Our History

Blue utility truck parked outside Sidney & Richardson building under a bright cloudy sky.

A Ballina Plumbing Legacy Built to Last

For more than five decades, Sidney & Richardson Plumbing has been part of the fabric of Ballina. We've been under houses, inside walls, and on rooftops across the Northern Rivers — and we're still at it today, three generations deep.


  • Founded: 1968
  • Years serving Ballina: 57+
  • Generations of family: 3
  • Skilled team members: 12–15

Our Story

How It All Began

Peter Richardson Starts a Business

1968

Armed with a wrench, a solid work ethic, and a simple goal — to keep Ballina's pipes and people flowing smoothly — Peter Richardson founded Sidney & Richardson Plumbing. From day one, his reputation was built on honesty, quality workmanship, and doing the job right the first time.

Expanding across the Northern Rivers

Growing Years

Word spread. Over the decades, the business grew beyond Ballina to serve Lismore, Byron Bay, and surrounding communities. Whether it was a family home or a major commercial build, Sidney & Richardson became the trusted name locals called first.

Brad Takes the Reins

Second Generation

Having grown up in the business, Brad Richardson carried the legacy forward — leading a skilled crew of 12 to 15 professionals and expanding services to include gas fitting, roofing, guttering, and full commercial plumbing. Peter still lends a hand from time to time, a reminder of where it all started.

Three Generations, Still Going Strong

Today

Jacob, Brad's son, is already learning the ropes — pitching in during school holidays and soaking up everything his dad and granddad can pass on. The next generation is ready, and the spirit of the business remains exactly what Peter intended: reliable, honest, and built on relationships.

The Discovery
The Beginning

A Hidden Gem Found

1994

Nestled among the sun-drenched hills of Tuscany, the Rossi family stumbled upon a forgotten 16th-century farmhouse during a summer road trip. Overgrown with wild rosemary and ivy, it whispered of a second life.

Restoration
Restoration

Breathing New Life

1997 – 2001

Seven years of painstaking restoration followed. Local artisans were hired to preserve the original terracotta floors, hand-painted frescoes, and centuries-old wooden beams — a labour of love that shaped every corner.

Grand Opening
Grand Opening

Doors Open to the World

Spring 2002

On a warm April evening, candles flickered across the courtyard as the first guests arrived. Villa Rossera opened its oak doors, offering a place where time slowed down and every detail told a story.

Recognition
Recognition

A World-Class Retreat

2024

Two decades of devotion earned Villa Rossera its place among Europe's most celebrated boutique hotels. Today, guests from over 60 countries arrive seeking the same magic the Rossi family fell in love with all those years ago.

The Family Behind the Business

Three generations. One name. The same values that Peter brought to every job in 1968 are the same values Brad brings today — and the same ones Jacob is learning.

Peter Richardson — Founder

Peter started it all in 1968 with nothing more than a strong work ethic and a commitment to doing right by his customers. He built the foundations — not just the business — that everything else stands on. While he's stepped back from the daily grind, he still rolls up his sleeves when needed.

Brad Richardson — Plumbing Manager

Brad Richardson is the Plumbing Manager at Sidney & Richardson Plumbing, bringing 29 years’ experience across residential, civil, commercial, and maintenance plumbing. He’s built a career around finding solutions, not problems, and making sure the job gets done properly the first time.

 

Brad is licensed in plumbing, roofing, gasfitting, and drainage, and holds additional tickets in civil works, scaffolding, forklift operation, and working at heights. His broad skillset and practical approach keep projects moving efficiently, with a strong focus on quality and safety.

 

When he’s not on site, Brad enjoys spending time with family and friends, riding motorcycles, and supporting his kids in whatever sports or activities they’re involved in.

Jacob Richardson — Third Generation

Jacob is already part of the crew, helping out during school holidays whenever he can. He's keen to learn everything Brad and Peter can pass on — and the fact that he's enthusiastic about it says everything about the culture they've built.

The Wider Team — Skilled Trades Professionals

Behind the family name is a crew of 12 to 15 experienced tradespeople who bring grit, good humour, and real expertise to every job. Fully equipped with radio-dispatched vans, they're always ready to get things sorted — fast, and without the fuss.

What We've Always Stood For

The tools have changed. The team has grown. But the values? They haven't moved an inch.

Honest work, honest pricing

Clear quotes, no surprises, no runaround. Peter believed in it in 1968 and we believe in it now.

Locals serving locals

We're proud sponsors of the Ballina Seagulls Junior Rugby League Club. This community gave us everything — we give back wherever we can.

Fully licensed & certified

Proud members of both the Master Plumbers Association and the Master Builders Association. Every job meets the highest industry standards.

Built for any job

From a leaking tap in a family home to full commercial installs and fire systems — our crew has the gear, licences, and experience to handle it all.

Ready to work with Ballina's most trusted plumbers? Call us on (02) 6686 2555 or contact us and get a free quote today.