A Decade Of Drives, Donations And Doing Good

What started as a hopeful swing at doing some good has turned into a powerhouse of philanthropy, as the 10th Annual M&P Services–Key Solutions Group Charity Golf Day hit the green at Mackay Golf Club last Friday — raising a record-breaking $75,178 for local charities.

With this year’s success, the event has now raised more than $350,000 across its decade-long history, cementing its reputation as Central and North Queensland’s premier fundraising golf day.

And if you ask event founder Max Lamb Jr, the milestone was both humbling and exhilarating.

“I honestly didn’t expect it to grow like this. Ten years ago, we raised $6,000. To now have hit $350,000 total — it’s a huge testament to what this community can do when we come together,” he said.

This year saw 42 teams tee off in a full-day celebration of golf, generosity, and grassroots impact. The course was lined with not only players but plenty of fun — from novelty challenges to raffles, auctions and the much-hyped “SCIG Clubhouse Giveaway.”

A record 110 raffle prizes worth approximately $35,000 were up for grabs, alongside 14 high-value auction items that included everything from NRL Grand Final tickets to rare memorabilia like a limited-edition “8-in-a-row” XXXX State of Origin tin collection.

But the moment that stole the show?

Rod Allen from Inspec Industries winning the $39,000 cyclone-rated SCIG Clubhouse — and immediately donating it back to the Trudy Crowley Foundation.

“It was an unprecedented act of generosity,” Max said. “Rod’s donation left everyone speechless. It perfectly captured the spirit of this event — people giving back without hesitation.”

While the highly coveted hole-in-one prize remained elusive again this year, excitement was high around the infamous “Happy Gilmore” hole and the day’s novelty challenges. As always, team results were drawn out of a hat to keep the focus firmly on fun and fundraising.

Another crowd favourite moment came during the official welcome speech by Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson, when Max Lamb Jr surprised him with his very own masters style golf jacket. In a light-hearted twist, Max handed the Mayor a 15-cent receipt from Temu — complete with plastic daggers stuck to the back — joking that it could serve as a ‘perk’ of office or a dubious claimable expense. The playful gesture drew plenty of laughs and set the tone for a spirited day.

Major sponsors Key Solutions Group, GB Industries, Infrabuild, Harvey Norman Electrical & Computers, SCIG Mackay, QCCS, Inspec Industries, Penske and WHF Constructions were instrumental in making the day a success — not to mention the small army of volunteers and local businesses who contributed prizes, time, and energy.

Twelve local beneficiary charities were once again supported, with Protein Pink also included at the eleventh hour thanks to the generosity of the SCIG Clubhouse giveaway.

For Max, one of the most powerful parts of the day was reflecting on how far it has come.

“From an idea during a downturn to this incredible legacy of community support — it’s overwhelming in the best way,” he said.

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From powerful drives to hilarious moments on the Happy Gilmore hole — where players took a running swing in hard hats — the 10th Annual Charity Golf Day served up action, laughter, and unforgettable shots both on and off the fairway! Photo credit: Amanda Wright

Teams and players gathered in the clubhouse before tee-off, soaking up the good vibes, sharing a laugh, and gearing up for a day of fun, fundraising, and friendly competition. Photo credit: Photos by Nell

M&P’s Kirsty Sivyer and Max Lamb Jr share a laugh with Mayor Greg Williamson, who proudly sports his new teal jacket

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