
M&P Services’ 11th annual Charity Golf Day raised $75,152 for local causes, continuing a 40-year legacy of giving back to the Mackay community. Photo credit: Hannah McNamaraM&P Services has once again hit it out of the park – or, more accurately, around the course – with its 11th annual Charity Golf Day raising a remarkable $75,152 for local causes. Proudly sponsored by Key Solutions Group, this year’s event edged past last year’s $75,000 total, continuing a fundraising legacy that began with $6,000 at the inaugural event. Mayor Greg Williamson praised M&P Services Managing Director Max Lamb Jnr and his team for turning a day on the green into one of Mackay’s standout community fundraising events. After 40 years serving Mackay and the greater region, M&P Services continues to prove that good business is more about giving than it is about receiving. With more than $425,000 raised over the years, this is one community tradition that’s well and truly on par. Mr Lamb Jr and the team emphasised their overwhelming gratitude for all involved in such a great turnout for yet another year! 11th Annual Golf Day Raises Over $75,100 For Local Beneficiaries! A day on the green has once again delivered a major result for the Mackay community, with the 11th annual M&P Services Charity Golf Day raising an impressive $75,152, just surpassing last year’s total of $75,000! Proudly sponsored by Key Solutions Group, the annual event has grown from humble beginnings into one of Mackay’s leading charity golf days. Mayor Greg Williamson praised M&P Services Managing Director Max Lamb Jr and his team for the event’s continued success. “This is the 11th annual charity golf day, and we’ve got to say to Max and his team, what a great job,” Mayor Williamson said. “The first round, 11 years ago, raised $6,000. Last year, it raised $75,000, and already more than $350,000 has gone to Mackay charities throughout the years. “This is Mackay’s leading charity golf day, and getting from $6,000 in that first year to where it is today is an outstanding achievement.” For Max Lamb Jr, the day was about more than golf, with the event providing an opportunity to give back to the community that M&P Services has supported through its operations across Mackay and the greater region for 40 years. With now more than $425,000 raised over the past decade, this is one community tradition that’s well and truly on par. A strong focus of the event has been keeping funds local, with money raised going directly to the supported charities and organisations. “Every dollar we raise goes straight to the bank accounts of these local charities,” Max Jr said. “It doesn’t go through head offices in Brisbane, Sydney or anywhere else. It’s directly supporting local charities, which is why we love what we do.” Max Jr also extended a major thank you to the many supporters, businesses, organisations, sponsors, volunteers and participants who have helped make the Charity Golf Day possible year after year, with their support again playing a vital role in the success of the 2026 event. “To everybody who has supported this event, we thank you very much!” For 40 years, M&P Services has been part of the fabric of Mackay and the greater region, and giving back to the community has remained central to that legacy. The annual Charity Golf Day has grown into one of the company’s most meaningful ways of turning community spirit into tangible support, bringing together local businesses, organisations and individuals to make a difference. The following Charities and Organisations have been supported by this years golf day: Charities and organisations: Chances House Trudey Crowley Foundation BMA CQ Rescue Kidney Support Network Mackay Community Visitors Association Mackay Cutters My Hospital Foundation Mackay Netball Association Ronald McDonald House Charities Surf Life Saving Club Wildlife Rehabilitation Queensland The team at M&P Services extend a massive thanks to the following Major Sponsors: Key Solutions Group SCIG- southern cross industrial Group Penske Australia & New Lealand Steelforce Mackay Blacksmith Jacks RIMEX Australia GB Industries Jaws Buckets & Attachments MM Electrical – Mackay QCCS Pty Ltd Triple M Mackay & The Whitsundays
Set on a substantial 820m2 tropical block, backing onto an expansive nature reserve, with no rear neighbours, this 4-bedroom high set classic coastal home is perfect for families to enjoy living, working and playing.blinds…everything is ready for you to move in and enjoy.Ideal for first- home buyers, growing families, investors, with a rental appraisal of $650-$670 per week.automatic remote roller door. Large front and back yard surrounded by perimeter of tropical gardens• 9m x 6m shed with (2) roller doors & workshop space. Features:• Substantial 820m2 tropical blockLocated in a quiet, shady street, just minutes from North Wall Beach, Mackay Marina/Harbour, Lamberts Beach, Andergrove Shopping, this property presents a unique opportunity to embrace an affordable coastal lifestyle, with room for children and pets to play; work from home in the multi-purpose space downstairs; grow your own produce in the large open yard; so much more!There’s even a 6m x 9m shed with workshop/office space complete with side access.Freshly painted internally, new vinyl planking flooring, new kitchen & bathroom, new automatic remote roller door to the secure garage under the house, new external screens and • 4 generous bedrooms, 3 with built in robes with new carpet• Airconditioned living area and main bedroom• External covered deck overlooking private back yard• New external awnings, new internal blinds, new flooring, freshly painted internally throughout• Modern, brand-new kitchen• Renovated bathroom• Downstairs large multipurpose room, storage room, laundry, covered entertainment area, secure garage with new • Nature reserve at rear of property, large, shady nativesPriced to sell at only $649,000

What began as a quick stop to watch Hamilton Island Race Week soon placed Ben Archer, his mate Ryder and Ryder’s partner Eva at the centre of a Mayday response. After the Oyster 825 Viva La Vida struck a reef near Long Island, the trio rushed to assist as the yacht continued taking on water. Seeing the situation worsening by the minute, Ben was faced with a daunting decision. Should he stay safe aboard his boat or climb aboard the stricken vessel to help?Mayday Sounds Across Race Week On Friday 21st August during Hamilton Island race week, a boat began echoing a mayday after their vessel struck the reef and began taking on water fast. It was the most dramatic moment of an already hectic fifth day of racing, as the American-led crew of the Oyster 825 Viva La Vida struck a reef and began taking on water, prompting them to sound the alarm. “On Friday 21 August, during racing at Hamilton Island Race Week, the crew of Viva La Vida issued a Mayday call after striking a reef,” said the Hamilton Island race week team in a statement about the incident. “Vessel traffic services were alerted and took control of the emergency response. “The crew was supplied with a pump by Hamilton Island Marina but was unable to stop water entering the vessel. “All crew members were safely returned to Hamilton Island Marina." Among those who rushed to help was fellow sailor Ben Archer, who was aboard a Riviera with his mate Ryder and Ryder’s partner Eva near the northern end of Long Island when the Mayday call came over the radio. The pair were delivering the Riviera from Coral Sea Marina back to its owner, when they stopped to watch the racing. As the fleet sailed past, a mayday call came over the radio. Realising Viva La Vida was nearby the trio immediately moved to assist. A nearby Hamilton Island barge arrived at about the same time carrying a diesel pump, which they helped transfer onto the Riviera and then across to Viva La Vida in the swell. With the yacht continuing to take on water, the crew attempted to start the pump but struggled to get it running, prompting Archer to climb aboard the stricken vessel and help. “They asked if I could get on board and help start the pump,” Ben said. “I thought, ‘Am I really going to jump onto a sinking boat?’ But I said, ‘Righto, here we go.’” Despite the urgency of the situation, Archer said the atmosphere aboard was calmer than might be expected, even as the yacht eventually rolled onto its side and began to sink, taking the diesel pump with it. “I’d just got the pump going and thought we’re going to save it, and then the whole boat turned over,” Ben said. Once in the water, Ben climbed onto the back of the hull with two of the sailors, only to realise everyone had already abandoned ship and were on the boat with Ryder. “I was thinking, ‘How did I end up on the sinking boat while everyone else is on the floating one?’” Ben said. The experience made for a memorable Race Week for the rescuers, with Ben saying it was a great team effort, and the crew was grateful for their assistance. “They were very thankful for all the assistance we could give them and definitely pretty happy to be aboard the Riviera afterwards,” Archer said. “Ryder did a great job driving the boat, while Eva and I transferred the pump through the vessel.” Photo caption: Photo 1- Ben and Eva’s first looks at the sinking Viva La Vida. Photo 2- The Viva La Vida before capsizing.
There is a reason Whitsunday Acres continues to hold such a strong reputation locally. Generous blocks, well-kept streets and a peaceful residential setting make it one of Cannon Valley’s most appealing places to call home, all without the ongoing cost of body corporate fees.Positioned near the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, 23 Ripplecreek Way enjoys little to no passing traffic and sits comfortably on a generous 1,105m² block. The home has been positioned on flat, usable ground, leaving plenty of space around it and giving the next owner options for the future.There is room to add a pool on one side, space for a shed on the other, or simply leave things exactly as they are and enjoy a backyard with enough room for kids, pets and weekend cricket.The established front gardens create an inviting first impression, with mature tropical landscaping and a cosy sitting area tucked beneath the palms providing a quiet spot to enjoy a morning coffee or unwind at the end of the day.Inside, the home offers four bedrooms, two bathrooms and the added flexibility of a dedicated study or home office. Living and dining areas sit conveniently at the centre of the home, creating comfortable spaces for everyday family life.The kitchen has its own dedicated space, providing a practical separation from the main living areas while still remaining close to the heart of the home. A large front window brings in plenty of natural light, creating a bright and welcoming place to prepare meals without having everything on display from the lounge room.Air-conditioning throughout keeps the home comfortable as we head back towards the warmer Whitsunday months, while the easy-care layout makes this a property you can settle into without needing to reinvent it from day one.For buyers who have been waiting for an opportunity to secure their place in Whitsunday Acres, this could be it. With space around you, a quiet position and plenty of potential still left to explore, 23 Ripplecreek Way offers the chance to move in, make it your own and be settled before the Christmas season arrives
