Every year, before The Advantage Conference begins, the O’Brien Electrical and Plumbing Network comes together for Taskforce — our giving-back initiative where Members donate their skills, time, and energy to support a local charity.
In 2025, with our conference held on the Sunshine Coast, almost 100 O’Brien and Laser Electrical and Plumbing technicians rolled up their sleeves at the Maroochy Neighbourhood Centre.
Together, they delivered a long-overdue and well-deserved makeover that has already transformed the lives of staff, volunteers, and the thousands of community members who walk through the centre’s doors each year.
A Makeover That Transformed a Community Space
With a total of $100,000 in renovations completed in a single day, the Taskforce project breathed new life into the Maroochy Neighbourhood Centre, a 42-year-old facility that was in desperate need of repairs and upgrades.
The work included:
- Plumbing and electrical upgrades to create a safer, more functional environment.
- Installation of a Zip tap worth over $8,000, donated by a supplier.
- Painting, gardening, and repairs to refresh and brighten the building.
- Cafe plumbing works, enabling the centre’s café to finally open. This café will provide vital training opportunities for people experiencing homelessness, helping them build skills and pathways to employment.
- Replacement of fittings and fixtures that had been in place for more than 20 years.
One community member summed it up beautifully:
“Wow, it’s gone from an ugly duckling to a swan. It feels way more inviting and warm. It doesn’t look neglected anymore. Looks fabulous.”
Lasting Contributions and Legacy
The 2025 Taskforce impact didn’t stop on the day. Additional contributions included:
- Garden bed installation and tent sponsorship to support future community events.
- Emerald Energy’s donation of two new air-conditioning units to be sent up after the event, which will further improve comfort for visitors and staff.
These legacy contributions ensure that the benefits of Taskforce extend well into the future.
Community Impact
The Maroochy Neighbourhood Centre has been a cornerstone of local support for over 40 years, assisting more than 26,000 people each year. Last year alone, the centre provided over 7,000 free meals to people in need — despite receiving minimal government funding.
Their services include:
- Support for those facing homelessness, domestic and family violence, health issues, and mental health concerns.
- A strong emphasis on compassion, inclusivity, and dignity.
Thanks to Taskforce, the Centre now operates in a safer, fresher, and more welcoming environment that lifts the spirits of everyone — staff, volunteers, and the community members who rely on their help.
One room hirer shared:
“The place looks brighter. The room looks fresher. Love the green wall in your reception.”
Heartfelt Gratitude from the Maroochy Neighbourhood Centre
Mark Ellis, CEO of Maroochy Neighbourhood Centre, reflected on the day and the impact of the transformation:
“Words can’t express how grateful we are. The incredible community spirit shown by the O'Brien Group and the 75 tradies and volunteers who took time out from their own businesses to lend their skills, time, and generosity has completely transformed our centre. It’s now more welcoming, functional, and comfortable for everyone who walks through our doors, and every single person involved did it with a smile. At one point, standing back and seeing just how much had been accomplished in a single day moved one of our staff members to tears. We never imagined we’d see our little centre come back to life like this. Since the makeover, the entire team has been walking into work with a real sense of pride.”
This outpouring of generosity has not gone unnoticed. The Maroochy Neighbourhood Centre has now been nominated for Best Organisation of the Year at the Sunshine Coast Gala Awards. Winners will be announced on Saturday, 1 November — a recognition that our Network’s efforts helped make possible.
Looking Ahead
Taskforce continues to embody the O’Brien Network’s commitment to giving back. Already, planning and scoping are underway to identify a Taskforce recipient in Fiji, where our next Advantage Conference will be held.
This ongoing tradition ensures that wherever our Network gathers, we leave behind a lasting legacy of community support.
Thank You to All Involved
This year’s Taskforce would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of our Members, volunteers, and suppliers who donated products, services, and time. Your generosity made an extraordinary difference and will continue to positively impact thousands of lives.
As Mark Ellis so perfectly put it:
“It just brightens the place up. Really lifts the morale of the volunteers and the people who come here. They come to a fresher building, and it lifts them up as well.”
Taskforce is more than a project — it’s a testament to the power of people coming together to create lasting change.
