My name is David Vea and I represent the players, coaches and volunteers of Randwick Rugby Club and we are distraught at the loss of one of our most loyal clubmen ever in Peter Meagher or ‘Marzo’ as everyone universally called him.

Marzo was a much loved figure and absolute legend in our club, with over 40 years of voluntary involvement, he was one of the heart and soul figures of Randwick Rugby. He was also a highly respected long term referee who was well known in Sydney Rugby circles. In his professional life, Peter served for almost 4 decades in the NSW Police Force and retired as a Detective Sergeant, where he was hugely respected by his Police colleagues.

Tragically, Peter was one of the 15 victims of the Bondi Beach shooting and he was sadly lost while performing yet another voluntary role as a photographer to support the ill-fated Chanukah by the Sea event. Peter developed a close affinity with the Jewish Community and supported them for many years voluntarily photographing events and the like, as a result of his wife Virginia Wynne-Markham working at Kesser Torah College in Dover Heights. They both had a strong connection with Rabbi Schlanger, who was also tragically killed at Bondi.

While we are one of the best known clubs in rugby, at our roots Randwick Rugby is simply an amateur community club. Since this awful tragedy unfolded, we have had so many people reach out to see how they could support Marzo, so our player leadership group unanimously decided to it would seek to raise funds in his honour to help financially support his devastated wife, Virginia. Therefore, we have set up this GoFundMe Page to give people the most tangible way to do so.

Virginia is dealing with unimaginable grief and huge uncertainty with the loss of her much loved husband. While they were an uncle and aunt to many nieces and nephews, Peter and Virginia had no children of their own, so he is an irreplaceable hole in her life day to day.

The tragic irony is that Peter spent so long working in the dangerous front line as a Police Officer, but was struck down in retirement while voluntarily taking photos at what was supposed to be a joyful community event in his hobby. It is really difficult to comprehend.

How Your Donation Will Help

All funds raised will go directly to support Virginia who still works fulltime and will greatly help her long-term financial security and assist with many expenses that now confront her in the short term. She is the beneficiary and will receive the funds directly.

Please Give What You Can

No amount is too small and every donation will honour Peter’s legacy and will help support Virginia which we know would have been his greatest concern. If you are unable to give any money, then you can still help by sharing this page or promoting it to your family, friends colleagues and other networks.

Peter ‘Marzo’ Meagher has loyally served all parts of his community in both his professional life and voluntarily in so many areas and for so long. He has helped countless people and community groups, so selflessly over so many years and, in his family’s, darkest hour, it’s our turn to reciprocate and support them so please be generous. We also send our love to all the victims, their families and the Jewish Community at this tragic time.

Yours Sincerely

David Vea

On behalf of the Randwick Rugby Players Leadership Group