September 18, 2016
Kingaroy Clay Target Club played host at the weekend to 140 shooters – many police or former police – taking part in the Australasian Police and Services Championships.
The camping area at the clubgrounds was filled to overflowing for the event, with some campers taking over the old Taabinga cricket grounds.
The national championships are held in a different State every year.
Sgt Scott Prendergast, who helped organise the shoot, said the event was last held in Kingaroy in 2009.
This year’s shoot started with a blast – literally – on Friday morning with Queensland Police Assistant Commissioner Tony Wright taking aim at a clay pigeon to officially get the competition under way.
All shooters must somehow be connected with police, emergency services or some sort of statutory enforcement activity.
Sgt Prendergast said the Kingaroy Clay Target Club deserved “a big wrap” for providing the grounds and the use of the clubhouse for the weekend.
“The Police Clay Target Club would like to acknowledge their generosity,” Sgt Prendergast said.
He said police would also like to thank Stanwell, Swickers, South Burnett Regional Council, Selwood Constructions and Yesberg Earthmoving who had all supported the event.
“They have enabled us to put on one of the biggest events in the 36-year history of the championships,” Sgt Prendergast said.
“We have in excess of $30,000 worth of prizes.”
The championships were held in two parts, with a skeet event held at Caboolture, followed by the clay target shooting in Kingaroy.
The winner of the skeet event was Paul Adams, who shot for Australia at the Rio Olympics.
Funds raised from the events will assist junior shooters.
