Director of CANEGROWERS Burdekin Limited

In another universe, Steve Pilla is roaming hospital halls. In this one, fate led the Giru native back to cane farming after a brief stint in nursing, and he hasn’t looked back since.

After dipping his toe in the world of healthcare in the late 1980’s early 1990s, Pilla returned to the family farm in Giru, continuing a story that began when his grandfather arrived in Australia in 1939 and bought the property a decade later. It was a path that felt inevitable in hindsight.

“I grew up always wanting to be on the farm,” Steve says.

A third generation cane farmer, Steve went into business with his father in 1998. When his father passed away in 2015, it was left to Steve to guide the farm forward.

And he did just that.

In the meantime, he would join the CANEGROWERS Burdekin Limited Board as a Director in 2013, eager for answers in what was a rocky period for the local industry. Seeing the organisation’s extensive work for farmers first-hand kept him on the board for another 13 years and counting.

Despite the work of CANEGROWERS, Steve says the industry’s real strength lies in the steadfastness of farmers themselves.

"It isn’t looking good as far as low prices and sugar at the moment, and looks like our inputs are going to climb this year… But growers always seem to show resilience, and the industry seems to pull through challenging times,” he said.

“I'm looking forward to us getting through this low spot again and getting on the other side and being both environmentally sustainable  and financially viable moving forward.”

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Chairman of CANEGROWERS Queensland, Director of CANEGROWERS Burdekin Limited

Owen Menkens grew up surrounded by farming, even if he briefly looked beyond it.

A fourth-generation cane farmer from Home Hill, Owen spent his holidays working on the farm his great-grandfather first purchased decades ago. Despite that early exposure to the industry, he initially opted for a cooler, more predictable career, heading to university to study accounting.

Though eventually, the pull of the land proved stronger.

“It’s in your blood,” says Menkens.

“I went through periods where I didn't want to [farm]… but it was always there.”

With that epiphany, by the late 1990s, he was back in the paddock. Nearly 30 years later, he’s still there, now growing around 36,000 tonnes of cane each year while representing growers from the Burdekin to the global stage.

Menkens joined the CANEGROWERS Burdekin Limited board as a director in 2010. From that platform, he promptly climbed the ranks, now holding the chairmanship of both CANEGROWERS Queensland and CANEGROWERS Australia.

Reaching the top was never the endgame for Owen, but rather an added bonus.

“At the end of the day, whether you're a director of [one of the branches], or where I am, it’s all about just trying to get good results, and trying to make the industry better,” Menkens says.

That drive has kept him at the forefront of the industry, involving legal disputes, landmark sugar marketing legislation, and the introduction of the code of conduct that have given growers more control and better tools to manage risk.

Those experiences have given Menkens a reason to believe in the future of the industry.

“As long as we stay at the cutting edge of technology and keep ourselves open to new ideas, we'll always keep going.”

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Manager of CANEGROWERS Burdekin Limited

Although not a farmer in the conventional sense, Greg Watson has a passion for the sugar industry.

Born and raised in Home Hill, Greg grew up surrounded by cane fields. His grandparents used to own a farm, his parents worked as cane harvesting contractors, and Greg spent much of his childhood helping with the family’s harvesting contract.

But his early career took him down a different path.

After finishing high school, he studied commerce at James Cook University before embarking on a career in banking, first in business, then agribusiness. A decade later, he switched to financial planning, eventually becoming self-employed in a practice for 13 years.

Eventually, though, his roots in the sugarcane industry drew him back to the heart of it.

He would go on to serve as Executive Officer for the CRC for Sustainable Sugar Production, followed by a role as Grower Relationship Manager for QSL in the Burdekin and Herbert River regions, before returning to the Burdekin as Manager of CANEGROWERS Burdekin Limited in 2020.

This time, however, he returned to the Burdekin with decades of experience in financial services, along with his home-grown passion for the region and the personal approach that defines his work today.

“I'm just always somebody who really enjoys helping people where I can,” says Greg.

“I try not to say no, which is probably a downfall in some respects, but I just try my best to deliver services to growers and assist them when in need.”

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Chair of CANEGROWERS Burdekin Limited

Farming has always been in Glenn Betteridge’s blood.

A third-generation cane farmer from Home Hill, Glenn has spent his whole life in the region surrounded by the cane crop he goes to battle for today.

“I was born in Home Hill Hospital, and will probably be planted in the Home Hill cemetery!” Glenn quipped.

His connection to cane farming began with his grandparents, who owned a small farm on Home Hill’s southern side. His father and uncles cut cane by hand, eventually upgrading to full stick loaders and harvesters, marking the family’s shift into mechanised harvesting.

After leaving school, Glenn completed an apprenticeship as an electrician at Inkerman Mill in 1991, a role he credits with giving him an understanding of the processes behind milling.

But once he finished his apprenticeship, he was drawn straight to the paddock.

He and his brothers would purchase a small parcel of land in 1994, and over the next three decades, he not only operated the machinery but managed the harvest, gradually taking ownership of his own operations.

Today, his son oversees the harvesting group, while Glenn’s five-year-old grandson has already started accompanying his father, hinting at a fourth generation ready to carry the family’s tradition forward.

The step back allowed Glenn to focus on his role as Chair of CANEGROWERS Burdekin Limited (CBL). Serving on the CBL board since 2019, he says his priority lies in securing the future for the next generation of farmers.

“I’d like to try and secure the future of our industry,” he said.

“I believe in our industry. With sustainable fuel sources, we can be the leaders in that area if we can get the right support from government.”

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By 1921, Wilmar’s Invicta Sugar Mill had been constructed, completing the quartet of Burdekin mills that still stand today. Its arrival signalled ambition and growth, cementing the Burdekin’s position early as one of Australia’s leading sugarcane regions.

But as the industry surged into the future, growers themselves found they were not sharing equally in its success—a sentiment shared up and down the state.

At the time, Queensland cane farmers were largely independent operators, working within an industry where their commercial freedoms were heavily dictated by mill owners. For all the cane they grew, and every backbreaking season spent in the fields, they rarely reaped the rewards they believed they deserved.

This frustration eventually led to an epiphany that would reshape the industry forever.

“Our farming forefathers and mothers realised that the industry is bigger than individuals,” says CANEGROWERS Burdekin Limited (CBL) Chair Glenn Betteridge.

“That’s something that still rings true today.”

That collective understanding gave rise to what would eventually become CANEGROWERS.

Born from necessity rather than mere ambition, the organisation emerged in Mackay in 1926 as a collective voice. One that could advocate strongly for farmers in pursuit of equity, bound by a steadfast, unifying conviction.

A voice that would ultimately sustain the organisation, and the sugarcane industry alike, for a century.

“If we didn't have a system of negotiation that was based on solid principles and proper governance, the industry would probably have fallen over,” said current Queensland CANEGROWERS Chairman and CBL Director Owen Menkens.

“I think the whole industry was working better because of working together. Working together to look at problems, come up with solutions, and make our industry better.”

Today, the team of staff and directors at CBL lead an operation grounded in those same values.

Since officially becoming CANEGROWERS Burdekin Limited in 2005, the company has overseen major wins for local farmers, from negotiating one of the districts best cane supply agreements to securing fair transport arrangements, fighting each battle united in stance and shared purpose.

Yet perhaps more importantly, the byproduct of these battles, regardless of outcome, has become the catalyst of something far grander than legal victories. It birthed a community.

A family.

“Things like [the 100-Year Anniversary Ball], and the grower meetings… it's good for growers. It's good for getting together with other growers and making fun of them in the spirit of mateship,” said Menkens.

“It's good for their mental health, and especially as we head into low prices. You need someone to gather everyone together.”

CBL Manager Greg Watson says fostering this sense of family is at the heart of how the organisation operates.

“Our Directors and staff in most cases have grown up with our members over many decades. We go over and above what we are here to do to develop strong personal relationships with our members, because we see them as part of a bigger family,” says Watson.

From stepping out of sugar industry related matters, to helping growers find specialist appointments, to sorting internet connections, arranging home security installations, or places to see on holidays, the organisation has always been there, looking out for its people where we can.

“Sometimes we can't get the outcome they want, but the fact that we sit down, we listen to them, and we have a go and try… growers really appreciate that.”

Now more than ever, as the industry faces low prices and ongoing challenges, the value of sticking together remains paramount. With a century supporting growers, building community, and protecting livelihoods, CANEGROWERS enters the next century with the same spirit of unity and commitment that has always defined it.

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CANEGROWERS marked 100 years on Saturday, 28 February, bringing together generational farmers, dignitaries and organisational leaders to celebrate a century spent fighting—and winning—battles for fairer outcomes for Queensland growers.

Addressing the crowd at Populin’s Hall, Member for Burdekin Dale Last said the 100-year milestone was a testament to the organisation’s enduring work.

“The pathway that the sugar industry has travelled in the last 100 years, from those humble beginnings, to where it is today, didn’t occur by accident. It occurred through a lot of advocacy; through a lot of hard work; because of organisations like CANEGROWERS,” Mr Last said.

To mark the occasion, inaugural ‘Innovation Awards’ were handed out on the night, honouring three Burdekin farmers credited with innovations that have been influential in local and global industry practices.

Home Hill farmer Lui Populin was recognised for the early-1970s invention of the first single-row automatic billet planter, developed with his late brother Peter. Chris Cannavan received an award on behalf of the late Arthur Cannavan for his Self-Propelled Over-the-Row Cane Harvester, while Ray Menkens was honoured for his Lay-Flat Plastic Fluming System.

CANEGROWERS Burdekin Limited director Owen Menkens said on the night that innovation would continue to shape the industry’s future, particularly as new opportunities emerge, making the organisation’s work now as important as ever.

“The question for our generation is the same as it was for those growers a century ago: will we shape the future of the industry, or will we leave it to others?” Mr Menkens said.

“Standing together still matters. Membership still matters. Representation still matters. 100 years ago growers in districts like this made a decision to organise. Tonight, we celebrate that decision, and we carry it forward.”

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In an industry built on precision, reliability and hard yakka, success rarely comes down to one person. At M&P Services, it comes down to the team.

Since 1986, the locally owned and operated company has established itself as a leader in the manufacture of transportable buildings and mobile crib rooms, earning a reputation across the region for quality workmanship, dependable service and practical innovation.

In 2025, that commitment was recognised with a Manufacturing Excellence win at the RIN Awards, but behind every accolade is a workforce that keeps the wheels turning day in and day out.

Today, M&P Services employs between 49 and 61 permanent staff and subcontractors across a wide range of departments including office administration, stores and procurement, logistics, fabrication, construction and assembly, hire and sales, and marketing.

It is a moving machine with many parts, but remarkably, it runs with the kind of rhythm that can only come from strong workplace culture and genuine connection between teams.

From the first concept drawing to final delivery, communication is central to the operation. Daily prestarts and weekly toolbox talks ensure every department remains aligned in real time, helping projects flow efficiently from the office floor to the workshop and out onto the road.

There is no sense of silos here. The administration team knows what is happening in fabrication. Logistics works hand in hand with construction crews. Procurement stays closely connected with operational demands. Everyone understands they are part of something bigger than their own department.

That collaborative spirit is one of the reasons staff stay for the long haul.

At M&P Services, employment milestones are not unusual. They are part of the company story. Team members regularly celebrate five, 10, 15 and even 20-year anniversaries across both management and operational roles, a reflection of a business where loyalty is valued and people genuinely enjoy coming to work.

The culture itself is best described by three words the company proudly stands by: connected, innovative and empathetic.

Those values are not corporate buzzwords slapped on a lunchroom wall. They are woven through the everyday moments. Staff birthdays and milestones are regularly celebrated. Wins are shared across departments. Support is offered when times get tough. There is a family feel to the business that cannot be manufactured on a production line.

It is perhaps that grounded approach that gives M&P Services its distinct character. There is innovation and ambition, certainly, but also a refreshing sense of humility. The kind built from early starts, steel cap boots, practical problem solving and plenty of elbow grease.

For many businesses, growth can dilute culture. At M&P Services, growth appears to have strengthened it.

The company continues to evolve with changing industry demands while holding firmly to the values that shaped it nearly four decades ago. People are not viewed as numbers on a payroll sheet. They are recognised as the driving force behind every successful project delivered.

In the end, the transportable buildings may carry the M&P Services name, but it is the people inside the business who truly build its foundation.

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Max Lamb Snr

Before the fleet, the large-scale projects and the well-known name across Central Queensland, there was a rented shed, a thousand dollars, and a Mackay man with a work ethic as solid as steel.

In May 1986, Max Lamb Sr. laid the first foundations of what would become M&P Services, establishing M&P Auto’s in a modest workshop on Archibald Street in Mackay.

The early days were humble. The workshop near the Harbour was not only a workplace but home as well, with Max Snr and his young son living upstairs while the business slowly found its footing below. It was a simple operation built around mechanical repairs, panel beating and roadworthy certificates in the panel repair industry.

Alongside mate Peter Brayshaw (dec), Max Snr rolled up his sleeves and got to work.

Long before the trucks and transport projects, he was simply a Mackay bloke who loved fishing and skiing with friends. What set him apart, however, was the way he approached work. If something didn’t quite function the way it should, he would stop, study it, and work out a better way.

Efficiency, safety and practicality became his trademarks.

With a background in transport, Max Snr invested in a Dodge tow truck, a decision that would unexpectedly reshape the direction of the business. One truck soon became more, and before long the operation had grown into a fleet of twelve tilt-tray trucks transporting portable buildings across Central Queensland.

What made the business stand out was its evolving capability. Transporting structures was one thing, but Max Snr began refining the process so clients could rely on a full-service solution.

Transporting and installing. The whole package.

It was a classic case of Australian ingenuity meeting old fashioned determination, and if something wasn’t working, he would simply figure it out, and make it better.

“My father and grandfather were very hard working, so that’s carried through to five generations,” Max Snr said.

That legacy has shaped the culture of the company from day one. Jobs were completed whether it meant working weekends, late nights, or loading trucks long after others had clocked off.

“I started this 40 years ago, and I’m still here waiting for my gold watch,” he joked.

Today, the business stands as a testament to those early years of grit and determination.

According to his son, Max Lamb Jr., the secret was never complicated.

He simply made things work.

“He’d find a way to make it happen, and he’d do the job right,” Max Jnr said.

While Max Snr is no longer labouring on the workshop floor, his presence and influence certainly remains embedded in the company’s DNA. The business is now led by Max Jnr, with the third generation, grandson Max, also part of the team, ensuring the legacy of their forefathers continues.

What began with a rented shed and relentless effort has grown into a respected regional operation.

And at the heart of it all remains the same principle that started the journey nearly four decades ago.

Roll up your sleeves, get the job done, and do it properly!

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With Max Lamb Jr from M&P Services

Founded in 1986 as a modest mechanical and panel shop, M&P Services always punched above its weight. Building on a strong reputation, the family business quickly became a trusted name within the local community. Forty years on, it has grown into an enterprise with not just regional, but national impact.

What began as a hands-on service operation, built on practical skill, long hours, and a commitment to getting the job done right, has evolved into a diverse enterprise spanning fleet servicing, transport/logistics and, more recently, the manufacturing of portable buildings and homes.

Managing director, Max Lamb Jr, explained:

“We're making some pretty big waves against national competition, and we've got a lot of unique products that we've developed ourselves which are changing the way portables are getting utilised.”

Their biggest success has been in creating mobile wheeled infrastructure, sought out by clients within mining and construction.

These ‘mobile crib units’, fully equipped with all modern amenities, have become an integral part of numerous projects across Queensland, New South Wales, Western Australia, New Caledonia and Papua New Guinea.

The units offer rapid deployment are easy to transport and offer superior safety, productivity and are especially popular in the current climate provide significant and measurable fuel savings on mining circuits. They cater to industries such as mining, construction, civil and remote area services, providing workers with comfortable, fully functional living and workspaces even in the most challenging environments.

Dedicated to staying local, M&P Services manufactures from their purpose built 15m facility in Paget, meeting or exceeding rigorous industry standards.

According to Max Jr, the company’s ability to tailor these solutions to the unique demands of clients across various sectors has been key to its ongoing success. As M&P Services expands its operations, it continues to innovate in the field of transportable and modular buildings.

Looking back, the company’s success began all the way back in 1986 with Max’s father (Max Snr) and his business partner Peter Brayshaw (dec). 

“They were just two mates that would hang out on weekends, go fishing and skiing, and have a beer together.” Max Jr said.

“At M&P they were performing both mechanical and panel repairs on vehicles, trucks, and trailers.

“Fast forward to 40 years, and we're still in the service industry, but the focus has changed.”

Though their output has evolved, Max pointed out, the same mentality underpins the mission as it did in 1986. 

“In the early days of the business, Dad built a good reputation by getting the job done, whether it be loading trucks on weekends, working weekends and all hours of the day or night, as required.

“His mentality to just roll your sleeves up and get through the work laid the foundation for what we do now; we just get on with the job, working to a good time frame, and working closely with clients to make sure that they're satisfied.”

The strength of M&P’s family values is evidenced by the long-standing staff who have stayed loyal to the business over decades. 

“The longevity of my employees a makes my job much easier and contributes to easy," Max said.

“A large percentage of our staff have been with us more than five and ten years, a few over fifteen and twenty.”

Max Jr himself has been with the company since 1992, taking the helm and buying into the business when Mr Brayshaw retired in 1997.

“Having worked at the business as an apprentice mechanic from 1992, I've been part of the stunning transformation since," he said.

“I still enjoy coming to work every day after 34 years”

With his father’s hardworking genes and a vision for design and growth, Max Lamb Jr has led M&P to become one of the largest portable building manufacturers in regional Queensland, but his sights remain firm on the road ahead.

What’s a business value you uphold?

Giving back to the community. We’re very proud of our annual golf day; we’re holding our eleventh this year. Last year, we raised $75,000 to distribute amongst 13 different local charities.

mpservices.net.au

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Nicole Knapman – Team Member of 15 years

“Working at Funk It Up Mackay is an absolute joy. A first-time client visit back in 2008 has grown into 15 years as the longest-standing employee - and most importantly, a forever friendship with Corissa. To work alongside people you genuinely care about and growing together is incredibly special.

The work culture is warm, supportive, and full of heart, and our amazing clients make every day even better. Watching familiar faces return, celebrating milestones together, and building genuine relationships makes coming to work feel like so much more than just a job.”

Jo Higgins – Long-Term Makeup Client

“I don’t know what I’d do without Funk It Up. I know I can walk in, sit down, and just breathe. There’s no stress — I know I’m in the best hands.

It never feels rushed or transactional. It’s like hanging out with a friend who just happens to make you look fabulous.

Congratulations on 20 years. It speaks volumes about your talent, your work ethic, and your care.”

Jody Euler  - Director of redhotblue and long time funk-it up fan

Corissa is brilliance. Twenty years ago, she dared to dream big and then made it happen, all with her signature sparkle and pink lips.

A bold vision has grown into an absolute powerhouse; a community that champions confidence and individuality, making people feel their best.

Twenty years in business isn’t luck; it’s unwavering passion and standards that never drop. It’s showing up, brush in hand and making the rest of us look so darn good.”

Karlie Bourke – Team Member of 15 years

“I’ve been part of the team for 15 years, creating unique looks for beautiful clients.

What makes Funk It Up special is the teamwork, support, and understanding among the staff. Being surrounded by talented, caring people is something special.”

Whitney Board – Team Member of 10 years

“Working at Funk It Up is like being part of a supportive, welcoming family.

Working on and off between having my five kids, I’ve always been encouraged, valued, and made to feel right at home. The flexibility, understanding, and genuine care make me love coming back.”

Chantel Probyn – Long Term Brow Client

“I first met Corissa from Funk It Up at a bridal expo back in 2013.

I engaged Corissa for my wedding brows; the beginning of a 13-year relationship where I attended brow appointments every two weeks without fail. That kind of loyalty doesn’t just happen because someone’s good at what they do. It’s because of who they are.

Our relationship has grown into genuine friendship, as we shared milestones and celebrated wins with laughter, tears and everything in between. Corissa is a sounding board, a hype woman and a constant supporter.

Of course, she does the best brows. I would not trust anyone else. But what truly sets her apart is her heart.”

Jana Schweitzer – Long-Term Makeup Client

“For more than 15 years, Corissa and her team have been there for my every milestone, with an unmatched ability to make me feel like a supermodel every time I leave the chair.

There is honestly no better feeling than when they spin you around to reveal the finished look. Their professionalism, artistry and welcoming energy make every appointment special.”

Andrea Mitchell – Long-Term Client

“Wow 20 years! That just gives me all the feels. It’s been an amazing ride.

So proud of you and your passion, perseverance, innovation and creativity that has set the foundations and shaped the successful business that it is today. Congratulations.”

Kaylissa Crowley – Team Member of 10 years

“Reaching 10 years with Funk It Up has been one of the greatest honours of my career.

Each occasion brings its own unique energy that I never take for granted.

Working alongside such an inspiring group of women has shaped me both professionally and personally since I was just 15 years old.

Corissa’s guidance and support have impacted me in more ways than I can express.

Funk It Up is a home away from home — a community of strong, supportive women who inspire, encourage and uplift one another every day.”

Jason Chetcuti – Long-Term Creative Collaborator

“It has been an absolute pleasure to collaborate on photoshoots, events, and Fashion Weeks with Corissa and the Funk It Up team. They consistently translate our vision into high-art expressions, executing makeup styles at the highest level.

The team has truly supported my creative journey.”

Jo Sainsbury – Long-term Makeup Client

“Corissa is one of the most creative, artistic and intuitive makeup artists.

She understands exactly what suits you and your personality. You always feel like a million with quality products guaranteed.

It is always a fantastic experience in every way. Corissa Ivory and Funk It Up Makeup. . . elevating everyday beauty into something extraordinary!

Go on…Get Your Glo On.”

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Discover The Heart Behind The Art

Many know Corissa Ivory as an established makeup artist. Those who truly know her, however, know she wears her heart on her sleeve, leads with compassion and is always ready with a laugh, both in and out of the salon.

This year marks 20 years of Funk It Up, after two decades of glamour, growth and memorable moments shared with the Mackay community.

“20 years has flown,” Corissa reflects.

“I still remember every special day, every occasion, every location.”

When she pauses to take it all in, she admits it’s “quite an overwhelming emotion.”

While her talent has opened doors to remarkable opportunities, including fast-paced runway events she describes as “the most fun, most adrenaline-filled, highlights of my life,” Corissa is quick to redirect the spotlight to her biggest supporters.

“I couldn’t function without them,” she says of her team.

Many have stood beside her for 10 to 15 years.

“The care is there and the friendships are still solid. Without our team, without our clients, there’d be no Funk It Up still here… I would have crashed and burned a long time ago.”

The salon itself hums with personality and vibrancy.

“We love it when we’re all together. It’s very fun, like home, and loud,” she laughs.

“It’s very loud.”

Yet beneath the energy in the room is something far more important – connection.

“I don’t want to be a façade, and I’m definitely not in it for the money. I just want everyone that walks through these doors to feel beautiful and heard.”

For two decades, connection has remained at the centre of Funk It Up.

“I think how you make people feel is probably the most important thing that you can achieve in your day,” Corissa says.

“For me, knowing I’ve achieved that means more to me than anything.”

When clients open up in the chair, she considers it sacred, and a true honour.

“For someone to share something with you is the greatest compliment that you can have as a person, because it means they trust you and they feel comfortable with you… I just love that.”

From pamper parties, now nearing the 800 mark, to more than 1,500 weddings, the team has been present for their clients most cherished milestones.

“Highlights for me are being present in those moments,” she says.

“I want people to leave here feeling like they’ve had the best experience.”

Watching young girls grow from pamper party guests, into graduates, and even brides has been a full circle moment for the team at Funk It Up to witness.

“I really do love what I do.”

Behind the businesswoman is a devoted mother and wife.

“I’ve made it pretty clear to everyone that he comes first,” she says of her son Logan.

“My business isn’t my baby. Logan is my baby.”

She credits her husband, and even the partners of her team, for the unseen support that keeps the wheels turning, especially during the whirlwind of wedding season and busy Saturdays. On Sundays, she dedicates her time to her son and husband, recharging for another successful week ahead.

As for the future, renovations may be on the horizon, but the heart of Funk It Up will remain unchanged. As the exclusive Mackay stockists of Australian professional makeup brand Harlotte Cosmetics, she remains “so humble and grateful” for the loyalty that has defined the business with others in the industry.

And at 20 years strong, Corissa isn’t slowing down.

“I have no plans to finish up anytime soon. At the moment, the joy is still here. We still love it.”

Perhaps that’s the secret — not just beauty, but belonging.

“I want to say a huge thankyou to our clients and team members – I couldn’t have done these last 20 years without you!”

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Tom Andrews, Sales Consultant

Tom Andrews calls it as he sees it, and it’s that honesty that keeps clients returning. Born in Townsville and raised in Cardwell, Tom returned to Mackay in 1993 and has spent over three decades navigating the local property market, earning a reputation built on trust, honesty, and results.

Before stepping into real estate, Tom’s career was quite the journey. From marine engineering on ships and submarines to law enforcement, and setting up retirement living sales offices across Queensland, he learned firsthand how to read people, assess situations, and make decisions under pressure, which he now applies to every property transaction.

Joining Hugh Reilly Real Estate in August 2020, Tom focuses on residential and acreage sales, market analysis, and building solid, lasting relationships. He knows reputation is everything in a firm with 80 years of standing, and he works hard to earn his clients’ trust every step of the way.

Known for his dedication, loyalty, and straight-shooting approach, he also keeps the office light with his dry humour and playful banter.

Outside work, Tom enjoys fishing and embracing the North Queensland lifestyle.

Why would you list with anyone else when you have Tom Andrews to talk to?

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Tanya Taylor, Leasing Manager And Trust Account Administrator

Tanya Taylor’s career with Hugh Reilly Real Estate began in 1991, straight out of high school, with a six-month TAFE course under her belt and a receptionist role that would become the start of a lifelong journey. What began as a job she needed, turned into a three-decade career, during which Tanya has worn many hats – such as Sales Admin, Leasing Co-ordinator, Trust Account Administrator and Office Manager – and is now recognised as the backbone of the business.

For Tanya, it’s the people who have kept her loyal.

“I love who I work with… they’re all family to me,” she says.

The family-friendly culture at Hugh Reilly allowed her to raise her own children while staying active in the business; her kids even spent time in the office growing up, with both working briefly for the agency themselves.

Tanya has been part of Hugh Reilly Real Estate through decades of milestones, from the 50th and 60th celebrations, to the 70th, and now the 80th.  She’s cherished personal memories alongside professional ones, from supporting colleagues through motherhood to sharing joyful office moments.

Outside of work, Tanya embraces life with the same dedication and calm she brings to the office. She enjoys hockey, camping, and spending time with her family. Friendly, dependable, and endlessly helpful, Tanya is a cornerstone of Hugh Reilly Real Estate.

With Tanya managing leasing and trust accounts so seamlessly, why would anyone else handle your property needs?

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Jim Brown, Sales Consultant At Hugh Reilly Real Estate

For James Kenneth Brown, also known as Jim, real estate isn’t about flashy deals. It’s about people, principles, and delivering the best possible outcome. After 20 years with Hugh Reilly Real Estate, he’s known for his straight-talking honesty, steady nature, and the kind of integrity you can’t fake.

Born in Ipswich and raised on a hardworking family farm, Jims’ journey to real estate was one of purpose, and perseverance. From serving nine years in the Royal Australian Air Force as an engine and airframe fitter on the F-111C – including work on top-secret laser bomb targeting trials – to earning degrees in Arts and Theology and becoming a Presbyterian minister, his path has been marked by his service, and faith.

In 2005, Jim was guided by a friend into real estate, a role in which allows him to blend compassion with practicality. He values the flexibility of his work and the reward that comes from helping people find the right property for their stage of life.

In respect of the late Hugh Reilly, he upholds the same motto: “I’d rather lose a sale than lose my integrity.”

Outside the office, he’s a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who loves travel, history, and a good family meal.

With Jim’s experience, honesty, and steady guidance, why would anyone else be your first call in Mackay property?

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It was a night of celebration, nostalgia, and laughter on October 11, as Hugh Reilly Real Estate marked its 80th anniversary at Ocean International in Mackay. The milestone event brought together former staff, key leaders, and the wider community to honour the legacy of one of Mackay’s most enduring local businesses.

Among the guests was Steve Reilly, son of the late Hugh Reilly, who shared heartfelt reflections on his father’s passion for real estate and his commitment to building a business grounded in trust and integrity.

“Dad believed in treating people fairly and putting the people first,” Steve said, drawing smiles and nods from the crowd.

Other leaders in attendance highlighted the enduring values that have guided the agency through eight decades.

“Integrity has always been at the heart of Hugh Reilly Real Estate,” Josey said.

“It’s why families keep coming back, generation after generation.”

Guests enjoyed reminiscing about the “good old days,” sharing stories of typewriters, manual filing systems, and lively weekend auctions where almost anything from chooks to household items went under the hammer. Laughter filled the room as past and present colleagues reflected on how far the business has come.

Hugh Reilly Real Estate’s history is deeply intertwined with the growth of Mackay. Since Hugh Reilly returned from World War II in 1945 and founded the agency, the business has played a central role in the region’s property market, from helping families purchase their first homes, to assisting investors with commercial projects and leasing opportunities. With only two office locations in its 80-year history, the agency has remained a stable and recognisable presence in the city.

The anniversary celebration also served as a reminder of why the agency remains the trusted choice for property buyers, sellers, and Investors.

“When you choose Hugh Reilly Real Estate, you’re not just working with an agency, you’re working with people who care, who understand the market, and who value honesty above all else,” Josey added.

After eight decades of service, Hugh Reilly Real Estate continues to blend experience with innovation, navigating market shifts and technological changes while maintaining a steadfast commitment to community and integrity. The anniversary event was not only a celebration of the past but also a toast to the future, affirming why so many Mackay families have trusted Hugh Reilly Real Estate for generations.

Steve Reilly noted his father’s integrity as both a businessman and a man of character.

"If my mum and dad argued, I never heard it. My dad loved his work… he would be whistling as he got ready in the morning!”

"One of the things my dad taught me was, if you’re in a deal, always leave something in it for the next fellow.

“At first, I didn’t understand it, but over time I realised that doing so builds a reputation as a fair and honest trader… and that reputation is everything.

“This is what Hugh Reilly Real Estate is built on.”

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