Mungindi Border Rifle Club’s first formally organised Try Shooting Day aims to introduce more locals to the sport in a safe, supervised environment. Image: Mungindi Border Rifle Club
Renee Hocking had never held a firearm when Ben Picton invited her to the Mungindi rifle range 3 years ago.
She went along on a whim. She has been shooting ever since.
On Sunday, August 2, Mungindi Border Rifle Club will offer that same first step to others through its first formally organised Try Shooting Day.
The event is open to people aged 12 and over, including complete beginners and licensed firearm owners interested in trying long-range target shooting. Club rifles will be available for those who do not have their own.
Registration and paperwork begin at 8.30am, followed by a firearms safety briefing at 9am. Coached shooting at 600 yards using the club’s HEXTA electronic targets starts at 9.30am.
For Hocking, the day is about more than recruiting names to a membership list. She said the club wants people who are interested in learning the sport and becoming active participants.
“We are trying to gain more members with our club,” she said.
“There’s not a lot to offer in the way of sports and recreational activities in Mungindi, so we’re hoping to get a few people out there to give it a go.”
The club has welcomed newcomers before, usually after someone noticed the flags flying at the range or asked whether they could have a try. The August 2 event is the first time those informal introductions have been brought together as a structured public day with bookings, safety instruction, coaching and a barbecue lunch.
Interest has already been strong, and numbers are capped so the club can maintain an appropriate ratio of coaches to participants. If demand continues, the club hopes to hold more introductory days, although no future dates have been announced.
Participants will be coached by experienced club members, including club captain Ben Picton. Hocking said Picton is one of Australia’s leading target rifle shooters, will represent Australia at an international match later this year, and is qualified to conduct long-arm firearms safety training.
Picton’s connection to the club spans three generations. His grandfather was among its founding members, his father later continued the family’s involvement, and Picton’s children also shoot with the club.
Established in 1934, Mungindi Border Rifle Club has been part of the district for more than 90 years. Hocking said members also support community events, including the Mungindi Show and local race meetings, by running barbecue stalls.
For Hocking, the invitation she accepted 3 years ago became more than a single visit to the range.
“I hadn’t even picked up a gun in my life,” she said.
The club hopes the August 2 event will provide someone else with the same beginning.
The Try Shooting Day will be held at Gary Doyle Rifle Range, 11497 Carnarvon Highway, Mungindi.
Participants must bring either a firearms licence or photo identification. Those bringing their own rifle should also bring 30 rounds of ammunition. Protective ear wear will be available and a barbecue lunch will be provided.
Bookings are essential and can be made by emailing mbrc1934@gmail.com.
