He is the plumber accused of being a ‘fake tradie’ and ripping off both his bosses and unsuspecting customers.
But just days before NSW Fair Trading issued a specific warning to any Australian looking for a plumber – ‘do not deal with Duanne Hevers’ – the 25-year-old lived it up during a lavish island holiday with his girlfriend.
Photos obtained by Daily Mail Australia show the western Sydney man and his girlfriend at the Whitsundays on the back of a jetski, exploring picturesque Whitehaven Beach by helicopter and sipping a beer on the beach.
It’s not the only big holiday enjoyed recently by Hevers – who authorities recently warned was operating without a licence.
Duanne Hevers is seen on the back of a jetski during a holiday to the Whitsunday islands in June – before NSW Fair Trading issued a public warning about his conduct in July
The wannabe plumber kicks back with a tin of beer on Whitehaven Beach, above
Duanne (pictured right) and his girlfriend took a helicopter trip during their island holiday
Last weekend, the couple went on a country weekender to celebrate Hevers’ recent 25th birthday – visiting a winery and staying in what looked to be a farm property boasting an outdoor bath.
It was a far cry from Hevers’ recent troubles.
Alleged victims have claimed to Fair Trading that Hevers chases after residential building work which requires a licence, and then ‘makes false and misleading statements to obtain money from them’.
Text messages obtained by Daily Mail Australia show the wannabe plumber hassling a former client for money over a period of several months – and at one point even daring to ‘take further action’ against the client if he didn’t get paid.
‘I’ve asked you multiple times to get my personal belongings and to finalise my pay … If it’s not sorted out by 8pm I’ll be taking further action,’ one text reads.
‘Hi mate usually I wouldn’t do this and I do apologise for any inconienience (sic) but for monday I have to order in some gear for the concrete slabs and stuff is there any chance you can please pay/ transfer $950 asap so I can continue the work,’ another reads.
Alleged victims have claimed to Fair Trading that Hevers (pictured left) chases after residential building work which requires a licence, and then ‘makes false and misleading statements to obtain money from them’
Another message to the same customer requested an urgent transaction for $980 for an alleged order of tanks and pumps before sharing his personal bank details.
‘Will have to get you to make a bank transfer deposit of $980 if possible asap just to cover the material cost would be much appreciated thanks a lot and we will see you tomorrow.’
Hevers’ ex-bosses have made a raft of allegations against him, with some claiming they and their customers are tens of thousands of dollars out of pocket.
Daily Mail Australia approached Hevers for comment with detailed questions, but did not receive a response.
In March, NSW Fair Trading Commissioner, Ms Natasha Mann, warned consumers not to deal with Hevers, who had been trading in NSW without a license under the business name Fairwater Plumbing.
‘Based on complaints received from consumers, NSW Fair Trading is concerned that Mr Hevers may be seeking to trade without a licence,’
‘Consumers have complained that Mr Hevers seeks residential building work for which a licence is required and makes false and misleading statements to obtain money from them.’
Duanne hassled an ex-employer for his belongings after he was let go, and demanded he finalise his pay or he would be ‘taking further action’
Duanne Hevers is subject of a public warning by NSW Fair Trading. Above, he holds his Master Plumbers Apprentice of the Year Award
According to sources, Hevers had recently been advertising his plumbing services on community pages and online marketplace Airtasker.
In NSW, a license is required for all specialist work such as electrical, plumbing and air conditioning regardless of the cost.
Further, a license is required for all other residential work valued at more than $5,000.
Prior to his career going down the drain, Hevers won ‘Master Plumbers Indigenous Apprentice of the Year’ at the age of 18.
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Read more at DailyMail.co.uk