By Maddison Howell
LOCAL shooting range is preparing for another major community fundraiser, with shooters and visitors expected to gather at the Pine Lodge range for an annual Blue Ribbon Shoot.
Continuing the branch’s long-standing tradition of using clay-target shooting events to support community causes, the Shepparton Branch of the Sporting Shooters’ Association of Australia (SSAA) are hosting a Blue Ribbon shoot at 1170 Midland Highway, Pine Lodge. This community event aims to raise funds to support local health infrastructure through the Blue Ribbon Foundation.
Shepparton SSAA shotgun club President Goffrey Morton said the event has continued to grow since its inception around two decades ago.
“Arnold Warburton came up with the idea around 20 years ago and since then it’s been getting bigger and bigger each year,” Mr Morton said.
“It’s quite a good day out and it’s important to support our local hospitals in any way we can.”
The event is expected to attract shooters from across the Goulburn Valley and further, with last year’s event drawing more than 100 competitors.
“Last year we had about 107 shooters and each year it’s only getting bigger and better,” Mr Morton said.
“We have people who travel as far as Griffith for our events, the support means a great deal.”
The day will feature a 100-bird simulated clay-target shoot and participants will also have access to the facility’s air-conditioned clubhouse, canteen and restroom facilities, making the event an opportunity for spectators and families to spend time at the range as well as compete.
Local businesses will again play a role in supporting the fundraiser by contributing prizes for competitors.
“Some local businesses contribute to the prizes handed out on the day which is absolutely fantastic,” Mr Morton said.
For those interested in attending, the My Club My Scores (MCMS) app will provide information about the event, including bookings and squad allocations.
Shooters will be able to see when they are scheduled to compete, with squads generally consisting of five or six people.
“The Victorian President for the sporting shooters will be there on the day, there will be a full canteen, so we encourage people to come out to have a look and buy a raffle ticket to support the club and support a good cause,” Mr Morton said.
Beyond its fundraising activities, the club is also looking towards the future, with major developments planned for the range.
Goffrey, who has served as president of the shotgun club for about 27 years, said the branch had recently purchased about 50 acres of land to add to their current 14 acres.
“We’ve recently purchased around 50 acres of land that we’ll be able to utilise around Christmas time which is going to be great for that additional room for our shooters,” Mr Morton said.
“Additionally, we’re expanding our club room, focusing on more room for our function room and offices, so we’ve got a lot of exciting things happening.”
With the Blue Ribbon Shoot continuing to grow and further development planned for the Pine Lodge complex, the branch is looking to build on both its sporting and community activities in the years ahead.
