Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
November 2026 marks 50 years in business for Dave Griffith Electrical, a family-run Mackay operation that has completed more than 1500 electrical projects for commercial and industrial, and petrochemical clients across Queensland since its beginnings in 1976.
Built on hard work, quality workmanship and lasting customer relationships, the business has stood the test of time, with its original values continuing to guide the next generation.
Founded by Dave and Jan Griffith, the business is now led by their son, Luke Griffith, who has taken on the responsibility of carrying their legacy forward as managing director.
For Luke and the team, the milestone is an opportunity to reflect on the people and hard work behind five decades of operation, while looking ahead to what the next chapter may bring.
Dave Griffith Electrical began in 1976.
Originally from the Central Coast of New South Wales, Dave found his way to Mackay after undertaking construction work in the early 1970s. Jan, on the other hand, was born and bred in the region, making Mackay the home of the business they would build together.
Since then, the business has provided electrical maintenance and installation and hazardous area services throughout Mackay and surrounding areas, steadily building its experience and capabilities.
While the business has evolved over the decades, its foundations remain important to Luke, who is proud to continue what his parents started.
“I've always had Dad's legacy in the back of my mind,” he said.
“I'm just glad we can keep the business going and continue to grow what they started together all those years ago.”
Luke first joined the business around 2003 as an apprentice.
“After a gap year, I came back and finished my apprenticeship, after previously undertaking a school based apprenticeship . I wanted to move away and travel again, but Mum and Dad provided the opportunity to take on the business. They were looking to step away, and I embraced it.”
Dave has now been fully retired for close to 20 years, with Luke taking responsibility for the business and its ongoing development.
Today, Dave Griffith Electrical's work is primarily focused on commercial, industrial clients, with services spanning construction, routine maintenance, hazardous area installations and auditing, electrical compliance, design and automation, and EV chargers
While it still undertakes some domestic work for long-standing customers, its broader capabilities allow it to support businesses with a range of electrical requirements.
“We’re pretty much a one-stop shop for commercial installations, industrial installations, hazardous areas and electrical compliance,” Luke said.
“We can design PLCs and provide automation, so we can encompass everything a company or smaller business needs.”
“We're here, we're available and we're local.”
Behind the business is a team of six, including Luke, two supervisors, two other tradesmen and an apprentice, with administration also helping keep operations running smoothly.
For Luke, maintaining the values established by his parents is just as important as delivering the technical side of the work.
Transparency, honesty, reliability and quality workmanship remain central to how the business operates, alongside clear communication with customers.
“We pride ourselves on providing the best outcome for our clients,” Luke said.
“I guess that's how we've maintained a lot of the relationships we've had for a very long time. It's about hard work, honesty and quality of work.”
He said customers valued knowing the people completing their work would turn up when promised and keep them informed throughout the process.
“The ethos Dad always had was about being honest and reliable, turning up when you say you're going to turn up, and delivering quality work,” he said.
“Communication is also very important to us, especially these days. It's about letting customers know what's been done and the outcome of the job.”
Beyond its work across the electrical industry, Dave Griffith Electrical has maintained strong connections with the Mackay community through sponsorships, donations and charitable support.
The business supports the Mackay City Hawks AFL junior teams, Harrup Park and Mackay Surf Life Saving Club, alongside various community organisations and charitable causes.
Support for the Leukaemia Foundation and Starlight Foundation has also been part of the Griffith family's involvement in the community over the years.
Luke said giving back was something his parents had always valued, and a commitment he was pleased to continue.
“Mum and Dad were always happy to donate to community organisations and sporting clubs, including the Leukaemia Foundation and Starlight Foundation,” he said.
“They've always done that.”
Having experienced cancer himself at a young age, Luke said supporting organisations such as the Leukaemia Foundation was particularly meaningful.
As Dave Griffith Electrical approaches its next 50 years, Luke's focus is on keeping the business relevant while preserving the values that have carried it through the decades.
That means continuing to adapt to changes in the electrical industry, embracing new technology and finding ways to make everyday operations more efficient for both staff and customers.
The business is moving towards improved documentation and streamlined systems, reducing its reliance on traditional pen-and-paper processes while exploring technology that can make work easier and more flexible.
For Luke, staying informed about industry developments is an important part of remaining competitive.
“It's about adapting with the times and moving with technology. That's the big push,” he said.
“I think if you're on top of what's coming out and where the industry's moving, then you're a step ahead. It's about fine-tuning the methods we've already had for 50 years.”
He also recognises the importance of building a workplace that accommodates the needs of its employees, including family commitments and more flexible ways of working.
While the official milestone arrives at the end of November, celebrations are being planned for the new year, allowing the business to bring together customers, suppliers and the family behind its beginnings.
After five decades of serving Mackay, Luke hopes the next chapter will build on the same foundations that helped his parents turn a small business into a lasting part of the region's electrical industry.
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