The Andrews Labor Government is helping the Portland Smallbore Rifle Club upgrade its shooting range facilities.
Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP today announced a $15,000 Shooting Sports Facilities Program grant. The club is one of 74 across the state sharing in more than $3 million funding.
The grant will go towards an upgrade of the kitchen and office areas to allow better access for those with mobility issues to the main area of the club rooms, as well as the replacement of steelwork with timber due to corrosion.
The Labor Government is giving Victoria’s shooting clubs the support they need to provide safe, modern facilities for thousands of locals who love the sport.
The grants are helping deliver projects including upgrades to ageing clubrooms, new facilities for the growing number of female participants and improved access for people living with a disability. Clubs will also be able to develop new rifle ranges, target systems and shooting platforms.
The grants will mean clubs will be able to boost participation, better accommodate people of all abilities and provide real pathways from the grassroots to the Olympic Games.
Victoria has produced some of shooting’s great stars, including Russell Mark and Deserie Baynes. Just recently, Mansfield’s Catherine Skinner won gold at the Rio Olympic Games.
Quotes attributable to Gayle Tierney MP, Member for Western Victoria
“The Portland Smallbore Rifle Club is a great local institution. We’re thrilled to be giving it the upgrade it deserves.”
“We want our sports clubs to offer safe, modern facilities for the countless locals in Portland and surrounding areas who use them every week.”
“Shooting clubs aren’t just a great place for people to gather, they’re where people learn about the safe and responsible use of firearms.”