The Goondiwindi Gun Club recently hosted its annual carnival, a much-awaited event that drew shooters and spectators alike from near and far. The two-day shoot, sponsored by a variety of local businesses, showcased the incredible marksmanship skills of participants and celebrated the camaraderie of the shooting community.
BNK Transport Encouragement Award
The carnival kicked off with the presentation of the BNK Transport Encouragement Award to Sam Carrigan. This award recognizes promising talent in the shooting community and encourages young shooters to excel in the sport.
Australis Shield Team Event
One of the highlights of the carnival was the Australis Shield Team Event, which saw the “B-Stings” emerge victorious with an impressive score of 1717. The winning team consisted of Andrew Hoffmann, Peter Creagh, Ben Creagh, Steve Toop, and Duncan Turner, showcasing their exceptional teamwork and accuracy.
Ben Hiscox Shield
The Ben Hiscox Shield was clinched by the Moree Team known as “Pharlaps Friends.” Their outstanding score of 247 was achieved through the impressive shooting of Terry Haynes, Clyde Mitchell, Ian Schwartz, Brett Farlow, and Morgan Bell.
Saturday Night Novelty Events
Saturday night featured two exciting novelty events. The Tait Toyota 15 Target SxS Handicap saw Steve Toop secure the top spot with a perfect score of 15/15. In the BNK Transport Drawn Deauville Doubles, Micky Gibbs and Michael Lynch claimed victory with a remarkable score of 15/16.
Highgun Winners
The Goondiwindi Betta Home Living Highgun titles were awarded to the top performers of the carnival:
– Overall Highgun: Jess Robb from Tarawera with an outstanding score of 351/365.
– Ladies Highgun: Merinda Welke from Caboolture, who achieved a remarkable score of 337/365.
– Junior Highgun: Micky Gibbs from Goondiwindi, showcasing incredible talent with a score of 327/365.
– Veterans Highgun: Ray Christie from Tarawera, who shot an impressive 332/365.
Grade Highguns
In addition to the Highgun titles, the carnival recognized Grade Highguns:
– AA: Guy Mepham from Inverell with a score of 350/365.
– A: Brett Farlow from Moree with an impressive score of 351/379.
– B: Max Baumer from Chinchilla with a solid performance and a score of 336/365.
– C: Peter Gray from Goondiwindi, who exhibited skill with a score of 322/365.
Events Highlights
Several individual events showcased the participants’ sharpshooting skills:
– In Event 5, the Pacific Seeds 50 Target Handicap, Guy Mepham from Inverell secured the top spot with a perfect score of 50/50.
– The Mick O’Shea Memorial 50T Single Barrel event saw Jason Sipple from Tarawera and Ian Schwartz from Moree emerge as the winners.
– Event 1, the Goondiwindi Hydraulics 50 T Double Barrel, featured top performances from Jess Robb, Ray Christie, Ian Pfingst, Noah Warden, Peter Gray, and Jason Hohn.
Acknowledgments and Sponsors
The success of the Goondiwindi Gun Club Annual Carnival would not have been possible without the generous support of sponsors. Lowes Petroleum served as the Sash Sponsor, and their color scheme was inspired by the legendary “GUNSYND,” the Goondiwindi Grey.
The club extended its gratitude to all sponsors, emphasizing the importance of supporting local businesses. Some of the prominent sponsors included Goondiwindi Hydraulics, O’Shea’s Royal Hotel & Micks Liquor Stop, Pacific Seeds, Australis, BNK Transport, McKenzie’s Home Timber & Hardware, Betta Home Living Goondiwindi, Tait Toyota, and Goondiwindi Communications.
Multi Draw Raffle Donors
The carnival also featured a multi-draw raffle, with prizes generously provided by local businesses such as Tom’s Tarps, Campbells Fuels, Twidale Auto & Motorcycles, RDO Equipment, Super Cheap Auto Goondiwindi, Border Builders Mitre 10, Ampol Goondiwindi, Joe Bulmer Heavy Haulage Goondiwindi, Goondiwindi Mower & Bearings, Kenway & Clark, North West Rural Supplies Pty Ltd, and The Jolly Swagman Motor Inn Goondiwindi.
Trap Crew
The event’s smooth operation was made possible by the dedicated trap crew, who worked tirelessly throughout the weekend:
– George Gladman
– Will Pateman
– Doug Pateman
– Byron Smith
Their hard work and commitment ensured that the carnival ran smoothly and safely.
The Goondiwindi Gun Club Annual Carnival was a testament to the skill and sportsmanship of the shooting community. It also highlighted the vital role of local businesses and sponsors in supporting such events and keeping the spirit of sportsmanship alive. Congratulations to all the participants and winners, and here’s to another successful year for the Goondiwindi Gun Club.
