Horsham Clay Target Club president Chris Jorgensen said a council grant of $8360 would improve lighting at the club.
“The lights we have at the moment are pretty dull and we’ve got to hire stuff in for our night shoots,” he said.
“It’ll mean a lot because, up until three years ago, we weren’t having any night shoots, and we managed to get some lights out of the government when they were giving free LED lights out, and that started it going, and we’ve now attracted more members.”
Mr Jorgensen said the new lights would allow the club to host two night shooting events each year.
He said a recent night shoot at Horsham was a state event, attracting 38 shooters from Beaufort, Ballarat and beyond.
“We weren’t expecting to hear about the council grant so early. We were thinking maybe next month. It was a bit of a shock, but it’ll just be fantastic for our club,” he said.
The club, based on Polkemmet Road, Pimpinio, hosts training every Thursday from 3pm to late, and welcomes new members. People interested in joining can call Mr Jorgensen on 0456 062 866.
Horsham Mayor Brian Klowss said council had received 38 grant applications requesting a total of $145,062 as part of the 2026-27 program.
“Council’s Community Development Grants are instrumental in supporting local projects, enhancing community facilities, and promoting safety and engagement,” he said.
“This year, we have given much-needed funding to organisations such as U3A Horsham, Horsham Neighbourhood House, Horsham Historical Society, Wimmera Filipino-Australian Club, Horsham Agricultural Society, and Rotary District 9780 for its Defying the Drift Program.
“We will be supporting kitchen upgrades at Dooen Public Hall and Natimuk and District Soldiers Memorial Hall, as well as funding various improvements and projects for 13 local sporting organisations.
“Each of these groups has a positive impact on our region, and each makes a valuable contribution to the vibrancy of our community. We are delighted to support them all.”
The Community Development Grants Program is included in a total of $235,000 in funding allocated across all grants programs, approved by council at its January 2026 meeting.
Grant recipients
Horsham Rural City Council’s Community Development Grants Program recipients:
Arapiles Community Theatre: Creation of The Café of Crafts program, $3200.
Central Park Tennis Club: Equipment upgrade, $1018.
Dooen Public Hall: Upgrade of kitchen and wet area, $4073.
Horsham Agricultural Society: Supply and installation of fixed PA system in Maydale Pavilion, $6000.
Horsham and District Soccer Club: Junior uniform upgrade, $1550.
Horsham Clay Target Club: Installation of six LED sports field lights to enable safe night shooting, $8360.
Horsham Golf Bowls Club: Replacement carpet for clubrooms, $1500.
Horsham Historical Society: Archivist laptop, $1700.
Horsham Lawn Tennis Club: Replacement of tennis nets, $778.
Horsham Neighbourhood House: Food planning and preparation courses, $4000.
Horsham Rockets: Support of Tri-State Games, $2000.
Horsham Scout Group: Returning canoeing program, $8475.
Horsham Squash Club: Safety and equipment upgrades, $3000.
Horsham Swimming Club: Replacement of marquees, $10,000.
Laharum Football Netball Club: Commercial-grade stainless steel trolley bench for kitchen, $2000.
Natimuk and District Soldiers Memorial Hall: Kitchen equipment upgrade, $4173.
Natimuk Golf Club: Verandah extension for weather protection, $5000.
Noradjuha-Quantong Football Netball Club: Removable two-tier grandstand, $5499.
Noradjuha Recreation Reserve: Installation of irrigation tank, $6750.
Rotary District 9780: Defying the Drift Program, $2500.
Sunnyside Horsham Sporting Club: Replacement of floor coverings, $9000.
The Salvation Army: Improvements to The Patch community garden, $3000.
Toolondo Golf Club: Replacement of flags, $2186.
U3A Horsham: U3A Writing for Fun group, $1100.
Wimmera Filipino-Australian Club: Audio enhancement for community events, $2500.
The entire June 3, 2026 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!
