Vale Darren Smith: Mackay Magpies Sporting Club general manager remembered

A well-loved community leader is being remembered by the sports club he helped run for over a decade as a devoted family man and an “inspiration to us all” after a personal battle with cancer.

A well-loved community leader is being remembered by the sports club he helped run for over a decade as a devoted family man and an “inspiration to us all” after a personal battle with cancer.

A well-loved community leader is being remembered by the sports club he helped run for over a decade as a devoted family man and an “inspiration to us all” after a personal battle with cancer.

Magpies Sporting Club are mourning the late Darren Smith, who served as general manager for twelve years after moving to Mackay for the role in 2012.

A post on social media eulogises the “courageous and much-loved leader”, who oversaw plans for a massive expansion that will almost double the club in size.

“The hearts of our Magpies team are broken,” the post read.

“Darren touched the lives of many of us, known for his kindness and positivity, his passion for sport and his dedication to Magpies.

“Most of all, he was known for the immense love and devotion that he had for his family.

“Our thoughts and hearts are with Darren’s family, his loving wife Sarah and his beloved children Kyden, Teya, Ashton, Atari and Tayah.”

Magpies Sporting Club general manager Darren Smith

The club invited others to join them in wearing black ribbon in honour of Darren and his “enormous contribution to our club and team”, with the profile photos on social media also showing a black ribbon.

Darren had more than two decades of experience in senior management of Queensland community clubs and boasted an Associate Degree Bachelor of Business in Club Management.

“Darren was also a passionate supporter of our community contributions, he loved to give back and was motivated by our Club’s dedication to serve sport and our community,” the club wrote.

“At his heart he was a people person, and he shaped our Magpies team culture into the warm, respectful and collaborative team we are today – something Darren was incredibly proud of.”