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More than 170 people have shown support for a gun club in Katherine. Champion shooter, Emma Fitzpatrick, who moved to the Territory three years ago from Melbourne, posted the call-out on social media last week and was overwhelmed by the response. "I was very surprised by the reaction," the 26-year-old said. "I knew the community would be behind it, but I didn't expect that much interest so quickly. "I was just getting message after message of people wanting to know more information about how to get involved. "The Territory is pretty laid back, and no one has bat an eyelid at the suggestion." More Reading: Currently working as a sous-chef at the Katherine Country Club, the sporting shooter is trying to resurrect the local gun club, after support fell away in recent years. "There was a gun club about 20 years ago, but it was shut down, maybe because it was too close to town," she said, "and I am pretty sure the land it was on has been sold. "People tried to resurrect it four years ago, but hit a dead end because they couldn't find land." With gun clubs all over Australia, mostly operating inconspicuously, Ms Fitzpatrick said a club in Katherine would mean less travel for those who want to be involved. "There is a gun club in Tennant Creek and in Darwin, but for those who want to regularly shoot, it's a lot of driving. "Other than the social aspect, the club could be used by hunters who want to practice and police who need to keep up to date." Having competed in the DTL world championships in Wagga Wagga last year, and coming second out of 800 people in C grade, Ms Fitzpatrick is keen to get involved in Top End competitions. Once the club is up and running she said there is scope to start a Katherine competition, which would entice people from all over Australia to compete. People who have already volunteered to serve on an organising committee is meeting next week to iron out issues. Appropriate land needs to be locked down, preferably away from town, and approval is needed from the council before anyone picks up a gun. And while there has been community support so far, Ms Fitzpatrick is expecting to come across opposition. "I don't see my gun as a weapon," she said, "I look at it like cricket, you couldn't play if you didn't have a bat." "It took me six months to get a gun, we have to jump through a lot of hoops to get a licence." Growing up in a household void of guns, Ms Fitzpatrick said it wasn't until she met her partner, Kade Robinson, a 2016 national DTL champion, that she saw the allure. "It is not for everyone, but I don't see an issue if people follow the law," she said. "Katherine is the perfect place for a club with its wide open spaces and so many people already involved in hunting activities." While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox each Friday at 6am from the Katherine Times. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, sign up here.

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