Grant hit mark for club

NOTHING has been more of a talisman for the Australian economy this year than government grants.

They have brought magical benefits to the NT and Australian economies.

NT Field and Game has fortunately been the beneficiary of vital grants over the years.

We could never have otherwise aspired to the heights we have achieved in just five short years since we took over bushland at Mickett Creek Shooting Complex.

We can thank the NT government for many things, including power, a bridge and solar generation.

The big leg-up we got that lifted us out of the swamp was the Aus Sports Infrastructure Grant of $500,000.

This grant was kindly supported by former senator Nigel Scullion, and implemented by Senator Bridget McKenzie.

I was lucky enough to host senators McKenzie and Sam McMahon, along with Deputy

Opposition Leader Gerard Maley the other week to show off the development and have them all shoot the automated simulated field stations that now dot the course.

While NT Field and Game was motoring along at a fair pace to become the clay target club of choice in Darwin, this grant shot us to first place, and we have since increased our membership to the highest in the Territory.

NT Field and Game offers more access to clay target shooting than any other club, and will continue with Sunday mass practice throughout the Christmas holiday period.

Senator McMahon was impressed when told that the additional lighting and trap house facilities would shortly provide for simulated field competitions in the cool of the evening.

She remarked: “This club is the epitome of continuous improvement for their members.”

I replied: “Something gets better here every week, that’s our motto.”

That $500,000 grant paid for a road, upgraded lighting and numerous containers deployed as trap houses.

This will allow NTFGA to hold simulated field competitions in the cool of the evening in the new year.

NT Field and Game is holding its Christmas shoot today at the Mickett Creek Shooting Complex range, Brandt Road, Knuckey Lagoon. There will be a gun to win for some lucky shooter, meat vouchers from Beta Coolalinga Butchers, and dozens of raffle prizes. Every member attending gets a chance to win the gun if they get their free ticket on arrival and attend the draw.