What a weekend! It is immensly satisfying to let everyone know how successful the weekend of the 5th March was. A very big thanks to all those that volunteered and contributed to making the event such a success. I apologise in advance if I miss anyone. 

I must start by thanking my family, they all work tirelessly behind the scenes making sure we have a smooth running weekend. I am immensly proud of their committment and effort. I would mention  Bin, Nick, Wayne, and Sarah and all their families for their assistance. Brian Mortimer, Rick Maunder and the RSL sub-branch, Bellingen Valley-Dorrigo Magpies and the Glyde family, Stephen, Kathy, Robyn, Donald and Peter and all their families and Colin Osland thank you. To the Lions Club who always run a tight ship Graham Maddeford and John Molloy and their crew, thank you. To the C.ex David Doyle and Dave Ellis, The Diggers Tavern Tom and Fred, The Bellingen Golf Club Kevin, Leanne and Craig, The Bellingen Shire Council, Mayor Mark Troy and his crew, I couldn't do it without your help. To those that donated IGA Bellingen, Diggers Tavern, Spar Urunga, Cutz Both Ways Thank you. To Yasmin Maher and Kathy Glyde for photographs. The Sawtell Framers, awesome work guys. To Mid-coast Printing Graham and Maree. To Erica and Freya Cross who sing the anthem every year and do such a beautiful job. To Sony and CH Formwork (Gary and Bruce Watt)  for their contribution. 

A very special thanks to those that don't live locally and yet contribute in huge ways Phil Bailey, Matt Stevens, Nick Matthews, Reid Froggat, Kaz and Peter from WA. I appreciate the support you give our event and your help with social media, merchandise and auction items. To the NRL and CRL for their support. To Michael Crocker and Tom Learoyd-Lahrs for joining us on the day. To Matt Nolan for picking Mick up from the airport. To Michael Fitzpatrick of the Army Band, wow a record 365 people attended the concert. Thank you. 

To the Bellingen Valley-Dorrigo Juniors and Dorrigo Swim Club for their efforts and Soldier On and my own committee who pitched in when needed. Cheers.

I also have to thank His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Ret’d), Governor of New South Wales and Mrs Hurley for their attendance. Again our sincere thanks for your continued support. 

And last but certainly not least may I extend my thanks to the  team and crew starting with Maj. Al Lynch of the Australian Army Thunder who have gone out of their way to support this event each year. It wouldn't happen without your committment and I am so very grateful. 

We raised $16000 on the weekend. This is an increase on last year of $1500 which shows that slowly but surely we are growing. This amount will be divided amongst the following organisations. Soldier on $6400 The Grub Club $6400 Bellingen Valley Dorrigo JRLFC $1600 and Dorrigo Swim Club $1600. I know the funds will be put to good use by all. 

Finally, let me say a very big thanks to the community of Bellingen and Shire. You make it possible and a success. Thank you! 

With only one week to go to the Annual Sgt. Matthew Locke MG Charity Event arrangements are coming together.

1st March

On Tuesday Coffs Wheelibies will be playing Army Thunder in a demonstration game of wheelchair basketball. Doors open at 6.30 pm for a 7pm start. Gold coin donation for entry. This is a first for Army Thunder who may find plenty of excitment and challenge on the basketball court, and may be for once out of their depth. 

4th March

2pm – Bellingen Golf Course BBQ

2.30pm Welcome to Bellingen performed by Mayor Mark Troy to all our guests including His excellency General The Honourable David Hurley AC DSC and Mrs Hurley and the Army Thunder.

3pm Tee off 3 ball Ambrose 9 holes.

5th March

12 noon gates open.

5.30pm Army Band and Anthem. Thank you to Erica and Freya Cross and the band as always.

The big game is 6pm. Army Thunder vs. Bellingen Magpies.

Join us afterwards at Diggers Tavern Bellingen for a meal and the auction. This year we have a signed, framed 2015 Rabbitohs jersey.

6th March

Army Band Concert at C.ex Coffs Harbour.

Coffs Harbour Regional Brass Band starts at 11am followed by the Army Band at 12.

Special guests for thGe weekend are His excellency General The Honourable David Hurley AC DCS, Governor of NSW and Mrs Hurley and Michael Crocker former NRL player.

Bellingen Golf Club will host our third golf day with a 3 ball Ambrose to be played on Friday afternoon the 4th March. In attendance and playing with be His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley (rtd) AS, DSC, Governor of New South Wales, who will be present for the Welcome to Bellingen by the Mayor, Mark Troy. 

Teams can sign up at the club with Kevin or Leeanne 0266551312. Cost is $90 for a team of three with a BBQ lunch starting at 2pm. Golf should tee off at 3pm.

All funds raised will go to those organsiations supported by Sgt. Matthew Locke MG Charity Event which include Soldier On, The Grub Club Junior Rugby League and Dorrigo Swim Club.

Get a team together, meet the Governor and help a great cause.