SSAA Blackwater Bluff Club

Queensland Club Profile

Blackwater, Queensland, is made up of mostly coal mining families. The town of 8000 residents was originally envisaged to accommodate 20,000 people. The ti-trees abundant in the area produce the black-water-filled billabongs and water-holes that gave rise to the town’s name.

Some 11km east of Blackwater and 4km west of Bluff is the SSAA Blackwater Bluff Branch Inc. The club was started in about 1978, but didn’t really begin to thrive until 1985. Club President Steven Knight says, “Although we are only a small club, our members are very keen shooters and they are always willing to travel to another club to represent Blackwater Bluff at zone, state or national events. This makes us a very strong organisation.” He also said that the club has developed a great relationship with and is supported by the local council.

Currently, there are 135 shooters, with a small number of those being women and juniors. The club enjoys great visibility. Situated right off the Capricorn Highway, it is hard to miss and during shooting times, visitors often stop by to inquire about the sport and club membership. Every two to three months it seems that there have been enough new inquiries to warrant a club-sponsored safety training day.

Shooting days are held on the second and third Sundays of the month. Shooters have the option of taking part in Rimfire and Centrefire Silhouette, Rimfire and Centrefire Field Rifle, Lever Action, Service Rifle, Service Pistol, Rimfire and Centrefire Hunter Class, Rimfire and Centrefire Sporter Class, Rimfire 4-Positional and Black Powder shooting. If it is possible, the club will accommodate members wishing to experiment with other events as well.

Training takes place on the club’s 300m range, which is equipped with a 30x8m covered firing line and a 9x3m target shed. There is also a clubhouse, canteen and men’s and women’s toilet block on the premises. The club is diligent with its maintenance and not satisfied with the status quo, it pursues upgrades as funds become available.

The Blackwater Bluff Branch has successfully held three state shoots: Field Rifle and Lever Action and in 2006, Service Rifle. They are hoping to further promote the club and the sport in the area by hosting another state event or even a national event in the next few years.

The club looks out for its neighbours. The SSAA Emerald Branch Inc is sharing the facility while it awaits range approval. Blackwater Bluff is also regularly visited by members of other clubs in the area who are looking for a change of pace or a bit of a chat.

Club Vice President Les Challacombe is Steven Knight’s right-hand man. Les and his brother Darryl are the club’s ‘top shots’, having represented their club at state, national and even international events. Steven says that all of the experienced shooters at the club make it a priority to teach and encourage new and junior shooters and adds, “This is a quality that makes any shooter a ‘top shot’.”