Australia and New Zealand’s leading network of plumbers and electricians, Laser Plumbing & Electrical, has announced it will be lending its expertise to the Salvation Army as part of the trans-Tasman conference LaserCon 2017.

In June, 500 plumbers and electricians will descend on Cairns for LaserCon 2017 and Laser Plumbing & Electrical is taking advantage of the large numbers of tradies in one place to use their skills to make a difference.

It is expected 100 tradies will spend a day at the Salvation Army-run Centennial Lodge fixing plumbing and electrical issues in the 35 residence rooms and common areas, as well as performing general maintenance on the site.

Centennial Lodge currently provides short term crisis accommodation for up 50 people every night, including women and children who are victims of domestic violence. The Queensland Council of Social Services (QCOSS) statistics show domestic violence as the main reason for those seeking refuge at the centre and the organisation estimates there are around 1,400 homeless people in Cairns.

Laser Plumbing & Electrical is focused on creating sustainable solutions to issues facing organisations such as the Salvation Army and this isn’t the first time the group has used its skills for the community.

Since 2010 Laser Plumbing & Electrical have contributed over $1 million worth of work, supplies and donations for a number of organisations, including the Gold Coast Youth Services, Variety the Children’s Charity and beyondblue in Australia, as well as Habitat for Humanity, Cholmondeley Children’s Centre, Plunket and Mental Health in New Zealand.

In 2015 while in Fiji, the Group worked on a local primary school and technical college to rebuild a library, reroof classrooms and install water pumps. They also installed solar panels and conducted a workshop for local electrical apprentices.

Laser Plumbing & Electrical managing director Steve Keil said he is proud of what the group has achieved and is looking forward to making a difference while in Cairns.

“As part of a community, we believe it is important that we play a role in the sustainability and strength in what it delivers. The Salvation Army do an amazing job in assisting those less fortunate and in need of crisis accommodation and we are honoured that, as a team, we can help them continue to deliver these services,” he said.

Laser Plumbing & Electrical project manager and Queensland director Gary Larkin said he is equally motivated by what the group will be able to achieve for the Centennial Lodge.

“Having been to the Lodge and assessed the work required, I know that our plumbers, electricians and their families will make a huge difference to the quality of service the Salvation Army is able to provide to some of Cairn’s most vulnerable. I look forward to seeing our Laser Members and suppliers come together once more to make a difference in the lives of others.”