SSAA Cooktown Branch

Queensland Club Profile

It wasn’t that long ago that Cooktown, Australia’s first non-indigenous settlement, was only accessible by four-wheel drive. However, with the completion of the sealed Cooktown Developmental Road in 2006, the rich history of this town can be enjoyed by anyone.

Although a number of attempts were made to formalise sports shooting in the area (the first in 1976), the SSAA Cooktown Branch wasn’t established until 1993 when a group of shooters, led by Michael Edmunds, revived interest in obtaining council approval for a range.

The branch has a small but active membership of 29 men, eight women and four juniors. Secretary Jacynta Jones describes the membership as “a very enthusiastic group, which tries to improve and do its best without the benefit of coaching”. The President is Tibor (Tim) Guzsely and Vice President is Ken White.

SSAA Cooktown conducts a number of pistol matches including Practical, Tyro, Military and Service Match. It also shoots .22 Rimfire Rifle (25m and 50m) matches. Currently, there is only one 50m range available; however, a 25m and 100m range are under construction.

The range is equipped with a comfortable clubroom that includes toilet and shower facilities. As the range is situated in a very remote area, the planned camping area will be greatly appreciated by visitors and members alike.

The main events each year are the Christmas shoot and celebration and the John King Memorial Shoot, which was created to honour the former member who established the Practical shooting matches at the branch. The unofficial title of ‘Cooktown Top Shot’ belongs to ex-police officer Ross Veitch - an enthusiastic and dedicated supporter of the sport.

In an attempt to increase membership numbers, Vice President Ken White writes about the branch’s competitions, upcoming events and reminders, as well as safety issues in a weekly article in the Cooktown Local News. A Ladies Shoot, which is a new addition to the shooting calendar, has drastically increased the interest in and the number of visitors to the club.

Training for new shooters is provided by the branch’s two Firearms Safety Instructors via a bimonthly Safety Training Course. The branch also offers an annual afternoon of basic firearm safety and familiarisation, as well as an exhibition shoot for interested students in Years 11 and 12.

If you are a sporting shooter, a visit to the SSAA Cooktown Branch should be on your long list of things to do while in this rich, unspoilt area. An event to keep in mind is the annual Cooktown Endeavour Festival, which celebrates Captain Cook’s discovery and includes a colorful re-enactment of his landing.

SSAA Cooktown Branch shooting times - Pistol: every Wednesday beginning at 6pm, the second Saturday of the month from 9am and the fourth Sunday of the month at 9am. ‘Non-Member Ladies Afternoon’: third Sunday of the month at 3pm. Rifle: every second Sunday at 3pm.

For more information contact: Jacynta Jones on jacynta.jones@bigpond.com