SSAA South Burnett Branch Inc
Queensland Club Profile
According to Brian Chantrill, the camaraderie that exists between members of the SSAA South Burnett Branch is tough to beat. “It is what makes the club special,” said the Branch Secretary of seven years. “There is no ‘us’ or ‘them’ at this club.” At South Burnett, if you like to target shoot, you are welcome. Visitors to the club aren’t uncommon and the regulars do all they can to make everyone feel welcome, even allowing them to use the club guns if needed. “We don’t let anyone go ‘hungry’,” said Brian.
Disciplines offered at the branch include Black Powder, which features a canon event; Single Action, which has a large following among members, and Pistol, including Handgun Metallic Silhouette, IPSC and “anything else anyone wants to shoot,” said Brian. Shotgun events are also conducted when there is enough of a demand for them.
The branch has been in existence for 26 years. Jeff Beardmore, the current Branch President, is one of the club’s longest serving members and he has helped build the club to its current size of 78 active members. Another ‘fixture’ at the club is Matilde Jacobs, whose husband Ian is the Branch Treasurer. She is the unofficial club caterer and “is always there when she is needed,” said Jeff. Members say her selflessness, dedication and great cooking help make competitions and club days very special. She is representative of the calibre of people who shoot each weekend.
The old Military Range is more than 100 years old and consists of four separate ranges: Black Powder, Single Action, Pistol and Big Bore. Seven kilometres of hilly, timbered backdrop enclose the venue, which features a comfortable and active clubhouse and powered camping sites.
The club offers training and safety days to a group of Venture Scouts. They are taught how to safely shoot .22 rifles as a prerequisite to joining the club and taking part in any other discipline.
Each year, the branch hosts the Wondai Invitational Roundup. This year, the Single Action event drew 87 competitors, turning the typically peaceful scrubland into a bustling little community.
The club's reputation has given rise to a steady increase in membership. “Word of mouth is our best advertising,” said Brian. “We rely on that and it has been working well for us.”
The SSAA South Burnett Branch is about two and a half hours drive from Brisbane. A visit to the club would be well worth your time. Not only is it one of the friendliest shooting clubs around, it sits within Queensland’s largest wine region and is near two of the state’s largest inland waterways, Lake Boondooma and the Bjelke-Petersen Dam.
For contact information check the state branch list here.