A council in Western Australia is embracing the all-abilities and all-ages sport of recreational shooting. Along with ballroom dancing, African drumming and orienteering, older members residing in the City of Joondalup can participate in a program that offers sports shooting as a leisure activity. The Platinum Adventures program ensures residents aged 50-plus continue to be connected with the community by organising a variety of recreational activities and excursions throughout the year.

Western Australian Liberal MP Ian Goodenough, who represents the federal electorate of Moore, which includes Joondalup, recently attended a Platinum Adventures shooting activity at Whiteman Park. “The oldest participant was a 97-year-old lady by the name of Madge from the suburb of Padbury who was very sprightly and told us that she grew up on a farm in the wheat belt, shooting rabbits and other game for the dinner table when times were difficult,” Ian said.

Ian, along with SSAA Western Australia Secretary Maureen Edwards, participated in the Rimfire Benchrest shoot, with Ian utilising Maureen’s custom-built rifle to notch up an impressive 199.12 x 200. “The event showed that shooting is a recreational sport that can be enjoyed safely by people of all ages, even close to 100,” Ian said.

The SSAA boasts more than 450 clubs and ranges across the nation and promotes shooting as a safe, fun and all-abilities sport. The Platinum Adventures program further proves that shooting is a sport fit for people of all ages.