Tributes for giant of Mackay community and ‘true hero’

Groups pay tribute to Chris Auguston: ‘He has left the world a better place than when we found it’

Jack Auguston, 15, Chris Auguston, and Donovan Ryan-Ellul, 15, raised $4000 for the Mackay and Pioneer Valley Relay as the two teenagers shaved off their hair at the Wests Rugby Leagues Club, on Saturday September 12.

Mackay has lost a giant of community passion and dedication in Chris Auguston who lost his battle against cancer earlier this month.

Mr Auguston, known as Augy, was the face of Mackay Relay for Life in 2020 as he fought a “very long and brave fight” against cancer.

His beloved Mackay Lions Soccer Club confirmed the Augy’s death on January 19 as the club rallies to support his family.

“Augy was a much loved and highly respected member of our club for more than 30 years,” a club statement read.

“His playing career spanned from Juniors through to Colts and then on to the Senior ranks.

“Augy also spent many years as a valued coach for both Junior and Senior divisions.

More stories:

Son chops off locks as father faces cancer treatment

“In addition to all this, Augy also volunteered his time for the club holding various positions as a committee member throughout the years.

“But his tireless dedication to his Lions family didn’t stop there. If there was a working bee, fundraiser, event to plan, we were sure to see Augy there front and centre to lend a helping hand.”

Chris Auguston watch as his son Jack Auguston, 15, left, and Donovan Ryan-Ellul, 15, had their hair shaved off by Amanda Rafferty to raise $4000 for the Mackay and Pioneer Valley Relay at the Wests Rugby Leagues Club, on Saturday September 12.

Mackay Lions club members wanting to pay their respects to Augy at his funeral were asked to wear the club polo.

It was in Augy’s honour his son Jack and friend Donovan Ryan-Ellul shaved their hair in 2020 to fundraise for cancer research.

He told the Daily Mercury he was not the first in his family to be diagnosed with cancer and because of that, he knew the “emotional load” that would fall on his own family.

“Your loved ones often have to sit back and watch you be sick, without being able to do anything about it,” Mr Auguston said.

Subscriber benefits:

How to activate your free Courier-Mail subscription

Your dose of Harry Bruce cartoons

Five ways to get more from your digital subscription

Mackay Relay for Life, in a statement, said Augy would be remembered as a “true hero, role model and incredibly special man”.

“Over many years Chris and his family have worked tirelessly to raise money for many different initiatives that help Australians with cancer, and there is no doubt in my mind that he has left the world a better place than when we found it,” the post read.

His funeral will be held on Wednesday, January 27.

Funds can be transferred to the Mackay Lions’ account set up for Augy’s family.

Details:

BSB: 084789

ACC: 186892835

Ref: Augy

Aug