A LOCAL shooting club has upgraded its premises – including the toilets, shooting range and water tank – with over $20,000 secured in grant funding.
The Cadell Pistol Club – home to 24 members – secured four grants earlier this year, and club spokesperson Jason Lukacs said the building and grounds have undergone significant improvements.
“Over the last few months, we’ve had almost a complete overhaul of both the women’s and men’s toilets, which includes retiling, installing new cisterns and urinals, and connecting the water tank,” he said.
“A solar unit has also been installed, and we’ve connected the water pump as well, plus bought new shooting benches and target frames.
“There’s been a lot of electrical work also done across the building and grounds. All the members who have seen the renovated areas have been pretty chuffed with our efforts.”
A Sports and Recreation $2500 grant presented by Member for Chaffey Tim Whetstone helped members buy new uniforms and shooting benches, while $3000 from the Mid Murray Council’s small community grant was used to upgrade the club rooms’ toilet facilities, buy a new water tank and pump, and replace the toilet floor tiling.
The Sporting Shooters’ Association of Australia $6100 grant went towards replacing the compressor, buying new turning targets and two new club pistols, plus helping upgrade the toilet facilities, and electrical and LED upgrades.
A Federal Government grant of $9150, presented by Member for Barker Tony Pasin, also went towards the premise upgrades.
The Cadell Pistol Club also contributed funds towards the renovations.
Mr Lukacs said the club members hope the revamped building and grounds will allow for more shooting tournaments in the near future.
“We’ve been back at the club for the last three weeks, keeping in line with the current COVID-19 restrictions, and it’s been great to see everyone again and get out on the range,” he said.
“Now that we’ve done some significant restorations and installations, we’re hoping to draw some more tournaments to the club, which would also be great for the surrounding towns.
“In the time that we’ve been away, our membership has grown to a healthy 24 members.
“The new shooting benches and target frames have been well received by everyone.
“A huge thank you to all the organisations and individuals who supported and helped us along the way.
“It’s great to be back and we’re excited to start planning for the club’s future.”