Clay Target Club Celebrating Community and Competition

The Gladstone Clay Target Club (GCTC) recently hosted its Annual Two-day Trap Carnival, welcoming shooters from across the region, state, and beyond to compete for a range of championship honours. This iconic event, steeped in tradition and community spirit, offers shooters a chance to vie for club, zone, and state titles, with winner’s names proudly displayed on the club’s honours board – a legacy that dates back to 1976.

Despite overlapping events in southern and western Queensland, the GCTC’s 2024 carnival saw steady participation, with 50 shooters taking to the traps. Shooters from clubs across Queensland, including Rockhampton, Biloela, Blackall, and the Gold Coast, joined the event, highlighting the strong draw and reputation of the GCTC within the sport.

One of the weekend’s most memorable highlights was the impressive performance of young junior shooter Quaid Blyton from Rockhampton, competing at the GCTC for the first time. Facing challenging conditions, Quaid demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination, bouncing back from initial struggles to claim the title of 2024 GCTC Double Rise Club Champion. The crowd erupted with pride and admiration, recognising Quaid’s achievement as a moment that embodies the spirit of the sport and the community’s support for emerging talent.

Events like the carnival rely heavily on the dedication of local club members and volunteers, who contributed in every way from handling office tasks to maintaining the grounds. The GCTC also witnessed an outpouring of community support on social media. A negative comment on Facebook was met with constructive and positive feedback from Gladstone residents, inspiring new interest in the club and its activities. As a result, more locals visited the carnival, eager to learn about clay target shooting and the opportunities for involvement, turning a brief negative moment into a celebration of community spirit.

Over the two-day carnival, shooters competed for six club championships and a state title, with cash prizes, trophies, and the coveted championship sashes at stake. For those who triumphed in select championship events, their names were etched into GCTC history on the club’s honours board, a testament to their skill and dedication to the sport.

For the new GCTC President, Elliott Gibb, this year’s carnival held special meaning. “This year means a lot more to me personally, as it’s the first year I’ve presented this event as the Club President,” Elliott said. “I’m very fortunate and blessed to have a wonderful team to work with. The club’s running isn’t an individual effort but a collaborative one, and I was very proud of everyone involved in making this event a success.”

Reflecting on his favourite memory from the event, Elliott noted the unique camaraderie among competitors and attendees. “The shooting community is a wonderful community, and this event allows all of us to come together to compete, enjoy each other’s company, and have a good time.”

With the 2024 carnival now a cherished memory, the GCTC looks forward to welcoming shooters and supporters back “on top of the hill” in 2025, promising another year of championship competition, community spirit, and lasting friendships.