More than 1,000 athletes have arrived in Echuca-Moama, shooting for stardom in the Commonwealth titles and Victorian state championships.

It’s the Echuca Clay Target Club’s turn to host the international instalment.

Which begins on Tuesday, November 10 at 9.30am.

Two days later, it’s state title time — the carnival starts from noon on Thursday, November 12.

The double shooting spectacle is triggering overwhelming excitement at the local club.

“It's fantastic for the town,” president Nick Dean said.

“As a club, we take a lot of pride in having a world-class facility right here in Echuca.”

But the local involvement in the events extends beyond hosting.

Did you know four of Australia’s top 20 shooters are from here?

Because I didn’t.

Steve Atkins probably needs very little introduction to the informed — a dead-shot deadeye with multiple national and international accolades to his name.

Also looking to snipe their way to success are Mitchell Iles, Andrew Fiek and Peter Attard.

It’s a simple reason why this town has a strong record in tracking the targets.

Dean says it’s no accident.

“Because we've got a world-class facility, quality breeds quality,” he said.

“If you've got to compete against the best, well, you have got to get better to beat them, and you can do it here.”

We may have some of the best.

But some of their competition is also pretty handy at the barrel.

Dean couldn’t confirm specific names because some are actually still in Doha at the world shooting championships.

But if you’re thinking of heading out to watch, you should see at least three Olympians.

The shooters fire away across four grades in the state tournament, with competitors travelling “from all over the country”.

“Western Australia, Queensland, South Australia, NSW; they'll all be here,” Dean said.

So hundreds arrive, expecting that world-class service the president loves to talk up.

However providing it at such a high-quality takes a lot of work.

And a lot of help.

“Firstly, you need to buy in all the clay targets,” Dean said.

“There’s about 20 pallets of clay targets, 10,000 on each one.

“All of that stock needs to be on hand before you even start.

“What is fantastic is that we get a lot of assistance from sponsors; the industry couldn't survive without it.”

Locals pitch in too.

“Shoot Off Australia is one of the major sponsors this year,” Dean said.

“Not only is Simone sponsoring, but she'll be catering for the event as well, running the kitchen.”

All the shooting stans around town will probably know Simone, and can give her a wave while enjoying the hospitality offered over the week.

And there’s another aspect, at least to the state carnival, which should reel them in.

“There will be a fantastic trade display out there, Trade Alley they call it,” Dean said.

“Some of your major brands will be there — Winchester, Beretta, Perazzi, all coming from around Australia.”

So between watching some of the best discharge their double barrels you can view some yourself.

And as Dean says, “you don't need to be a shooter to come out and have a look”.

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Sunday, 7th January 2029

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