Funding of $16,477 has been provided to the club to enable them to make upgrades to their range and to purchase and install a sun shelter.

Oberon Pistol Club committee member Don Barwick said the club was started in 1984 and currently has 38 members.

“This grant means we can upgrade our 50 metre shooting range enabling it to be reclassified as a low dangerous facility,” Mr Barwick said.

“We will install metal safety barriers that will guide the shooter’s angle to the targets.

“Our club is affiliated with the NSW Amateur Pistol Association of  (NSWAPA) which in turns affiliates us with the International Amateur Pistol Association.”

The NSWAPA operates within a two-tiered system with each tier maintaining a specific and important role within that structure. 

“In order to take up the sport of target pistol shooting an individual joins a club and becomes part of a community that shares a common enthusiasm and enjoyment of the sport,” Mr Barwick said.

"We have shooting competitions most Saturdays and Sundays. We also have visitors from other clubs joining in our competitions.

"All participants must be licenced and all firearms must be registered."

Mr Barwick is fully accredited in long arm safety training.

“We have several female members and we have two junior members,” he said.

“For the juniors we supply a special permit which allows them to shoot under supervision.”

Mr Toole congratulated the Oberon Pistol Club on their successful application with the aim of increasing the safety at shooting facilities in NSW.

“It’s a great pleasure to assist the smaller club by providing funding to increase the availability, standard and quality of sports facilities in the Bathurst electorate,” Mr Toole added.

Mr Barwick said anyone interested in joining the Oberon Pistol Club could give him a call on 6337 5045.