Lithgow Small Arms Rifle Club will upgrade its infrastructure to allow it to use the new NSW Firearms and Licensing Communications Falcon system online after receiving a $3000 state government grant.
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The grant, presented by Bathurst MP Paul Toole at the Lithgow Small Arms Rifle Club range at Lithgow on Friday, August 10, will pay for some 21st century upgrades for one of the longest continuously operating sporting clubs in NSW.
The club will be purchasing a computer, printer and internet access for the system.
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Lithgow’s rifle club officially began its life in 1888, but club captain and NSW Rifle Association chairman John Baxter said it was shot on before that date.
It went on to play a large part in Lithgow’s story. The location of the Small Arms Factory was selected, it is said, in part because of its proximity to an already operating rifle range.
“The club has operated continuously, except during the war,” Mr Baxter said.
With 70 members, Mr Baxter said Lithgow’s rifle club was the largest in NSW in terms of membership, boasting a range of classes, from fullbore to rimfire and centerfire.
It is fully occupied with shooters both days of the weekend and is used five days a week by Thales for weapons testing.
Mr Toole said the main aim of the Safe Shooting Program, which funded the grant, was to increase the safety at shooting facilities in NSW as well as during club sponsored activities held away from a club’s permanent base.
“The club has facilities for target rifle shooting and field class rifle shooting, and operates out of the Thales Rifle Range in Finlay Avenue.”