Celebrating 35 Years of Excellence at O’Brien Electrical & Plumbing Coopers Plains

O’Brien is proud to congratulate O’Brien Electrical and Plumbing Coopers Plains on their momentous business milestone — 35 years of dedicated service, craftsmanship, and community. 

What began in 1990 as a modest one-man plumbing business has grown into a dynamic, award-winning operation employing over 35 staff and serving Queensland’s southeast with professionalism and pride.

Humble Beginnings with a Ford Galaxie and a Vision

The journey began when Peter traded a Ford Galaxie car for plumbing work — inspiring the original business name, Galaxy Plumbing. With an ex-Telstra van and a strong work ethic, Peter, joined by lifelong mates and his wife Madonna, tackled local maintenance jobs, blocked drains, and even home renovations during quiet spells. As Madonna recalls, “I’d come home from work to find the laundry gone… his explanation? ‘We weren’t busy today.’”

These early chapters reflect the DIY spirit and bold determination that would shape the business for decades to come.

Building a Family and a Business

From their Holland Park home, Peter and Madonna raised their three children — Rachel, Sam, and Nicole — while growing the business and training apprentices like Michael Spragg, who would go on to run his own successful O'Brien Electrical & Plumbing business in Gumdale. 

As demand increased, they expanded from domestic maintenance to new home builds for names like Australand and Coral Homes. In 2000, they began taking on commercial work, starting with St Augustine’s School in Springfield. They are now experts in responsive maintenance in both plumbing and electrical.

Each time they moved family homes, which also acted as the business HQ — from Holland Park to Mansfield to Rochedale — reflected not just growth, but a commitment to keeping family, business, and values at the heart of their success.

The final move was to separate home and business: the business moved to rented offices at Salisbury and then to the current Coopers Plains location which Peter and Madonna purchased and renovated to suit the business requirements. The family moved back to Holland Park up the road from where it all began!

 

Innovation and Evolution Through the O’Brien Network

Joining the O’Brien and Laser Network in 2016 was a pivotal decision that introduced streamlined systems and software upgrades, business reviews, and — perhaps most importantly — a rich network of peers across the country.

Over the last nine years, Madonna and Peter have built deep friendships within the Network — reconnecting with old colleagues and forging new bonds with members from Sydney, Newcastle, and beyond. The camaraderie and knowledge-sharing that comes with being part of the O’Brien and Laser Network has not only strengthened their operations but reinforced their belief in continuous learning and improvement.

Their efforts culminated in a proud achievement in 2024 — being named O’Brien Business of the Year.

Together, Peter and Madonna have trained 66 apprentices, employed over 400 people, and created a legacy that spans generations. They have always kept their people at the core, whether they are team, family or friends.

 

Supporting Mental Health Through TIACS

One of the most meaningful aspects of O’Brien Electrical and Plumbing Coopers Plains’ story is their passionate support for TIACS (This Is A Conversation Starter) — a not-for-profit mental health support service tailored to tradespeople.  TAICS is partly funded by TradeMutt.

TIACS offers free professional counselling for those in blue-collar industries. In the past two years, the Coopers Plains team raised $8,000 for TIACS, adding to their fundraising and awareness efforts through raffles and supplier-supported events. An amazing effort.

Their advocacy ensures that mental health remains a priority in an industry that often doesn’t talk about it enough — and their support reflects the business’s core value: people matter most.

 

Looking Ahead

Reflecting on the last 35 years, Madonna said it best: “We need to be proud of what we have achieved.” From training future leaders, growing a vibrant business, and staying true to their roots, O’Brien Electrical & Plumbing Coopers Plains continues to embody everything the Network values — family spirit, professionalism, and heart.

Congratulations to Peter, Madonna, and the entire Coopers Plains team. We’re honoured to celebrate this incredible milestone with you.