LAST Thursday, October 15, Member for Northern Victoria, Jaclyn Symes, announced that Willowmavin and Seymour are among 18 clubs in Northern Victoria awarded a Shooting Sports Facilities Program grant. Field and Game Australia in Willowmavin will receive $52,183 to develop IT scoring software. The software allows the club to record scores from events and upload to a cloud database where member score history is stored and handicapped solutions automated. Seymour Field and Game was awarded $42,483 for amenity and safety improvements. The funds will also go towards the purchasing of shooting equipment and infrastructure improvements on the grounds. The grants will help 18 clubs in country Victoria improve safety, recruit new members, better accommodate people of all abilities and strengthen pathways from the grassroots level to the elite arena. This grant will ensure that clubs in Benalla, Yarra Ranges, Numurkah, Pine Grove, Shepparton, Wangaratta, Wodonga, Mt Hotham, Strathbogie, Nagambie and Seymour clubs have the resources and the facilities they need to become more inclusive and sustainable, Ms Symes said. Victoria has a proud history of producing national stars and by investing in clubs like these, we just might be helping identify the next Olympic gold medallist. Shooting sports clubs are where communities connect and enjoy the benefits of outdoor recreation, and promote the safe and responsible use of firearms. We want our sports clubs to be safe, modern and welcoming to all members no matter their ability, their gender or where they live, said Ms Symes. Shooting sports clubs are where Victorians get together and make friends, people learn the importance of safe and responsible firearm use and aspiring shooters become elite stars. The Labor Governments $100 million Community Sports Infrastructure Fund is ensuring all Victorians have access to safe, modern sport and recreation facilities.