Kate Withers
Target Rifle Traralgon will mark decades of rich history this year as it celebrates its 60th anniversary.
Formed in 1958 and originally located at Victory Park, Target Rifle Traralgon is now based out of Shakespeare Street and has hosted a number of pennant and interstate competitions over the years.
Despite having just four prone shooters, the club boasts some 25 members today but was once down to about six at one stage.
Frank Ameerbeg, a long-standing member of Target Rifle Traralgon, said the growth in membership numbers was thanks largely to the introduction of bench shooting.
The bench was brought in by member Ross Smith about 10 years ago in a bid to diversify shooting for members and newcomers.
“The main thing that has done the number increases is the bench shooting,” Ameerbeg said.
“We were just trying to get a bit of interest in the place. It’s a lot more comfortable.
“It’s physically easier. There’s still a requirement to shoot well, which doesn’t come easy, but we’ve had people come off the street and shoot a 93 or 94 that have never shot before.”
With stringent guidelines and laws enforced by the Target Rifle Victoria, the club still holds weekly shoots on Wednesday nights.
“We can let people come in off the street, shoot three times, and then they have to become a member because we
are covered by the state body and that’s our safety net,” Ameerbeg said.
All members and past members are invited to attend the club’s 60th anniversary celebrations at a picnic shoot to be held on Sunday, September 9 from 10am.
Prizes are on offer for the handicap shoot and entry is $10 per person plus ammo with barbecue lunch provided.
For more information, phone club social secretary Ian Tormey on 0401 201 371 after 3.30pm.
