Field & Game Australia CEO Turlough Guerin visited Keith Field & Game in South Australia on 9 October, meeting with branch representatives Luke and Shad to discuss the branch's activities, challenges and future opportunities.

Creating opportunities for younger shooters, improving access to sporting grants and strengthening support for regional branches were central to discussions during a recent visit to Keith Field & Game.

The visit provided an opportunity to tour the club's grounds, hear about its activities and better understand the circumstances facing Field & Game branches in South Australia.

Keith regularly attracts around 40 to 60 participants to its shoots and places considerable emphasis on providing varied and enjoyable targets for shooters across different grades and abilities.

The grounds feature a former limestone quarry, offering opportunities for different target presentations. Branch representatives, Shad and Luke, explained how they use a range of clay targets, including rabbits, battues and mini targets, to provide variety while ensuring less experienced shooters can participate confidently.

Safety remains a priority, with access to trap equipment restricted to designated operators and areas secured where necessary to protect participants and volunteers.

One of the branch's principal concerns is maintaining junior participation. Luke explained that the branch previously had more junior members, but numbers have declined over recent years. Re-establishing relationships with schools and introducing more young people to shooting were identified as priorities.

Discussions explored how successful school shooting programs operating elsewhere in Field & Game Australia might be adapted for South Australian branches. National Office will assist branches through advice, school engagement materials and links with branches already delivering established programs.

Another significant topic was access to sporting grants and recognition within Australia's sporting governance arrangements.

Branch representatives explained that securing appropriate sporting recognition has been difficult, potentially affecting access to grant programs and other support available to sporting clubs. Turlough has undertaken to better understand the issue and explore what assistance National Office could provide.

The discussions also considered opportunities for South Australian branches to collaborate on larger competitions, potentially including a future National Carnival.

While organising major events can place considerable demands on volunteers, cooperation between several branches and greater administrative support from National Office may make such opportunities more achievable.

Keith's connections with its local community are another important strength. Branch representatives highlighted relationships with local businesses and community organisations that could assist with future activities and events.

The visit also included discussion of hunting, pest management and the broader contribution that responsible firearm owners can make to regional communities.

FGA thanks Luke and the Keith branch representatives for their hospitality, constructive discussion and ongoing commitment to the Association.