General News
23 November, 2025
Trade icon extends services to Ararat and Stawell
A respected name in the electrical and plumbing trade in the Wimmera is set to increase its presence in the Ararat and Stawell market. Wades was established in 1985 in Horsham and provides customers with heating and cooling products, hot water systems, solar systems, plumbing, gas and electrical services for homes and businesses. The company has recently embarked on a major expansion into Ararat and Stawell, purchasing local electrical business Buloke Electrical along with new premises in Ararat.
Wades Director Adam Jolley said his business will acquire Buloke Electrical from the first of December and is committed to excellent service and customer satisfaction.
“We’ll service the existing customers and providing good customer service. We’re already doing plumbing, heating and cooling here now.
“We still want to keep the same faces with the electrical side of things so Dave (Turner) will still manage all of that.
“This opportunity gives us more opportunities in customers doors. If someone’s hot water blows, we can do that as well as heating or cooling for a new home, Dave’s wiring them already so we can give them a quote. It gives us a lot of new opportunities.
Buloke Electricals David Turner and his staff will continue on with the new owners, which Mr Jolly believes will ensure continuity and top service.
“We’ve been talking for about six months to make sure the fit is right,” Mr Jolly said.
Mr Turner said he couldn’t be happier with the smooth transition and professionalism shown by Wades.
“It has allowed me to step back with a path to retirement. I’ll still be working, I’ll still be doing things but I’ll be slowly backing off over the next couple of years and it’ll give me a bit more time at home.
“I’m not finishing straight away but now there is a map or a plan to get there eventually. I’ll be around for a minimum of three years,” he said.
Wades has shown it is serious about its expansion into the Ararat and Stawell markets purchasing the old YMCA headquarters in Lambert Street Ararat.
The building is set to be transformed into a showroom displaying the latest in heating, cooling, hot water units and solar.
“We take over that the same day on the first of December. It’s going to need a bit of love and a cleanup but we think it’s going to be pretty good, it will give us a showroom with tearooms and a workshop.
“The electricians will work out of the building as well as the two plumbers we already have here,” he said.
Wades has become a dominant force in electrical and plumbing in the Wimmera and Mr Jolly expects their workforce to grow as demand increases.
“We’ve got a good team, we have a general manager and then managers in every department supported by very good staff.
“I believe the key to good business is having the best people in the right places,” Mr Jolly said.
Wades are already servicing the Ararat and Stawell districts and local residents in need of electrical or plumbing services can call them on 5382 3823.