After three years the O'Brien Electrical and Plumbing Network gathered for their long awaited Annual Conference. Held in Port Douglas, the Conference aimed at providing delegates with an opportunity to connect, engage with Suppliers and learn about the business’ plans. Some of the highlights include an incredible Taskforce initiative (read on for further details), inspirational Keynote Speakers including Kurt Fearnley and Michael McQueenand a spectacular Gala Night.
The Taskforce Project
Our Electrical & Plumbing Network has a strong heritage of giving back to the local communities as part of our Annual Conference events. In 2022 we continued this tradition, with some fantastic works and upgrades for a very worthy local charity in Port Douglas.
The Taskforce Project saw over 60 electricians and plumbers lend their expertise to The Port Douglas Community Service Network. This Service Network provides friendly local community information, referrals and advice. The centre nurtures the wellbeing of the community, to relieve poverty, distress and misfortune as well as advocate for those with limited opportunities and choices. In the past year alone, the centre has provided emergency relief, advice, information and referral services to approximately 1,700 local people.
The O'Brien Electrical and Plumbing network lent their electrical and plumbing expertise for upgrades and renovations while others undertook much needed maintenance on two buildings which comprise the Family Hub and the Neighbourhood Centre. Supplies, resources and expertise on the day totaled an estimated $70,000!
Keynote Speakers
Michael McQueen is a multi-award winning speaker, trend forecaster and bestselling author of 8 books. With clients including KPMG, Pepsi and Cisco, he has helped some of the world’s most successful brands navigate disruption and maintain momentum.
Kurt Fearnley is a three time Paralympic gold medalist and two time Commonwealth Games gold medalist. He has won over 30 marathons, including New York, Chicago and London in a career spanning more than 20 years. In 2009 Kurt crawled the Kokoda track, in Papua New Guinea, to raise awareness of men’s health.
A Conference favourite from 2017 returned in 2022 – neuroleadership expert and internationally acclaimed executive coach Josie Thomson knows a thing or two about resilience. As a two-time cancer survivor, she is living proof that: more than education, more than experience, more than training, more than any one single factor, resilience determines who succeeds and who fails.
Gala Awards Night
The Gala Night provided an opportunity to celebrate our Members’ achievements over the last couple of the years. The night was a huge success with Live music and catering at the venue. Australian Stand-Up comedian Dave Hughes provided the laughs and entertainment. It was a night to recognise the businesses excelling in different categories.
We would like to thank the Members, teams and suppliers who attended the conference this year. In particular we would like to thank our Platinum Sponsors Lawrence & Hanson, Rexel and Tradelink.
