History
On the 25th of October 2007, Sergeant Matthew Locke was shot and killed while on duty in the Uruzgan Province. He was serving with the SASR (Special Air Service Regiment) of the Australian forces, as part of the security section of the reconstruction task force.
The Medal for Gallantry is the third highest award for wartime bravery in the Australian honours system. Matthew was awarded the medal in December 2006.
Matt was fiercely Australian, believing that we were lucky to live in this country but also believed that other people deserved the same freedoms that we have.
The loss of Matt has touched us all in a profound way and this charity has been operating since December 2007, to honour his sacrifice and service. Known as The Grub Club because of Matt’s nickname growing up (Grub) the charity operates two significant fundraising events each year. The Sgt Matthew Locke MG Charity Golf Event and The Sgt Matthew Locke MG Charity Shield.
The Charity Shield has been held at Bellingen Park, Bellingen since 2009 and is the main fundraising event. One hundred percent of profits from the event fund projects carried out by The Grub Club in East Timor.
The Grub Club was started by Matt’s sister Debbie, who wanted to remember Matt’s service and sacrifice in a positive way that reflected his values and her ambition to help people through education. Debbie has been a lifelong learner and teacher since 2005.
Projects
In the early years the charity was able to assist educational outcomes in Afghanistan through providing school resources and funds for school infrastructure. Unfortunately, due to the difficulties faced there, it was decided to look for projects closer to home. It was in 2011 that the charity first started providing educational assistance in East Timor. First through charities like Life, Love & Health and then on its own.
Through meeting Jino Pereria, it was able to assist in Jino’s home village. First building a four roomed schoolhouse, and then by building dedicated kindergartens. It has now assisted through the provision of funding for 3 kindergartens. In total there are four kindergartens that operate with the assistance of The Grub Club, Boramba, Beikala, Bobe and Hatu Udo. Up to this time we have spent over $70,000 AUD on building projects alone.
Secondly, the charity now offers scholarships to the teaching staff of its kindergartens. Since 2024 it has been a requirement of the Timorese government that all teachers have a diploma. This has put an economic strain on our staff, living in isolated villages. Teaching staff are required to enrol at a university and travel there on weekends to complete courses. The cost, while appearing small by our standards, at $2800USD, is enormous when staff only earn $30USD per month. (10 hour week). The Grub Club is incredibly proud to be able to assist our teaching staff on this journey through the scholarship program.
Thirdly, The Grub Club currently funds wages for kindergarten staff. Once staff are university qualified it is hoped the government will take over these payments, but it is our belief that working staff need to be paid. The flow on effect is that these funds are feeding families that have little other available sources of income.
The Sgt Matthew Locke Charity and The Grub Club are incredibly proud to be able honour Matthew’s service and sacrifice through these worthwhile projects.
Future Plans
Into the future, the charity will continue assisting teachers achieve their diplomas, continue building educational resources and helping the people of East Timor.
The Charity Match
The Charity Match has been running since 2009. It was first though of by Sgt Nick Matthews who grew up at Mylestom, part of the Bellingen Shire and who was captain of the Army Thunder Rugby League Football Team. With assistance from his father Graham Matthews, they put on an event that has captivated the attention of the Bellingen community and veterans and grown each year.
The main event was the local team, Bellingen Magpies playing Army Thunder for the Sgt Matthew Locke MG Shield. Now, following many ups and downs it has morphed into a full day event with games from juniors all the way to the seniors starting at 8.30 in the morning until 7 at night.
The shield has been supported by many people over the years. Maj. Gen Jim Molan was a patron and since his passing, the MAJ GEN Jim Molan AO DSC Shield is played between Bellingen Magpies and Brisbane Jackals (Veteran side), while the Army Thunder playing Sawtell Panthers play for the SGT Matthew Locke MG Charity Shield. It has also been supported over many years by General (Retd) the Honourable David John Hurley AC CVO DSC and Mrs Hurley, members of the ADF, RSL and ex-services.
The charity match owes its existence to the help of many. The Grub Club committee spearhead the event each year with Bellingen Magpies, Army Thunder & Lightning, Garry Stevenson from NRL, Lions Club of Bellingen, Bellingen Shire Council, Cex Coffs Harbour, the Army Band, 41stNSWR, Brisbane Veterans, Sawtell Panthers, Guyra Super Spuds, Bellingen Juniors, Bowra Tigers all contributing and playing a role in its success.
Over the eighteen years since its inaugural match over $250,000 has been raised and spread amongst many organisations including Legacy, Mates4mates, Soldier On, Bellingen Juniors Rugby League, Bellingen Cricket, Bellingen Hockey, Orama Public School, Bellingen Pony Club, Fernmount RFS, Tyringham RFS and North Beach Surf Life Saving.
The Golf Shield
The Golfing Day is an off shoot of the charity match and although hasn’t been running for as long, Story continued on page 13
provides another avenue for fundraising for the Grub Club.
Originally held at Bellingen Golf Course for a number of years, home is now the Cex Urunga Golf Club. Thanks to the partnership of Cex and Sgt Matthew Locke MG charity a new invigorated day is held on the Sunday before Remembrance Day in November each year.
In 2026 it will be held on the 8th of November. We look forward to welcoming many new players to this event. Teams play for the Sgt Matthew Locke Golf Shield.
The Army Band Concert
Since 2012 the Army Band Concert has been held at the Cex Coffs Harbour on the Sunday following the Sgt Matthew Locke MG Charity Shield Day.
This brings another audience to witness the expertise and entertainment spectacular which is the Australian Army Band. The Army band has been providing the march on at the charity match since its inception and in 2012 went the extra mile and we witnessed them in full concert mode.
They are supported by the Coffs Harbour Regional Brass Band and the concert which goes for two hours is a rich tapestry of music magic. It is our pleasure to welcome back both these bands in 2026.
