COVID Update

This morning our EO, Peter Doig, sent out an updated COVID message relating to the continued participation of unvaccinated persons on our ranges. As you are all aware, this is a public health directive and the QRA has found a reasonable medium to accommodate our members. I request that you all read and understand this message. As always it is a shifting sands scenario and should circumstances change we will update the membership.

Association Rules
During the State Championships a SGM was held to discuss and vote of the Association Rules being changed and updated. Much effort and communication has gone into these over the past two years. I am pleased to advise that following the successful adoption by the Councillors of the new Rules that the Dept of Fair Trading have endorsed and approved the Rules of the Association as presented. Our new Rules can be found on the QRA website.
Given this successful outcome we are now moving forward with the establishment of the structure as outlined in these Rules. You would have seen Expression of Interest circulated recently for various positions within Committees and the like. These, having now closed, will be established early in the New Year. This is an exciting development for the QRA and for all those that have dedicated a lot of time to the drafting and implementation of the most up to date Rules possible.

Range Officer Upgrading
Over the past few months many existing RO’s have undertaken upskilling to the new requirements from NRAA. To date, many courses have been conducted at Belmont and a few in regional areas. It is important that we are getting RO’s upskilled and should anyone not yet have gone through the RO course please contact the QRA office to discuss how we can accommodate. Opportunities in regional locations are going to be available in the New Year so please keep an eye out for those.

State Team Branding
There are some efforts currently being undertaken to refresh the Queensland Taipans brand for our State Shooting Teams. While designs are currently being assessed, once completed they will be reviewed and assessed by our Competitions Committee for use by all our State Teams into the future.

Queens Survey Results
We are currently collating the results of the survey that was placed to attendees and non-attendees of the State Championships this year. It is hoped to have those results available early in the New Year to allow our Competitions Committee to assess and make recommendations for the format of our event in August 2022.

Around our Ranges
Over the past few months there has been considerable activity across our Association. Much has focused on Regional events where good numbers have attended the various activities on offer. Clermont held a very successful Billy Sing Memorial Shoot in October. This was well attended with an excellent level of sponsorship too. Over the weekend competitors were able to compete in Service Rifle and Sporter Hunter events. As an annual event it is worth the effort to attend.

Similarly, Wondai held a Remembrance Day Shoot coupled with a Sporter Hunter Day. While numbers were down on previous years it was an enjoyable day if the reports and Social media photos are anything to go by.
Leading into Xmas many clubs have also conducted their end of year or Xmas events. Notably Raglan hosted a solid field on the weekend past for their annual Xmas (ham) shoot. Scores looked to be pretty decent considering what would have been a fair bit of mirage in Raglan at this time of the year too. Congrats to all those that took home the bacon this year.
Our first opportunity in the New Year for competition will be our Junior U25 Shoot at Belmont. This is always a good shoot and proceeds go to a great cause, the development of our younger shooters. Check out the QRA calendar for information.

Belmont Shooting Complex – Memorial
When you are next visiting Belmont stop just inside the entrance and appreciate the impressive memorial that has been developed into a real show piece and valuable community asset. Well done to the sub-committee for the drive, energy and passion.

Saying Farewell
As part of this update we must also sadly bid farewell to one of our QRA team. Maartje Theunissen, after 4 years of QRA service, is moving on to take up new opportunities in sport at Queensland Academy of Sport. Maartje has been instrumental in the development of shooting activities within the QRA over her time with us, some of which are the envy of other States and Territories. Maartje has also worked tirelessly to get our new website functioning over the past 12 months, something that I’m sure we are all thankful for.

We wish Maartje all the best for her future. There is no doubt that there has been an impression left on us during your time with us.
Finally, on behalf of the Executive, Admin and Board of the QRA I wish you all a happy and safe Xmas and New Year. Please enjoy this time with your loved ones and travel safely wherever you go. We look forward to seeing you all again in 2022 for a jam packed calendar of shooting and events.

Kindest Regards