A Rodeo Night to Remember

With over 115 ladies, 85 new shooters, and 30-plus members making it happen, Gladstone Clay Target Club set a new benchmark for Ladies Nights.

On Saturday 6 September, the Gladstone Clay Target Club swapped its usual weekend competition for something far more sparkly — a Texas Rodeo–themed Ladies Night. The event drew more than 115 women from across Central Queensland, filling the grounds with boots, denim, pink cowboy hats, and plenty of laughter.

Shooting First, Dancing Later

The festivities kicked off from 2pm, and before a single glass of wine was poured, it was time for the main event: clay target shooting. More than 85 ladies took to the layouts for their very first experience behind the gun, supported by ten club members working the traps and layouts to ensure everything ran smoothly.

Under the careful supervision of volunteers, the new shooters found their rhythm. The excitement was palpable — squeals of delight, cheers from the sidelines, and the grin of a first-time shooter breaking her first clay. It proved once again that clay target shooting is as much about confidence and community as it is about competition.

Boots, Bling and Best Dressed

Once the shooting wrapped up, it was time for the ladies to trade earmuffs for earrings. Prizes were awarded for Best Dressed , Best Boots, Best Hat and Best Shooter with the rodeo spirit alive and well in the glittering cowgirl hats, rhinestone jackets, and dazzling denim paraded around the clubhouse.

The Waiter Auction – Pink Hats on Parade

Next came one of the night’s most talked-about highlights — the auctioning of 15 Gladstone members as waiters . With thanks (sarcasm) to organiser Naz Khan-Arumugam , the “lucky” waiters were kitted out in pink bandanas and pink cowboy hats for the entire evening.

The sight of usually stoic club members dressed in rodeo pink, balancing trays of food and drinks, set a vibe in the crowd that was electric. Bidding wars erupted as tables vied for their favourite servers, with all proceeds going back into the club. Even yours truly, the MC, who swore he “wasn’t on the menu,” was eventually coaxed into waiting for a table of very insistent ladies who were very generous in their donation.

Dinner, Drinks and the Bull

With their waiters secured, guests settled in for a country style dinner and plenty of flowing drinks. All the while, Tai (Club Member) and Jacinta kept the mood alive, shifting from laid-back acoustic numbers during the meal to foot-tapping country favourites that had boots tapping under tables and voices joining in on the choruses. Their energy tied the evening together, carrying the rodeo theme from daylight to after dark.

Then the fun shifted gears with the arrival of the mechanical bull. From elegant riders to chaotic wipe-outs, the bull delivered non-stop entertainment — and plenty of “encouragement” from the sidelines.

Raffles and Sponsors

As the night rolled on, the excitement didn’t slow. More than 40 raffle prizes were drawn thanks to the incredible generosity of local sponsors. From hampers and vouchers to themed goodies, the prize table was a crowd favourite, with cheers and laughter filling the room with every winning ticket.

The Driving Force Behind the Night

At the heart of the success was club member and organiser, Naz Arumugam. Her tireless planning and enthusiasm turned a bold idea into a blockbuster event. From securing sponsorships to dreaming up the pink waiter gimmick, Naz ensured every detail was covered.

She was backed by an army of support. In all, over 30 Gladstone members pitched in — from the 15 waiters to the 10 layout helpers and the support crew who managed raffles, logistics, and safety on the range. Their combined effort underlined the club’s strength of spirit and its willingness to go above and beyond for the community.

Why Nights Like This Matter

The Texas Rodeo Ladies Night wasn’t just about rodeo fun. It was about inclusion — creating a safe, welcoming space where women could experience the thrill of shooting sports, many for the very first time. It broke down barriers, sparked confidence, and showed that clay target shooting is just as much for women as it is for men.

The photographs tell the story best: beaming first-time shooters, proud raffle winners, and a row of pink-hatted waiters serving tables with a smile. It was the perfect showcase of what can be achieved when sport, community, and a little sass all come together.