Heartfelt Highlights: OC’s Community Recap for 2024

At OC, community isn’t just something we do—it’s who we are. This year, our OC Community Committee, led by Sharon Gray, introduced a quarterly framework for our initiatives. By focusing on causes that truly resonate with our team, we’ve made our efforts more personal, impactful, and meaningful. Here’s how we turned compassion into action in 2024.

Raising Awareness for Endometriosis Australia

One in nine Australian women live with endometriosis—a condition too often shrouded in stigma and silence. In March, we took a stand with our Eastwood Table Tennis Tournament, a fun and fast-paced way to raise awareness and funds.

After three weeks of planning and a thrilling grand final on 10 April, we brought together 64 participants and raised $2,200. But the real win was the conversations sparked and the awareness raised, helping to break the silence around this condition.

Quiz Night for Hutt Street Centre

At OC, we know how life-changing it is to have a place to call home. That’s why we proudly partnered with the Hutt Street Centre, whose work supports those experiencing homelessness.

Our Quiz Night Fundraiser was more than just a great night out—it was a chance to connect and make a difference. Months of planning culminated in over 170 attendees coming together to raise $10,400 through ticket sales, bar proceeds, and donations. Every dollar went towards helping people in need—because everyone deserves a safe place to call home. View on Instagram.

Movie Night for Sarcoma Research

For two of our directors, the fight against sarcoma is deeply personal. Their families have faced the challenges of this rare cancer, and at OC, we’re committed to supporting the Sarcoma & Bone Cancer Research Foundation Association (SA).

This year’s annual Movie Night Fundraiser at the Capri Theatre was our biggest yet. Every attendee contributed to raising awareness and funding vital research, while also providing assistance to families impacted by sarcoma. We proudly donated $10,000 to the cause—a true testament to the power of community coming together for a meaningful purpose.

Spreading Christmas Cheer with Share the Dignity

Christmas should be a time of joy, but for many women, teens, and mothers, it can be a painful reminder of financial hardship. That’s why OC partnered with Share the Dignity to provide essential toiletries to those in need.

We collectively filled 72 bags across all OC offices. These weren’t just practical bags; they symbolised dignity, kindness, and the true spirit of giving during the festive season.

A Year of Everyday Kindness

Beyond our major campaigns, 2024 was shaped by countless moments of everyday kindness from our team.

Sharon Gray and Valerie Timms led the charge with Soup and Sleep, an initiative ensuring no one goes hungry. Dale Gray organised Plunge for EB, raising awareness for epidermolysis bullosa (EB) research. Joshua Liebech participated in the Lumary City-Bay Fun Run, pledging $1,000 to support melanoma patients. And at Lonsdale, our team created magic with a Santa Cave, raising funds for Heartfelt.org while spreading Christmas joy to families.

Each effort, no matter how small, contributed to a ripple effect of kindness throughout the year.

National Recognition

In February, OC proudly stepped onto the national stage once again, earning the title of Social & Community Service Program of the Year at the REBs—our second consecutive win. By November, our efforts were further acknowledged as we secured a finalist spot for the Community Service award at the REISAs.

While these accolades are a wonderful honour, they’re not why we do what we do. The real reward lies in the lives touched, the conversations started, and the difference made. As 2024 comes to a close, we’re looking ahead with gratitude and determination. This year proved what’s possible when passion meets purpose.

In 2025, we’ll be back—ready to dream bigger, do more, and continue making it happen. Learn more about OC’s community efforts here.