The Andrews Labor Government is helping shooting clubs across Gippsland grow.

Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing MP today announced 7 Gippsland clubs were awarded a Shooting Sports Facilities Program grant. The grants will help clubs improve safety and ensure everyone can get involved.

Successful Gippsland shooting clubs include:

• Bairnsdale Branch of Field and Game Australia awarded $100,000 to improve and upgrade club house facilities.
• Mallacoota Gun Club awarded $14,000 to assist with installing a multi-function building, along with voice activated trap release and two auto traps.
• Morwell Branch of Field & Game Australia awarded $79,916 to assist with a facilities upgrade.
• Sale Field & Game Association awarded $100,000 to assist with construction of new club rooms, including provision of an all ability toilet, shower and baby change facilities.
• Traralgon Target Rifle awarded $2,600 to assist with security upgrades and shooting equipment
• Warragul Drouin Pistol Club awarded $30,000 to build a new shed to replace their existing air pistol range and provide a large storage area.
• Westernport Field and Game (Rhyll) awarded $50,000 to upgrade their facilities and purchase new equipment

The Labor Government is committed to helping Victoria’s shooting sports clubs evolve, and the grants do just that. The grant will help the clubs recruit new members, better accommodate people of all abilities and strengthen pathways from the grassroots level to the elite arena.

Victoria has a proud history of producing some of Australia’s top shooters, including Olympic champions Russell Mark, Deserie Baynes and Adam Vella. Shooting sports clubs are where communities connect and enjoy the benefits of outdoor recreation, and promote the safe and responsible use of firearms.

The Labor Government’s $100 million Community Sports Infrastructure Fund is ensuring all Victorians have access to safe, modern sport and recreation facilities. The Government is also rolling out 1000 life-saving defibrillators at grassroots clubs in case of emergency.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing:

“These grants will ensure that clubs across Gippsland have the resources and the facilities they need to become more inclusive and sustainable.”

“Victoria has a proud history of producing national stars. By investing in clubs like these, we just might be helping identify the next Olympic gold medallist.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Sport, John Eren:

“We want our sports clubs to be safe, modern and welcoming to all members – no matter their ability, their gender or where they live.”

“Shooting sports clubs are where Victorians get together and make friends, people learn the importance of safe and responsible firearm use and aspiring shooters become elite stars.”