2026 March 28th – SGT Matthew Locke MG Charity Shield Event
All veterans, families, and the community are welcome.
We come together to honour a hero, cheer on some incredible footy, and support the charity's fantastic causes.
In memory of Sgt. Matthew Locke MG this annual charity event sees the Army Thunder come to play a local team from the mid north-nsw coast each year. Several Senior and Junior Rugby League teams play games on a Saturday in March, with the centrepiece and culmination being the Army Thunder Vs The Sawtell Panthers match (or in past years the Army Thunder Vs Bellingen Magpies).
Money raised from the event helps support veteran advocacy, social inclusion programs, and educational resources for children in remote Timor-Leste (a cause close to Matthew's heart), through this charity organisation. So far 4 kindergartens have been built in Uruzgan province and they continue to operate today.
Watch Michael Kemp MP talk about this event in parliment (2025)
Three-peat for Army Thunder in charity match
Saturday March 28th 2026 - From 10.30 am
First game commences: 8.30am,
Bellingen V Brisbane Jackals 3.30pm
Army v Sawtell: estimate 5pm
Footy all day!
We will be serving Sausage / Steak Sandwiches, Pluto Pups, Hot Chips & Beverages, Cold Drinks & Ice Creams. All profits raised via Lions Kiosk are donated to the Grub Club.
Venue
Bellingen Park (aka Market Park and the Graveyard) is the main park in Bellingen situated on the corner of Church, Park and Ford Streets.Cost /Tickets
Ticket Details coming soonPurchase Tickets at the Gate (Cash or Credit Card)
Cant make it but want to support us?
We would be very grateful if you made a donation or purchased some merchandise that funds this charity and the work we do.
Please support these businesses and organisations that support us!
2025 Sgt. Matthew Locke MG Charity Shield Event Day
Michael Kemp MP, 2025 Army Thunder Captain Blake Wallace, David and Linda Hurley.
2025 Congratulations to Brisbane Veterans on winning the inaugral Maj.Gen. Jim Molan Shield!
2025 Army Thunder prepare for battle
2025 Brisbane Veterans Vs Bellingen Valley/Dorrigo
2025 Army Thunder Vs Sawtell Panthers
2025 Brisbane Veterans Vs Bellingen Valley/Dorrigo
2025 Brisbane Veterans Vs Bellingen Valley/Dorrigo Rugby League Football Club
2025 Army Thunder Pre Game
From past years (2009 Onwards)
2010 Sgt Matthew Locke MG Charity Football Match (Bellingen NSW)
2011 Sgt Matthew Locke MG Charity Football Match (Bellingen NSW)
2012 Sgt Matthew Locke MG Charity Football Match (Bellingen NSW)
2014 Sgt Matthew Locke MG Charity Football Match (Bellingen NSW)
2017 Sgt Matthew Locke MG Charity Football Match (Bellingen NSW)
2019 Sgt Matthew Locke MG Charity Football Match (Bellingen NSW)
2023 Sgt Matthew Locke MG Charity Football Match (Winners: Army Thunder)
2024 Sgt Matthew Locke MG Charity Football Match (Winners: Army Thunder)
2024 REPLAY
Thanks to the Army Thunder! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5I5zZ2tkBI
2015 REPLAY
Thanks to the work of Comyn solutions the 2015 Sgt. Matthew Locke MG Charity Match has been filmed and uploaded to You Tube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsbiPeecnxE
Army Band at Match Days
