Bundaberg Clay Target Club aims to grow with expansion

The Bundaberg Clay Target Club has hit its mark with an expansion to its facility thanks to a Federal Government grant.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt congratulated the club which was awarded $19,950 from the Stronger Communities Programme to put in an Olympic trap layout and bunker.

“The club expects that the upgraded facilities will attract new members, as well as visiting teams to train at the club in the lead up to the Commonwealth Games next year,” he said.

The completed project comprises of a new trap layout – including an Olympic trap bunker – earthworks, sun cover and cement layouts.

“The Stronger Communities Programme has been a real boost for community groups and organisations like the Bundaberg Clay Target Club, so it can upgrade its facilities and attract competitors from outside the region.”

Bundaberg Clay Target Club president George Christensen said the new facility would be the only Olympic standard trap outside of Brisbane and Townsville.

“We intend on holding ‘come and try’ days and corporate shooting days to attract new members, and we hope to encourage more juniors to take up the Olympic sport,” he said.

Brothers Sam and Adam Bylsma – who are hoping to gain selection for the 2018 Commonwealth Games – are members of the Bundaberg Clay Target Club, and have won many national and international titles.

“We’ll also hold monthly competitions to enable new members and other outer lying area club members access to regular competitions,” Mr Christensen said.

Through the Stronger Communities Programme, eligible community groups could apply for grants of between $5,000 and $20,000 for small capital projects. All applications needed to commit at least matching funding or in-kind contributions.