SSAA Boulia Branch Inc

Queensland Club Profile

While being a small outback town of just 300 people, Boulia, Queensland, has become quite famous for the Boulia Camel Races held annually every third weekend in July, and the mysterious Min Min lights - a light that is said to manifest itself as a small ball and follow travellers for a few kilometres before disappearing.

Another notable feature of Boulia, especially among the shooting community, is that it is home to one of the SSAA’s newest shooting clubs - SSAA Boulia Branch Inc. Simon Jackson, Gordon Robinson and Geoff Tarring spearheaded its formation and the official opening was held on September 2 last year. Simon said the club would not be in existence today had it not been for the great support and assistance of the local council.

Boulia Branch is situated on 400 hectares of barren land. “There is not a hill in sight and there are only a dozen wizened old trees on the whole block” said Simn. With a membership of 23 (11 men, 10 women and two juniors), they currently have one 500m shooting range with a firing line of 20m - half of which is covered. That leaves them with a fair bit of land upon which to expand if the need arises.

One of the club’s goals is to increase membership enough to warrant such an expansion. Promotion is via a column in the Shire Council’s monthly free newsletter called the Channel Country Chatter and the ABC radio. Community support is strong. Each month, the local Min Min Store donates a prize for the best shot of the day. As the branch’s two ‘top shots’, Gordon ‘Boo’ Robinson and Tahna Jackson have been recipients of these prizes on more than one occasion, consistently demonstrating their exceptional shooting skills.

The range is licensed to shoot all the disciplines of the SSAA, but because it is still so new only a few basic competitions are run: Slow Fire Pistol, Field Rifle, Trap Shooting and Rimfire Metallic Silhouette.

Despite being less than a year old, plans for renovation have already been discussed. “We hope to extend the shade over the firing line, erect a shade for spectators and waiting competitors and build a storage shed and toilet facilities,” said Simon. These additions will come in handy when the club begins hosting competitions with neighbours Mt Isa and Winton in the near future.

Simon believes Boulia is special because it offers a unique outlet for an isolated community, provides families with a shared interest and is increasing the local population’s knowledge of firearms. Because Boulia is a rural town, firearms are a part of everyday life. The branch is doing its part to improve people’s perceptions about firearms and impress upon them the importance of safety.

Shooting generally takes place on the second Saturday of each month. The branch is currently led by President Gordon Robinson, Vice President Roy Smith, Treasurer Carol Smith and Secretary Simon Jackson.

For more information contact: Simon Jackson on 07 4746 1239 or email tahna.jackson@bigpond.com