The club, which started in Kyabram in December 1965, has been promised a $50,000 injection of funds if the Andrews Labor government is successful at the poll.
New ALP candidate for the safe Nationals seat, Damien Hurrell, was at the club on Sunday morning with Northern Victorian upper house candidate James McWhinney
Shooters from the club gathered for the surprise announcement on a rainy Sunday morning, uncertain of what lay ahead after their last submission for funding was unsuccessful — only a month or so earlier.
Kyabram Small Bore Rifle Club has a colourful history, from when a model of the club was displayed in Lionel Anderson’s cobblers business (not the Commonwealth Bank) to its 15-strong membership of 2022.
The 50-year-old clubhouse has been extended twice since it was first established, mostly under its own steam.
With shooting back on the agenda for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, to be hosted by regional Victoria, the sport is expecting more significant exposure in the coming years.
At the moment the club members are involved in Thursday evening competition.
Club president Bernie Noonan has been a key figure in the club receiving grants, including a Campaspe shire “kick-in’’ for evaporative air conditioning in the ”tin shed’’ complex.
Mr Noonan said the announcement was “just amazing’’ and, if it was realised, would allow the club to install roller doors to the shooting range.
At the moment the club members have to lift the doors by going outside and physically propping up the shutters.
The funding would allow for eight rollers to be installed and offset the cost of the associated engineering works. Electronic targets are also on the wish list.
Numurkah and Shepparton are the closest clubs to Kyabram, both clubs received funding in the last round of sport and recreation grants.
Mr Hurrell said people only got the opportunity to compete at the elite by becoming involved in grassroots club like Kyabram.
“A re-elected Andrew’s government will support the club to the tune of $50,000 to improve the club over the course of the next four years.
"These grants are part of those that have been made around the state, recognising the value that clubs like this make to the community,“ Mr Hurrell said.
Since 2014, the Shooting Sports Facilities Program has benefited 260 projects with an investment of more than $21.48 million — supporting clubs to nurture local talents and attract big events.
The program provides clubs with grants of up to $300,000 for works such as improving safety at ranges, developing secure storage, purchasing equipment, environmental protection works and upgrades to boost participation.
“Sport is such a big part of communities across the Murray Plains — we’re proud to be injecting new life into local facilities such as the Kyabram Small Bore Rifle Club,” Mr Hurrell said.
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