Our Legacy
Thrasyvoulos Philippou
Working since the age of 12!
​Migrating to Australia in 1950.
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“Ever since I was young,” he says, “I wasn’t afraid of hard work. I left school and began working at age 12. I left my village and went to Nicosia, where I first found work as a kitchen hand in restaurants.”
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Thrasyvoulos had plans to come to Australia as early as 1948. “I had the money for the boat fare — about 150 pounds — but I had to wait another two years to save more before I could finally make the journey. I arrived in July 1950.”
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Upon arriving, he began working long hours as a kitchen hand — from three in the morning until midnight — six days a week, for a weekly wage of just £3.
“But what I really wanted,” he says, “was to become a plumber.”
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He left restaurant work and started knocking on doors looking for plumbing jobs. “I offered to help out, to carry tools, to dig, to do anything. Eventually, I got a break and started working with a plumber. From there, I learned everything on the job — installing copper pipes, cutting fittings, fixing taps.”
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After nine months in Sydney, he moved to Melbourne and continued working in the same field. Soon after, he started a business with a partner under the name SEC. A year later, he established his own plumbing business, Philippou Plumbing Services.
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“I left the company once,” he recalls, “but I returned. Bit by bit, with effort and building relationships in the community, the business grew and eventually moved to its current location at 160 McIntyre Road, North Sunshine.”
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“Today, I’m proud of what I’ve built. I’m still running Philippou Plumbing Services. We offer emergency service 24 hours a day.”
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Thrasyvoulos is a man of deep faith and gratitude:
“I believe in Christ and in hard work. I thank God for my four children, who are all doing well, and for everything I’ve achieved in Australia.”
Thrasyvoulos Philippou / 1927-2022
Service Years:
1955 -1998
Founder • Loving Father, Grandfather & Great-Grandfather • Master Plumber
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Founded in 1955, Philippou Plumbing Services began with Thrasyvoulos' vision, work ethic, and dedication to honest craftsmanship. For over four decades — until his retirement in 1998 — he led the business with purpose and pride, serving the community and laying the foundation for three generations of plumbing excellence. His legacy continues to inspire the standards and values that define the company today.
Harry Philippou
Service years:
1978 - Present
Director
For over 40 years, Harry Philippou worked alongside his father — mastering his trade, upholding a strong family work ethic, and helping to shape Philippou Plumbing Services into one of Victoria’s most respected names in plumbing. Throughout this time, over 120 apprentices have trained under Philippou Plumbing Services, many of whom have gone on to establish their own successful and respected businesses. Harry’s hands-on experience, leadership, and commitment to excellence laid the foundation for a business built on trust, quality, and generational pride.
Joshua Philippou
Service Years:
2013 - Present
2-IC
Joshua Philippou is proud to be carrying on the family tradition, learning the ropes from his dad and granddad. During his apprenticeship, he worked closely with an outstanding team of skilled plumbers and mentors who not only helped him master the trade but also taught him the importance of teamwork, integrity, and dedication — foundations that drive his passion for combining tradition with innovation to keep the business thriving for generations to come.
