SGT Matthew Locke MG
On the 25th 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.
The Charity - "The Grub Club"
Matthew was known as "Locky" by his army buddies and "Grub" by his family, so this charity has also been known as the "Grub Club".
More About Matthew & The Charity
Focusing on East Timor...
We've created 4 kindergartens
We'll continue this work as a fitting legacy to MATTHEW'S sacrifice
Please help iF you are able to
Our Mission
The Sergeant Matthew Locke MG Charity honours Matthew's service as part of the ANZAC tradition. We advocate and support the well-being of serving and veteran members of the Australian Defence Force through connection, transitioning and camaraderie. We honour Matthew’s legacy by providing educational resources for children in Timor Leste. We educate the Australian community regarding the importance of our military history and matters relating to veterans.
Charity Activities
Kindergartens and Educational opportunities for East Timorese Children
You can support our charity by direct donation, attending our fundraising events. Local businesses, corporations & organisations can also provide support by way of goods & services. Please help us to raise awareness of the need for improved education in East Timor.Let's share the opportunities and very real benefits - of a sound education that we are privileged to have - with others less fortunate.
Past work in Afghanistan
Due to the ongoing insurgency problems the aid we were providing to Afghanistan was failing to reach its target and we had very little control over our projects. So, we suspended our operations in Afghanistan and now focus our efforts on Timor Leste.Learn More about our projects
4 Kindergartens created so far in Timor-Leste...
Advocating for Veterans & Diggers
The Sergeant Matthew Locke MG Charity is committed to ensuring that both former and current serving veterans are valued by both the government and the community. In delivering social and informative events for veterans, their families, and the wider population, the charity provides the necessary awareness and connection for accessing appropriate veteran support groups. Through collaboration with other ex-service organisations the Sergeant Matthew Locke MG Charity promotes acknowledgement of service, entitlements for veterans, the significance of remembrance, and upholds the legacy of those who gave all.More on Support for Veterans & Diggers
Building Local Community Spirit & Connection
Our events in Bellingen, Urunga and Coffs Harbour not only raise funds that allow us to continue to support and expand our activities in East Timor, but they are fantastic fun days that foster and develop connection and spirit between local mid north coast community members, veterans, sporting clubs, the Army and ADF, and businesses and organisations - both local and from far and wide.Annual Fundraising Events
SGT Matthew Locke MG Shield Rugby League Day (Bellingen NSW)
Our major annual event each year is a fantastic day of rugby league that raises funds for the charity and brings together the local community, veterans, local business, sporting clubs and spectators from far and wide.
We come together to honour a fallen Australian war hero, cheer on some incredible footy, and support our fantastic causes.
A charity auction is also held in the evening after the games.
MARCH
Annual Army Band Concert (Coffs C.Ex)
Each year on the day (Sunday) following the Annual Footy Day in Bellingen, the Army Band (supported by the Coffs Harbour Brass Band) put on an amazing show at the Coffs Harbour C.Ex.
Super family fun, another worthy tribute to Matthew, and another important fundraising event for the charity. Come along!
MARCH
Annual Charity Golf Day (Urunga C.Ex)
Each year the Urunga C.Ex hosts an annual charity golf day for us. It's a lovely riverside course in Urunga, situated on the beautiful mid-north coast of NSW and is enjoyed by all.
It's an 4 person ambrose format event and you can book via the Urunga C.Ex club. After your round, head in for food, drinks and spectacular view over the Bellinger and the Kalang rivers converging and running into the sea.
Four!!
NOVEMBER
DEBBIE LOCKE
Sister, Founder, Charity Secretary"I would like to live in a world where all peoples live in peace and security and where poverty does not dictate their lives. When we educate children, we educate the world, a fitting legacy for my brother Matthew."
