Shooting club funding locked and loaded

A BENDIGO East sport shooting facility will be upgraded after securing a State Government grant.

Bendigo Field and Game, located on the corner of Whirakee and Collins roads at Bagshot, received slight less than $60,000 to be used to upgrade walking tracks for members and potential members with disabilities.

Member for Bendigo East, Jacinta Allan, said the club is one of 32 across the state to receive funding through a shooting sports facilities grants program.

“These grants will go a long way to helping clubs like Bendigo Field and Game promote the sport, provide a safe and welcoming community space and encourage locals to learn some great skills and practical tips about safe and responsible use of firearms,” she said.

“Congratulations to Bendigo Field and Game on securing this funding and I look forward to seeing its project progress.”

Grants are awarded to shooting clubs to help improve safety of ranges, develop secure storage facilities, purchase equipment, increase participation and protect the environment.

Bendigo Field and Game is a branch of Field and Game Australia, with clay target shooting, hunting and conservation activities. The club meets on the fourth Sunday of each month except December.

According to a statement from the State Government, 236 upgrade projects have been completed since 2014, with $17.48 million spent across Victoria.

Last month, representatives of Shooting Australia chose Bendigo as their preferred destination for the potential event at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Phase two of sports for the Games is expected to be announced in October.