We’re giving one lucky homeowner the chance to win a brand-new frameless glass pool fence valued at up to $15,000! We’ll remove your old fencing and replace it with sleek, modern and high-quality glass solution that adds safety, durability and serious style to your outdoor space.

Whether your current fence is rusty, dated or blocking the view, this is your chance to transform your pool area into something you’ll be proud of.

To enter, simply complete the form below and upload a few photos of your existing pool fence. Be sure to include:

– One wide shot showing the entire pool area

– One close-up of the current fence condition

Get ready to dive into your pool makeover! Hurry, entries close 14 September 2025!

THIS COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED

The winner will be contacted once judging is complete.

If you have any questions, please email our team at marketingobg@obrien.com.au.

Competition is open to Australian residents aged 18+ who are individual homeowners of a residential property with an existing pool fence. Competition is a game of skill. Entries will be judged based on creativity and originality. One entry per person. Promotion period: 28/07/25 – 14/09/25. Prize: One winner. Total prize value AUD $15,000. Judging: To take place at O’Brien® Head Office on 15/09/25. Winner notified by phone. Full terms and conditions available at obrien.com.au/competition-terms-conditions.

Click here to learn more about our Glass Pool Fencing solutions.

The post The Great Aussie Pool Fence Fix-up! appeared first on O'Brien.

But how do you know which type of window is best for your needs?

At O’Brien Glass®, we pride ourselves on providing quality glazing solutions to everyday Australians, so we’re going to walk you through the differences between the two primary types of windows – single-glazed windows and double-glazed windows, to help you make an informed choice.

What is the difference between double-glazed and single-glazed windows?

Single-glazed windows consist of a single pane of glass. They are the most basic and traditional form of window glazing. While they are popular because they are cheaper upfront and easier to install, they offer less thermal insulation and soundproofing than the double-glazed alternative.

On the other hand, double-glazed windows or units (or ‘DGU’ when speaking in glazing lingo) consist of two pieces of glass separated by a spacer bar and sealed to create an insulating gap. This gap is typically filled with regular air or other gases (such as argon), enhancing thermal and acoustic insulation properties. The double layer of glass significantly reduces heat transfer and noise infiltration compared to single-glazed windows, and as expected, is a costlier option. Nowadays, these types of windows are referred to as Insulated Glass Units (or IGUs).

Where are double-glazed windows and single-glazed windows used?

Single-glazed windows are commonly found in older buildings, homes and other structures that have a single-glazing framework, which would need to be replaced by a builder prior to installing double-glazed glass. They are also used as a budget option or in several instances where double-glazed glass cannot be used, such as:

• Balustrades and Pool Fences
• Cabinet Glass
• Shower screens
• Splashbacks
• Tabletops
• Wired Glass

Double-glazed windows are typically prevalent in newer constructions and buildings located in regions with more volatile weather conditions. This is because of their superior insulation properties which make them ideal for homes and offices in areas with fluctuating hot or cold climates.

Double-glazed windows are becoming increasingly common to mitigate climate concerns, and in urban settings to mitigate noise pollution like main road and air traffic, where the owner/builders want to ensure a quieter indoor environment.

The Benefits of Double-Glazed windows (over Single-Glazed windows)

Double-glazed windows offer several advantages over the single-glazed alternative:

• Double-glazed windows provide better insulation, reducing energy consumption and lowering heating and cooling costs for occupants.
• The dual glass panes and their insulating gas layer significantly reduce noise levels, enhancing indoor comfort.
• Double-glazed windows can improve window security, as they are harder to break when compared to single-glazed options. Whilst double-glazed windows are the costlier option for windows compared to than single-glazed windows, this type of window can help to save money in the long term with lower energy costs, improved safety and increased comfort.

That said, as discussed, there are also many instances in which single-glazed glass are perfect for your home or business and is what you require.

But the benefits of double-glazed windows make this option a worthwhile consideration when assessing what windows to install in your home or business, as they may well be worth the investment, and add to the overall value and enjoyment of your property.

How can O’Brien Glass® help?

The right glazing decision can significantly improve the look and comfort of your space. Our expert team of glaziers can provide advice on the best options available, including double-glazed units, or other solutions like thermal glass, tinting or acoustic treatments that can work with single-glazed options (as an alternative to double-glazed units).

But just as important as deciding between single-glazed glass and double-glazed glass is the installation process.

At O’Brien Glass® we have a range of glazing solutions for your home or business, and our experienced Glaziers who are dedicated to safety can help you find and install the right solution for your needs, as well as help replace any broken or damaged glass.

With over 100 years of experience in glazing services and a lifetime guarantee on all our glass installations for the life of your home or building, you can trust in our compliant, high-quality glass installation and professional 24/7 customer service support.

For more info, chat with our team of glazing experts today at 1800 059 829.

If you can’t call right now, fill in our online form here and we’ll be back in touch.

The post Single-Glazed vs. Double-Glazed Windows: A Comparison appeared first on O'Brien.

Having been a part of the Australian community for nearly 100 years, the O’Brien® team has seen our fair share of storms – and we’ve also helped thousands of Australian households prepare for storms (as well as clean-up after them). So, from our first-hand experience, we’ve put together a handy storm preparation checklist for you.

Being prepared for natural disasters such as storms isn’t just a precautionary measure. It’s a way to help keep your loved ones as well as your property safe, especially since Australian storms come in all types and severity.

Here are 8 things that you can do to prepare your home and your family in the event of a storm.

8 things you need to do around the home to be storm-ready

1. Stay informed and updated.

Forewarned is forearmed. So, whenever there’s a storm warning, keep a close eye on weather forecasts. If possible, get real-time alerts and warnings about approaching storms from reliable news sources so you’re always alert.

2. Create a family emergency plan.

Discuss evacuation routes, safe areas within your home, and contact information for nearby shelters or emergency services with your family.

This way, when the time comes, everyone will know what to do and can act quickly.

3. Build an emergency kit and stock up on your essentials.

You can also pack a storm emergency kit with all the essentials:

• non-perishable food
• clean water
• medications
• a first aid kit
• a torch
• batteries
• power banks

Ideally, an emergency kit should have enough supplies for at least a week.

4. Secure your surroundings.

While it’s still safe, clean up garden debris and secure loose objects in your yard so they don’t become projectiles during high winds. This includes outdoor furniture, trampolines or garden decorations. If flooding is a concern, you can use sandbags to prevent water from entering the vicinity of your home.

5. Inspect your doors and windows.

Look into all entry and exit points around your home such as windows and doors check for proper sealing. Get any previously broken panes of glass repaired so that they’re in good working order. It is worth checking to make sure you have the right type of safety glass around your home as well.

Your local O’Brien Glass experts can work on the replacement and provide expert advice for ensuring the glass around your home is safe for extreme weather.

6. Check your roof and gutters.

Check your roof regularly for loose or missing tiles and repair roof damage as soon as you notice it. Cleaning out gutters and downpipes will also ensure proper drainage in case of heavy rainfall. This can help you avoid or minimise potential water leaks and water damage during a storm.

If you need help with the cleaning and repair of your gutters or maintaining your roof, your local O'Brien Plumbing experts can assist.

7. Examine potential electric hazards.

Faulty power lines, lightning and water are a concerning combination that could pose risks to your home and your family. So, it helps to have a safety switch installed and maintained on your switchboard. A residual-current circuit breaker with over-current protection (RCBO) also guards against accidental electrocution by monitoring the current travelling to and from an electrical load.

If you need help with the installation of switchboard and safety switches, your local O'Brien Electrical experts can assist.

8. Review your insurance coverage.

Take the time to talk to your insurance provider and make sure your coverage adequately protects against storm and flood damage, especially if you live in a flood-prone area. Knowing that you have the right coverage gives you one less thing to worry about when the storm hits.

Stay safe and dry with help from O’Brien®

It’s always a smart idea to be prepared in advance for storms, and hopefully, this checklist is a good starting point for you.

Always remember, if you need any repairs around the home before or after a weather event – whether it be for electrical or plumbing work or glass repairs – just reach out to your local O’Brien^® team.

For more information about our services, call us on 1800 719 738 or send us a message to speak with one of our friendly staff.

We’re here to keep you safe and dry.

The post Storm Preparation Checklist: 8 Things To Do To Prepare For A Storm appeared first on O'Brien.

The Grand Chancellor Hotel is a 10-storey building overlooking the Harbour in central Hobart. After a recent storm damaged a section of the lower roof, the Hotel was looking for a new glazing supplier who could help with the repair after the original glazing company contracted to do the work refused to touch the project, citing the high risk of injury.

The team at the O'Brien Glass® Hobart was up for the challenge!

The O'Brien Glass® team was tasked with repairing 15 damaged roof panels. We used panels made of 17.52mm laminated heat-strengthened glass weighing 120 kilograms, all made according to templates in various shapes and sizes.

The work was carried out over two days, with four men working on the roof at a time. The glaziers used a scissor lift to reach the rooftop, and a crane was used to lift each glass panel.

At all times, the team ensured there were specialists on-site working with the glaziers to ensure that safety was always a priority, given they were working at such heights. The team was also prepared for the cold weather, wearing (lots of) thermals to stay warm.

The O’Brien Glass® team worked to complete the project on time and within budget, and the Grand Chancellor was thrilled with the workmanship and service provided by the glaziers. The newly installed panels will help to secure the structural integrity of the roof for many years to come with the  O'Brien® Glazing Workmanship Guarantee.

“Our contact at The Grand Chancellor was pleased with the results and expressed his gratitude to our team. They went above and beyond in their workmanship, and their expertise shined through on this project. A massive thank you to our whole Hobart glazing crew!” – Kelly, O'Brien Glass® Hobart Branch Manager

The challenges of the project

The team faced a range of challenges throughout, including:

• The immense weight of the glass

The weight of the glass panels was a significant obstacle to overcome. Each panel weighing 120 kilograms was difficult to lift and manoeuvre.

• The difficult height of the building

The height of the roof was measured to be 15 metres high, making it difficult for the glaziers to work safely. Our team used safety harnesses and ropes to secure themselves, and they worked with a team of fall prevention specialists to ensure each member was always safe.

• The cold weather

The harsh Tasmanian weather proved to be another significant challenge. The appointment date needed to be rescheduled three times before the project could be carried out due to harsh winter conditions that were often below freezing. In the end, the team wore thermals to stay warm, and they took breaks throughout the day to warm up and ensure they could return to work safely.

The importance of safety

Safety was always top of mind for the team throughout the project, as with every O'Brien Glass® job. As well as collaborating with and supporting one another, each of our glazing specialists worked with a fall prevention specialist who ensured all safety precautions were met.  The glaziers all wore safety harnesses to secure themselves as well as all necessary glazing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Nearly 100 years’ worth of glazing expertise

O'Brien Glass® is a leading provider of glass products and services in Australia. With almost a century of experience, we have a deep understanding of the glazing industry and the needs of our customers, big or small.

Our team of professional glaziers are experienced in solving difficult problems like this one and use only quality glass products that are compliant with AS1288 Standards. We also provide a lifetime guarantee on our glazing workmanship, so you can always be confident in the quality of our work.

Whether you need a new window, a shower screen, or a challenging commercial glass installation like the Hotel Chancellor, O'Brien Glass® can help. We offer a wide range of services around glass and are on hand to answer your questions about any glazing challenge, big or small.

Contact us today at 1800 059 829 or chat with us online to learn more about how we can help you when it comes to glass replacements and upgrades.

The post O’Brien® Glaziers Successfully Scale The Heights Of The Hotel Grand Chancellor In Hobart appeared first on O'Brien.

You’ll usually find Alexis, from our Glazing Solutions Team, behind the scenes talking to customers over the phone and helping to solve their glass needs. But this day, she was lucky enough to join one of our Glaziers in our Sydney team, Martin, out on the road. And it proved to be a very different job experience for the day.

So join us for an action-packed day with Martin and Alexis as they embark on a journey full of appointments and helping customers.

Starting the day right

No day starts without the 8 A.M. meeting with fellow glaziers for a team debrief and run down of the day. It’s a great chance to connect with others in the team, share the adventures ahead, and keep updated with branch news. Martin then loaded the O'Brien^® truck with the tools and glass needed for the next two days ahead of appointments. Once Alexis arrived, she put on the required safety kit, and they set off.

Full Steam Ahead

Not every day starts smooth and easy in Glazing! With the first customer no longer available for the day, Martin quickly notified the office planning team leader, who helped move things around. He explained, “You’ ‘ve got to be flexible as your day won’t always go to plan.”

But the day was soon back on track, with the next customer greeting them with an offer of a coffee, which Martin politely declined, and they talked through the broken glass situation in her home. A low-lying panel of grey glass had shattered into sharp shards.

After assessing the situation, Martin quickly determined that ‘safety glass’ was the best solution for this job, which was different to what was initially quoted. However, the customer agreed after Martin explained the relevance of having the correct type of glass in high-risk areas like a bedroom. So, geared up with gloves, gauntlets and glasses, Martin got to work removing the broken shards and installing the new safety glass.

From Alexis’ call centre experience, she shares, “We have to ask lots of questions from our customers to obtain accurate information to determine the correct glass type for the window. However, our experienced glaziers always confirm details once they arrive to ensure that the most suitable glass type is used for reglazing.”

Martin adds, “People trust you when you take time to explain what we are doing and why, especially for their safety and peace of mind. I always want to do what is right for my customers, as they rely on us.”

After Martin cleaned up the area and provided the happy customer with clear instructions for not touching the glass for 24 hours (until the silicone had set), Alexis and Martin were soon on their way again.

Onto the next job

After a scheduled break to rest and recharge, Martin and Alexis were back on the road to another reglazing job for a real estate agent at a tenanted property on the other side of town.

After balancing a tricky access situation and the smell of a nearby compost bin, Martin completed the reglaze of the tenant’s window. Then, a broken glass door panel was the next task.

After assessing the situation, Martin felt a more seamless door repair solution with different glass was needed, so he contacted the real estate agent. Instead of using laminated glass, which would have made the door look a little clunky and not as aesthetically pleasing, he recommended using a thinner, toughened glass for the reglaze (which the agent agreed to proceed with). As toughened glass is made-to-measure (and would need to be ordered and another site visit booked), Martin confirmed the dimensions and then applied sticky plastic film as an interim make-safe solution for the tenant.

“At O'Brien^®, we pride ourselves on being glass experts. So, if I’m at a job and can see a better way to do things, I suggest it to the customer. That way, they can decide what is best for their needs,” Martin explained. “People rely on our expertise and appreciate that we are there to help – and that’s exactly what we do.”

Reflection

As the day drew to a close, Alexis shared, “Martin was extremely professional and knowledgeable about the glazing process. It was a great experience to see how a Glazier handles the jobs that arise from the calls I take directly from customers. A full-circle experience! Knowing what happens at on-site glazing jobs helps me to deliver better service to my customers when they call.”

Then it was a quick farewell, with each parting way to head home. As Martin had pre-stocked his truck with glass for the next day’s appointments, he was ready to begin his day of glazing early!

The O'Brien Glass^® team can make time in our day for you, too!

While no days are alike at O'Brien Glass^®, our commitment to quality home and commercial glazing services and customer service excellence remains consistent.

We’re here to help you with your glazing needs and emergency glass replacement – no matter the situation or time of day. For more information about our services, call us on 1800 719 738 or send us a message to speak with one of our friendly team. You might even have Alexis answer your call too!

The post The Inside Scoop: An Action-Packed Day With A Glazier appeared first on O'Brien.

Whether it’s a hailstorm, a flash flood or a thunderstorm, storms can be unpredictable, causing potential harm to people and damage to homes and businesses. They can also disrupt power, communication systems and local amenities like running water.

That’s why it’s important to be prepared to help keep yourself and your family safe while helping to minimise damage to your property.

O'Brien^® has been part of the Australian community for almost 100 years, so our teams have seen firsthand the impact of storms on our vast country.

So we’ve put together a useful checklist to help you be prepared in advance in case a storm hits.

Here are 10 things you can do around your home before a severe weather event. These tips can help you and your family be better equipped to handle any challenges that may arise.

10 things to do around your home to be storm-ready

1. Check your roof regularly for loose or missing tiles and repair any roof damage as soon as you notice it. This can help you avoid or minimise potential water leaks in heavy rain conditions.
2. Check and clean out your gutters and downpipes to ensure there is proper drainage during a storm. This will prevent overflowing, damage to guttering and backwash that can pool water in places that could cause lingering moisture and water damage.

For help with the cleaning and repair of your gutters, or maintaining your roof, your local O'Brien Plumbing experts can assist.

3. Clean up garden debris like branches and secure any loose objects in your yard, such as outdoor furniture, trampolines, or garden decorations, so they don’t become projectiles in high winds.
4. Check your windows and doors for proper sealing and get any previously broken panes of glass repaired so that they’re in good working order. It is worth checking to make sure you have the correct type of safety glass around your home as well.

Your local O'Brien Glass^® experts can are on hand for replacement and advice for glass around your home.

5. Examine your home for any potential electrical hazards that could occur. Ensuring you have a safety switch installed and maintained on your switchboard and installing a residual-current circuit breaker with over-current protection (RCBO) that guards against accidental electrocution by monitoring the current travelling to and from an electrical load.

Your local O'Brien Electrical experts can perform thorough checks and installations of switchboard & safety switches.

6. Check if your home and contents insurance is up to date and know what you are covered for if it comes to claims with a flood or storm. Take the time to talk to your insurance provider to understand what additional cover may be available so you can consider additional options if you think you need it.
7. Stock up on non-perishable food, water, and other supplies in case you are without power or are isolated for more than a few days. We’ve recently seen how many Australian towns have been affected by prolonged flood waters – so it’s best to be prepared.
8. Charge your mobile phone, power banks and other electronic devices in case of a power outage, so you can contact loved ones or your local O'Brien expert (to glass, plumbing or electrical help)
9. Have an evacuation plan in place beforehand and talk through it with your family and friends, so if the time comes you know what to do and can act quickly.
10. Have an emergency kit ready, just in case, with essential items such as a torch, first aid kit, and batteries.

Stay safe and dry with help from O'Brien^®

It’s always a smart idea to be prepared in advance for storms, and hopefully this checklist is a good starting point for you.

Keep a close eye and ear on the weather and predicted forecast to help your household be as prepared as can be should a storm hit. Always remember, if you need any repairs around the home before or after a weather event – whether it be for electrical or plumbing work or glass repairs, whether it be for electrical or plumbing work or glass repairs – contact your local O'Brien^® team today.

For more information about our services, call us on 1800 719 738 or send us a message to speak with one of our friendly staff.  We’re here to keep you safe and dry.

The post Storm Preparation Checklist For Your Home appeared first on O'Brien.

However, as much as glass is an attractive addition, an unexpected breakage can be quite a stressful and dangerous situation.

Whether you’re dealing with a shattered piece of glass or just a crack, it’s essential to have a plan to act as quickly and safely as possible.

So to help, our expert O'Brien Glass^® experts, have outlined the six things you should do when glass breaks and when to call for emergency glass repair.

What can cause glass to break?

• Impact damage

This is the most common cause of glass breakage, whether accidental, deliberate or weather-related. For example, intruders and vandals can throw debris that can break glass, or children (and adults) can accidentally shatter a window or break glass furniture when running around or playing with hard objects. The wind can also carry solid things that hit glass too.

• Poor edge quality

Glass edge damage can occur when glass is installed incorrectly or via cutting and processing flaws. A slight edge imperfection, impact or chip can lead to the entire pane breaking after its original installation.

• Thermal stress

Heat or cold-induced stress in glass is caused by a temperature difference between the centre and edge of the glass pane. If the thermally induced stress exceeds the strength of the glass, it can break, usually not in a straight line.

To learn more about the different types of glass and how they break, read here.

What should you do if glass breaks?

Glass is a versatile yet fragile material.

No matter what type of glass and where it’s installed, glass can crack, break or shatter altogether for many reasons.

Knowing what to do, if this happens, is important, so you can protect yourself and those around you.

So, here are six things you should do when glass breaks:

1. Determine the cause of breakage.

While there are numerous causes of broken glass, it’s essential to get to the bottom of what has caused the incident as soon as you can.

Begin by carefully inspecting the area to make sure there is no further damage to other parts of your home or business and that you understand what has happened so that you can act accordingly.

2. Block access to the area.

Broken shards of glass can pose a serious risk. So it’s important to secure the area immediately, let everyone close by know and keep children and pets away.

3. Clean around the site on horizontal surfaces (avoiding any glass still in the frame) as soon as possible.

Always protect yourself from any glass shards while you clean up the area. Put on closed shoes and thick gloves before doing anything else. Glasses would be good, too, as glass flicks up in unpredictable ways when sweeping up. This will reduce the risk of cutting yourself.

First, look for larger glass pieces and discard them before cleaning up the smaller shards. Then, sweep up any fragments and vacuum the immediate and wider area to ensure you’ve picked up any remaining pieces or granules.

Do not attempt to remove even small pieces of ordinary annealed glass that are still present within the frame, as moving one small amount could cause the collapse of any remaining portions (and cause injury)

4. Apply a temporary covering (if possible or needed).

The next step is to temporarily cover the window or door opening with cardboard and tape (if possible). This is important for safety reasons and to secure your home or business. This can serve as a temporary fix until a professional O'Brien^® glazier organises an emergency glass replacement for you.

If the glass is toughened, it will have either shattered into small pieces with some or all remaining in the frame. Use a cardboard sheet or other solid material sheet and affix it to the frame edge, not the glass. This same process applies to broken annealed glass still within the frame. If the glass is laminated because it’s held together, it would usually only require some wide tape to secure a small hole breakthrough or large crack.

5. Contact your insurance provider.

Find out whether your emergency glass replacement is covered by your home insurance policy, such as a break-in. Your insurance provider will then verify if you are eligible for having the costs of window glass replacement covered (and usually arrange for a glazier to assist).

6. Contact a qualified local glazing expert.

If you don’t have insurance, you’ll need to contact a qualified glazier, like O'Brien Glass^®, who will be able to provide an emergency glass replacement for you. Your local expert glazier will be able to provide recommendations on the most suitable type of glass for your home or business.

If a window, pane or panel was ever to shatter, follow the above steps to handle the broken glass and get it fixed. This will help protect you and your family or your colleagues and help reduce the stress of the whole situation!

When glass breaks, think of O'Brien^® – your local glass experts

At O'Brien^®, our local glazing team can provide you with quality glass products and glazing services – from emergency replacement and new glass installation to shower screens, window tinting, pet doors in windows and glass doors and more.

Contact us today, and we’ll help you choose the right type of glass for every application in either your home or office.

For more information about our quality glazing services, call us on 1800 719 737 or send us a message to speak with one of our friendly staff.

The post Emergency Glass Repair: 6 Things You Should Do When Glass Breaks appeared first on O'Brien.

In operation for over 40 years, the local O'Brien Glass^® branch is committed to offering high-quality glazing and emergency glass repair services to the Central Coast and Newcastle community through their team of glass experts.

Michael Rolls, Branch Manager, recently shared his team’s experience working across the region and how they continue to deliver exceptional services to their many customers.

Here’s what he had to say.

Meet your local O'Brien Glass^® team

The Newcastle & Central Coast NSW region has an abundance of beautiful beaches, breathtaking landscapes, and rolling hills.

With this stunning backdrop and relaxed lifestyle, it’s no surprise the team of seven O'Brien^® glaziers all love to be out and about on the road.

Michael said, “Aside from this, we all love being able to meet different people and have friendly interactions whilst providing exceptional glazing service to our clients.”

It’s a real team effort, across the crew of ten, with Michael and two office staff keeping things running smoothly – ordering stock, helping customers and everything in-between. Altogether, the team has over 160 years of combined experience in the glass replacement industry! This makes them incredibly reliable experts when it comes to emergency glass repairs and replacement needs.

“We also have two staff who recently completed their apprenticeship. Today, they’re now thriving, qualified glaziers and making a great contribution to the Newcastle community with their skills,” Michael adds.

Working together within the Newcastle community

Working for so long as part of the Newcastle region goes beyond providing prompt and efficient glazing services. Over the years, the team has also built a network of trusted local business partners and complementary service providers.

These fostered connections with other industry experts, such as painters and carpenters, have enabled the O'Brien^® team to give clients suitable recommendations and referrals to professionals within the local area, allowing them to fully support customers and work collaboratively with everyone in the community.

“It’s great being an active part of the business landscape here in Newcastle,” said Michael. “It means we all can help each other to help more customers.”

No job is too big or small for your local O'Brien Glass^® team

The glazing experts at the O'Brien Glass^® Central Coast & Newcastle branch provide a wide range of services across the NSW North Coast – from Gosford to the Hunter Valley to Newcastle and surrounds. As part of their ongoing commitment to their local community, here are some of the glazing services they offer customers:

1. 24/7 emergency glass replacement service

Glass breakage can happen at any time and can cause security and safety risks. That is why the team will always try to respond quickly at any time of the day or night.

“We have at least 2 of our local glaziers who are always on call every night and over the weekend. Once we receive a call from a customer, we try to respond immediately and be on site within an hour or less to provide emergency glass replacement,” Michael said.

2. Award-winning service

O'Brien^® strives each and every time to provide quality service and is always open to customer feedback. The Central Coast & Newcastle team is no exception.

“True to the ‘O'Brien^® DNA, our branch has been a great performer and has won several internal awards. Our NPS rating, which is driven by our customer feedback, is consistently over 85%, and in fact, several times, that has been the highest amongst the ‘O'Brien^® branches in the country,” Michael said.

This is a clear testament to how your local O'Brien Glass^® team truly values the quality of service they provide to customers – no matter how big or small the job may be.

Here is some of the feedback provided by their local customers:

“I had a call for a pet door with O'Brien. Very helpful and knowledgeable team who were able to advise me on the best options for my home. Pricing was provided over the phone and the team were happy to schedule the appointment around my schedule as needed. Would be happy to recommend for home or business. Thanks”

– Sean P

“O'Brien Glass responded quickly arrived on time and were very courteous and professional. Their communication throughout the whole process was exceptional.”

– Brian M

“Prompt response very polite and friendly staff. Excellent customer service”

– Russell C

Got broken glass? O'Brien Glass^® is here to help

Servicing across North Coast NSW region, you can rely on your local O'Brien^® glazing experts to help – whether you need a simple glass replacement or 24/7 emergency service.

Click here to connect to O'Brien Glass^® Newcastle & Central Coast

For more information about our services, call us on 1800 059 829 or send us a message to speak with one of our friendly staff.

The post O’Brien Glass® Newcastle & Central Coast Team In Focus: Locals Servicing Locals appeared first on O'Brien.

Our technicians are tested on quality, speed, attention to detail, care, adherence to the O'Brien^® way of fitting and expert use of the specialist O'Brien^® tools to name a few.

Hosted remotely for the first time, six of our finest O'Brien^® automotive technicians battled it out through a series of windscreen repair and replacement challenges hoping to take out the top prize. Ultimately, Phil Cole from O'Brien^® AutoGlass Joondalup in WA was crowned champion. He’s now on the countdown to represent Australia in the Best of Belron 2022 competition in Barcelona, Spain, on 29-30 June.

Best of Belron brings together 29 of the best automotive technicians from across the global Belron family to compete for the title of “Best of Belron 2022”. They’ll demonstrate their skills and expertise by completing a vehicle glass repair, replacement, body glass replacement, remove/replace rear glass and recalibration (VGRRR) tasks including Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) recalibration.

With the competition just around the corner, we caught up with Phil to find out how his preparation has been going, and what he’s been doing to get himself ready to take on the best technicians worldwide.

Preparing for Best of Belron 2022

Phil has been training daily to ensure his skills and expertise are in tip-top shape for the competition.

“Every job we do, we follow the Belron Way of Fitting, so I already practice every day. But as part of my training, I have been concentrating on reviewing each of the steps to ensure it is the most efficient process with the aim to reduce seconds off the task, as every second adds up at the end,” Phil told us.

The Belron Way of Fitting is a 40-step process that captures the expertise and know-how of Belron technicians around the world and represents best practices in repairing and replacing vehicle glass.

Phil has also had lots of support from the O'Brien^® Technical Team, especially his local trainer, Ian Batterbee and his Trainer / Coach, Steve, who will be flying over to Spain with him.

“I’m doing much more full-on training with the Technical Team now. They watch and assess me and give me feedback. They’re picking up on those finer details that I need to work on to make sure I tick all the boxes,” Phil explained.

“I want to thank the training team for getting me this far.”

Steve added, “Phil’s training is going really well. He is an absolute superstar. Phil needs to remember so many steps, He’s in a great frame of mind.”

The O'Brien^® team of Technical Trainers also support and audits the work of all technicians across the country on a regular basis, continuously providing training to achieve the highest quality standards possible and updating teams on the latest tools and technology.

How’s Phil feeling in the lead-up to the competition?

“I’m feeling confident, but not too confident,” Phil laughed. “I feel comfortable that I know what I’m doing. I know what the process is.”

With so many people watching him as part of his training, Phil says he’s starting to get used to the pressure the competition will bring. He’s now in the mindset that he needs to prove himself, and that’s precisely what he intends to do.

“I know that when I walk into the arena and see the stage, it’s all going to hit me, but until then, I feel pretty good about it.”

As for his plans, while he’s not competing, Phil says he’s looking forward to sightseeing around Barcelona and trying all the Spanish food. Still, he’ll also be looking to relax and chill out as much as he can before the competition begins.

We wish Phil all the best in Barcelona!

From all of us here at O'Brien^®, we wish Phil good luck at Best of Belron 2022, and we can’t wait to see how he goes against the best technicians in the world.

Of course, we’ll keep you all updated on Phil’s progress and check back in with him after the competition to hear how it all went – and hopefully sneak a peek at the trophy!

Go Phil!

Phil practising his craft recently in Sydney, with help of the Technical Training team.

Next time you need to get your windscreen repaired or replaced, think of the team at O'Brien^® AutoGlass. We’re your trained experts in all things windscreen glass – book online or call 1800 059 829.

At O'Brien^®, we’re proud to have so many outstanding Vehicle Glass Technicians working for our company right across Australia. We’re committed to delivering dedicated training programs that deliver technical expertise and service excellence to all of our staff, so we can continue to offer the high level of customer service and quality of work that we provide to Australians every day.

Interested in joining the O'Brien^® team?

Visit obriencareers.com.au for more information today.

The post Our Best O’Brien Auto Tech Expert Takes Off To The Best Of Belron In Barcelona! appeared first on O'Brien.

To help you plan your snow holiday, we’ve pulled together a list of the best slopes destinations you can drive to in Australia. Read on and start making plans!

#1 Perisher, NSW

Perisher is the biggest ski resort in the Southern Hemisphere boasting more than 1,200 hectares of skiable terrain to explore. The fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down at Perisher either, with night skiing an option usually every Tuesday and Saturday on the Front Valley slope during the season. Approximately 5.5hrs drive from Sydney with a handy ski tube alpine railway to take you straight to the ski village and avoid the icy roads to the resort.

#2 Mount Hotham, VIC

Mount Hotham is unique in that the ski village is located at the top of the mountain, so you wake up in the clouds with all the fresh powder below you. It also boasts some of the more challenging terrains in Australia, making it a popular choice for more confident skiers. Being a confident skier is no prerequisite for having a fun time at Mount Hotham, with more than 20 restaurant and bar options for après skiing and plenty of space allocated for snow tubing and tobogganing. Mount Hotham is a 4.5-hour drive from Melbourne.

#3 Thredbo, NSW

Thredbo has the five longest ski runs in Australia and is the ski field for you if you’re all about the distance. There is a good mix of slopes that caters well for skiers of intermediate level or above. There is a bustling alpine village that caters well to foodies and party-goers alive. It will take you about 5.5 hours to drive to Thredbo from Sydney.

#4 Falls Creek, VIC

If you’re keen to avoid crowds on the mountain, Falls Creek is a good option. We are told, it doesn’t get as crowded here compared to other ski areas in Australia and has some of the best cross-country skiing tracks in the country. Although more advanced skiiers may not find the runs overly challenging, being only a 4.5-hour drive from Melbourne with plenty of ski in/ski out accommodation, it is a good choice for accessibility.

#5 Mount Buller, VIC

Combining quality ski trails, spectacular scenery, and first-rate resort facilities, Mt Buller certainly has a lot going for it. With two distinct mountainsides, there’s a choice between the Northern Slopes, packed with blue runs, and the Southern Slopes, where black trails reign. A short 3-hour drive from Melbourne, Mount Buller offers magnificent views over the Victorian Alps and Delatite Valley.

Be prepared for the road trip

If you do find yourself driving to a ski resort this winter, remember to make sure your car is ready for the journey. For tips on preparing your car for a road trip, see here. Remember, you can reduce windscreen chips by keeping a safe distance from the cars in front of you and driving to the conditions as well.

And if you do have a small chip in your windscreen, make sure you get your chip repaired before you head off (as extreme temperature changes can cause existing chips to crack).

If you do find yourself in need of a windscreen repair or replacement after a mountain adventure or while out on the road*, call our friendly team of windscreen experts, 24/7, on 1800 059 829 or send us a message.

*Service availability may vary depending on location. Please contact us for information.

The post Hit The Slopes On A Winter Road Trip – 5 Top Aussie Destinations appeared first on O'Brien.