There is something special about a black-and-white photograph. It captures more than just faces; it captures a feeling.
If you look closely at this year’s Bellingen Dorrigo Junior Magpies club photo, you’ll see plenty of smiling faces, a cheeky peace sign from one of our youngest Magpies, teammates with their arms wrapped around each other’s shoulders, and a few serious expressions too. But what you can’t see in a single photo is the sense of belonging that sits behind it.
This club is about so much more than rugby league. It is a community. It is friendships formed at training, families cheering from the sidelines, volunteers who give countless hours behind the scenes, and coaches who invest in these young people long after the final whistle has blown.
While they proudly wear the name Bellingen Dorrigo Junior Magpies, these players come from right across the region, not just the Bellingen Shire. Families travel from neighbouring communities each week because they have found something special here; a club that welcomes everyone, values every child, and makes every family feel like they belong. Before long, those families become part of one big Mighty Magpie tribe.
This season has been another reminder of what grassroots sport is all about. There have been first tries, personal bests, friendships introduced and strengthened, resilience built, teamwork celebrated and plenty of smiles along the way. More importantly, there has been the opportunity to watch children grow in confidence, learn the value of supporting one another, and create memories that will stay with them long after they finish playing junior rugby league.
As they approach the end of the 2026 season, their younger non-competition teams have one final Gala Day to enjoy before hanging up the boots for the rest of the year, and while their season may be drawing to a close, the attention now turns to their Under 15 Girls, who are preparing to take on the first round of the semi-finals. The entire Magpie family will be behind them every step of the way and wish them all the very best.
Behind every successful junior sporting club is an army of people who quietly make it all happen. Parents, carers, coaches, volunteers, sponsors and supporters all play an important role, and the Bellingen Dorrigo Junior Magpies are fortunate to have a community that continues to give so generously of its time and support. The club extends its sincere thanks to everyone who has contributed throughout the 2026 season.
Already excitement about next season. The club looks forward to welcoming familiar faces back, introducing new families to the Magpie community, and continuing to provide a place where young people can develop not only as players, but as teammates, friends, and valued members of their community.
Looking at this photograph, it’s easy to see a group of children wearing black and white jerseys. But perhaps what it really captures is something much more meaningful; a community, a family, and a club that reminds us why grassroots sport remains such an important part of regional life. And that’s something well worth celebrating.
Once a Magpie, always a Magpie.