NEW EQUIPMENT HITS THE MARK FOR ARDLETHAN BECKOM SPORTING CLAYS CLUB

Monday, 21 July 2025

Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke has congratulated the Ardlethan Beckom Sporting Clays Club on receiving funding through the NSW Government’s Safe Shooting Program, enabling the purchase of three additional traps.

Ms Cooke said the $6,000 investment will help the Club host more robust competitions and improve the overall experience for both new and existing members.

“This is a terrific outcome for a club that continues to provide a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for local shooters,” Ms Cooke said.

“The new traps will allow the committee to design more dynamic and interesting ranges while also supporting the safety and wellbeing of volunteers who help run events.”

The project is one of dozens supported across New South Wales under the latest round of the Safe Shooting Program, which has delivered almost $800,000 in funding to improve safety, storage and access at shooting ranges and clubs.

Vice President Robert Mutton said the investment will allow the club’s volunteers more time to enjoy events and socialise with new members.

“Volunteers were often having to leave their squad to manually set up traps,” Mr Mutton said.

“Now we can keep those squads together so they can communicate, have a bit of banter, and have a bit of fun.

“That’s what these clubs are about, having a place for the community and particularly our farmers to come together. They’re mates creating mates in the end.”

The program supports projects that incorporate inclusive design and improve environmental sustainability, while increasing use of existing facilities and encouraging greater participation.

“This investment is about making shooting sports safer and more accessible to a broader section of the community, particularly in our regional areas where clubs play a vital social role,” Ms Cooke said.

For more information and the full list of grant recipients, visit: sport.nsw.gov.au/grants/safe-shooting-program