The event
This weekend, the Sgt. Matthew Locke MG Charity Event is being held for the 11th year.
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Matthew Locke, who was born in Bellingen, was a distinguished Australian soldier who served in the Special Air Service Regiment in Afghanistan and received the Medal for Gallantry in 2006. His distinguished military career was cut short the following year when he was shot in the chest by Taliban fighters.
Since his death, his family have organised a rugby league charity match every year between the Magpies and the Army team in memory of him.
Over $120,000 has been raised and passed onto a number of organisations including Legacy, Mates4mates, Soldier On, The Grub Club, Junior Rugby League, Senior Rugby League, Bellingen Hockey, Bellingen Cricket, Dorrigo Swim Club, Surf Life Saving Urunga and North Beach, Orama Public School and the Covered Arena Committee. This year once again the event is helping Soldier On, The Grub Club and Bellingen Magpies.
Importantly to the organisers and the Locke family, this event has meant the realisation of a dream to build on Matthew’s legacy. All funds given to the Grub Club have been spent in Timor Leste, providing early education to children.
Three kindergartens and a school building have been built by the community of Bei Cala with another to be built in Suai this year.
The event is supported by His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley (Ret’d) AC DSC and Mrs Linda Hurley.
The weekend
Feb 22: Golf at Bellingen Golf Club. Breakfast then teeing off 8.30am
Feb 23: Flagship event
- 11am Gates open at Bellingen Park
- 1pm Bellingen Ladies vs. South Grafton
- 2.30pm South Grafton vs. Woolgoolga
- 4pm Airforce Tridents vs. Orara Valley Axemen
- 5.30pm Official Welcome
- 6pm Bellingen Magpies vs. Army Thunder
Feb 24: C.ex Coffs Harbour Army Band Concert 11am to 1pm.
The football
The Magpies have been preparing for this milestone match since early January and the numbers at training are increasing each week. Captain Coach Daniel Tempest had the task of putting together a strong mix of players that could band together to get the job done.
The day will kick off at 1pm with the Magpie League Tag Ladies, fresh from a strong outing at the Coffs Harbour Nines, taking on the South Grafton Rebels. Next, the South Grafton Rebels First Grade will play against the Woolgoolga Seahorses First Grade with kick off due around 2.30pm.
Then at 4.00pm the Orara Valley Axeman will encounter the Australian Air Force team which is sure to be a high quality game. At 5.30pm the Army Band will march on for the formal welcome, which will also include a performance from local dancers to get the crowd ready for the Main Event. At 6.00pm the Magpies will take on the Army Thunder followed by formal presentations at the Diggers Tavern.