“After 42 years in the Army I have a certain obligation, but as a fan of the underdog and local community I’m looking forward to a strong performance by the Bellingen Magpies,” he said, ahead of his arrival on Thursday.

His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Ret’d) and Mrs Linda Hurley will be visiting Bellingen and Coffs Harbour from tomorrow until Sunday.

“Linda and I are looking forward to travelling to this beautiful part of the Mid North Coast to meet with a range of community organisations and to participate in the 10th anniversary of the annual Sergeant Matthew Locke MG Charity Events in Bellingen,” the Governor said.

“The legacy created by the Locke family and the local community is a remarkable achievement that honours the past, celebrates the present and invests in the future, with funds being raised to support work with children in Afghanistan and Timor-Leste, assist groups that care for veterans and service personnel, and help local community groups.”

This will be the fourth year as the Vice Regal couple that the Governor and Mrs Hurley have participated in these events.

In Coffs Harbour the Governor and Mrs Hurley will visit Junaa Buwa! Centre for Youth Wellbeing, The Plastic Collective, and attend the Army Band and Coffs Harbour Regional Brass Band performance at Coffs Ex Services Club.

In Bellingen the Governor will participate in the Sergeant Matthew Locke MG Invitational 3 Ball Ambrose Golf Tournament, and Mrs Hurley will attend a Bellingen Public School concert and Bellingen High School workshop and concert.

Both will attend the League Match between Army Thunder and the Bellingen Magpies, visit the Bellingen Island Reserve, meet with the Bellingen Island Reserve Management Committee, and have morning tea with the Bellingen Country Women’s Association, Australian Red Cross, and the Hospital Auxiliary.