Well known Mackay educator and rugby league supporter, Laurie Shepherd passed away after a battle with cancer at the age of 63.
Laurie was well known in Mackay's rugby league circles, both for his contribution to education, where he was principal at Victoria Park State School and for his long commitment to the Mackay Cutters and especially their Junior Development programs.
As an Educator, Laurie worked in schools across Queensland and retired from Victoria Park SS in Mackay after almost 20 years as Principal.
His involvement in sport was a key part of his teaching, and he took many students to Friday sport recognising the value it added to their schooling.
Laurie also played a key role in the administration of School Sport spending time as the chair of the Mackay District Primary School Sports Association and Capricornia School Sport and on the Queensland School Sport Management Committee.
But his true passion was rugby league where Laurie coached, managed, and convened many primary school carnivals giving young boys and then girls the opportunity to play rugby league.
Laurie was also a valued member of the team at the Mackay Cutters, especially in relation to his contribution across their Academy programs, Junior Representative programs, and Colts programs.
Dave Roberts, Mackay Cutters CEO, said that Laurie's dedication, passion, mentorship and commitment to the young players and staff at the Cutters will be greatly missed. In 2025 Laurie was the lifeblood of the Cyril Connell team, playing a key role in their journey to the grand final against Burleigh.
Unfortunately, Laurie could not make the game but enjoyed watching the Junior Cutters take Burleigh on even though they narrowly went down. Roberts said Laurie’s impact on the club and the community will not be forgotten.
The only blemish on his Laurie’s rugby league involvement was his deep love for the Manly Sea Eagles, which caused him no end of heckling from his many friends on each of their losses.
Our thoughts go out to his wife Rhondel and his daughters, Emma and Katherine and her husband Ben, along with his two grandchildren, Harry and Nell.
Laurie Shepherd will be missed by his family and many friends with his funeral at Newhaven Chapel Mackay 2 pm Monday 10 November.
