievement that has been a long time in the making, rather than something measured by the past 12 months alone.
In an industry that continues to evolve and carries significant risks, Barcam believes its longevity, customer relationships and focus on safety and improvement have helped set it apart.
Over the decades, the business has built a reputation through consistent workmanship, reliability and customer satisfaction. Repeat customers, word-of-mouth recommendations and numerous five-star reviews are among the indicators of the trust it has established over the years.
And while the electrical industry has changed considerably since the business first opened its doors, the people, have always remained their number one priority.
Barcam's family work culture is something the team says has been cultivated throughout its history, influencing not only the way it works together but also the relationships it builds with customers.
“Our team feel pride in being a part of an iconic business that’s prides itself on being locally owned and operated.”
That sense of familiarity is also supported by a strong focus on retaining experienced staff. With long-term employees, customers can often expect to see familiar faces returning to their homes or businesses, solidifying consistency and professionalism.
Today, Barcam has a team of 38, comprising 16 electricians, 10 apprentices, eight office staff and four managers.
The business also employs and mentors multiple apprentices each year to help develop the next generation of skilled tradespeople.
Barcam was also named Master Electrician of the Year State Winner in 2019 and shortlisted for Medium Employer of the Year in the Central Queensland region at the 2023 Queensland Training Awards.
Its low staff turnover is another point of pride, reflecting the importance placed on leadership, workplace culture and creating an environment where people like to stay and grow.
Behind the scenes, the business has also continued to refine its systems and processes, balancing operational improvements with the personal service and strong customer relationships that have helped sustain it for almost seven decades.
From replacing a power point in a family home to large-scale commercial warehouse fit-outs, Barcam has the workforce and expertise to manage projects of varying sizes across domestic, commercial and industrial settings.
Its services include electrical installations, repairs and maintenance, replacements, test and tag, EEL and RCD testing, thermal imaging, fault finding, switchboard upgrades, property pole installations and replacements, design and construction, pre-purchase electrical inspections, new builds and electrical upgrades.
The team also provides emergency electrical works, with fast response times an important part of its service offering.
For a business with such a long history, the latest award is both a milestone and an opportunity to reflect on the people and relationships that have made its journey possible.
“Whilst the recognition was humbling, we will continue with our commitment to delivering high-quality electrical services and continuing to build strong relationships with our customers through consistent workmanship, reliability, and customer satisfaction.”