BELLINGEN will host a major day of rugby league for a good cause on Saturday 28 March, when the Sgt Matthew Locke MG Charity Match returns for its 18th year.
This year’s event will feature the biggest program yet, starting with juniors from 8.30am and seniors from 11am.
Originally from Bellingen, Sgt Locke MG was killed by enemy fire in October 2007 while serving in Afghanistan with the Special Air Service Regiment (SASR).
The 33-year-old had been awarded the Medal for Gallantry just ten months earlier.
Following his death, family members and supporters created the Matthew Locke MG Charity to honour his service and continue his legacy through practical community support projects.
The driving force behind the annual tribute match is his sister, Debbie.
“This event has become an important tradition for the Bellingen and Coffs Coast communities,” she told News Of The Area, “bringing together sport, remembrance and charity.”
Initially focused on assisting schools in Afghanistan with classroom stationery and building materials, the charity shifted its efforts to Timor-Leste in 2011.
Since then, it has worked closely with communities in the Ainaro Province to deliver important education infrastructure.
Projects completed to date include a four-room schoolhouse with a dedicated kindergarten and three purpose-built kindergarten facilities.
The charity has also established a scholarship program enabling kindergarten teachers to obtain formal qualifications.
The projects are delivered in partnership with the Timorese communities, ensuring villages take ownership of the schools and remain actively involved in their operation.
Schools at Boramba, Beikala, Bobe and Hatu Udo now provide young children with a vital stepping stone into formal education.
The facilities operate Monday to Friday mornings, and the charity also contributes to paying teaching staff, providing an important source of income for local families.
Funds for these projects are raised primarily through the annual Charity Match, which has grown steadily since it began in 2009.
This year’s program begins with the Bellingen Magpies juniors taking on Bowraville Tigers, alongside teams from Sawtell Panthers and Coffs Harbour Comets.
Senior fixtures begin at 11am. In the Under 18s, it’s Sawtell Panthers vs Guyra Super Spuds; Ladies League Tag is Bellingen Dorrigo Magpies vs Guyra Super Spuds; Women’s Tackle is Sawtell Panthers vs Australian Army Lightning; Reserve Grade is Sawtell Panthers vs Guyra Super Spuds; and the Men’s game is Bellingen Dorrigo Magpies vs Brisbane Jackals.
At 4pm, the official ceremony will feature the Australian Army Band and a Welcome to Country by Josh Marsden, before the final match of the day at 4.30pm, when Sawtell Panthers take on Australian Army Thunder.
The weekend of events continues on Sunday in Coffs Harbour, with a special concert at C.ex, featuring the Australian Army Band and the Coffs Harbour Regional Brass Band – a musical collaboration that has been running since 2012.
Entry to the Charity Match is $10 for adults and $5 for pensioners, with proceeds supporting the Grub Club’s work in funding education in Timor-Leste and supporting veterans’ mental health.
With a full day of rugby league, community gatherings and ceremonial tributes, the event is sure to be a memorable weekend for players, supporters and the wider community while continuing to honour the legacy of Sgt Matthew Locke MG.
By Mick BIRTLES
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