Sgt. Matthew Locke, who was born in Bellingen, was a distinguished Australian soldier who served in the Special Air Service Regiment in Afghanistan.

In 2006 he was awarded the Medal for Gallantry – the third highest award in the Australian honours system – after he and another SAS soldier, greatly outnumbered by the enemy, dodged volleys of gunfire to neutralise an attack on an SAS observation post. 

Tragically, his distinguished military career was cut short the very next year when he was shot in the chest by Taliban fighters during an operation to drive them out of the Chora Valley, a Taliban stronghold 15 km from the Australian base at Tarin Kowt. 

Since his death, a rugby league charity match has been run every year between the Bellingen Magpies and the Australian Army Rugby Team in memory of him. 

His sister Debbie Locke also established The Grub Club, a not-for-profit organisation set up to help children in war-torn areas such as Afghanistan and Timor Leste to obtain an education by supplying resources like books, paper, pens and pencils.

Over the past nine years, the Locke family have raised over $120,000 that has been distributed among Soldier On (looking after returned soldiers and their families), The Grub Club and local organisations such as Dorrigo Swim Club, Bellingen Junior Cricket, Bellingen Hockey, Fernmount RFS, Orama Public School, Surf Life Saving North Beach and Urunga and Junior Rugby League and Legacy and Mates4Mates.

This year Matt’s legacy will continue to be perpetuated by sporting and musical moments, raffles and auctions. The events will be attended by His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) and Mrs Linda Hurley.

Friday February 23: An 18 Hole 3 Ball Ambrose at Bellingen Golf Club

Saturday February 24:  Army Thunder vs. Bellingen Magpies. Also attending and playing will be the Navy Tridents 

Sunday February 25: The Army Band will grace the stage at C.ex