General News
3 February, 2025
Club supports members with new off-road vehicle: helping members stay involved
Natimuk and District Field and Game take delivery of a new off-road vehicle
In January, Natimuk and District Field and Game Incorporated added a new off-road vehicle to its on-field events after receiving a Polaris Ranger Crew 1000 Premier SXS.
The vehicle was purchased with a $7000 Community Development Grant from Horsham Rural City Council and funds raised by the club through shoots and raffles.
The new vehicle will make the on-field events accessible to members who cannot walk the distances required to participate.
Horsham Rural City Council mayor Ian Ross and interim chief executive Craig Niemann joined club members in January to witness the delivery of the vehicle at Traction Ag in Horsham.
"The distance members have to walk when taking part in a shoot can be prohibitive if they are limited in movement or distance," club secretary Liam Klowss said.
"This will help members continue to take part in an activity they love because they can be driven around the course.
"We believe adding this vehicle will keep members involved longer and attract new members."
The club has 300 financial members; about 100 attend each shoot, which is held monthly.
"To belong to a club and participate in an activity they love is better for overall health, both in fitness and mental health, and it's important to us to provide this opportunity to people," he said.
The vehicle will transport six people at a time, which means each squad of six can drive 700 to 800 meters between shoots.
The vehicle can also tow a trailer to carry walking aids and equipment.
The club president, Bill Jorgeson, said the team at Traction Ag had been very supportive of the club and had loaned them a similar vehicle that had worked well on the club's days.
"Vince Carbone from Traction Ag has been very supportive of the club, and we are very grateful," he said.
"We are also grateful to the Horsham Rural City Council for the Community Development Grant of $7000, which helped us purchase the vehicle.
"It was good of mayor Ross and Mr Niemann to take the time to meet us today and see what the grant had provided for the club.
"The Polaris Ranger is a great addition to the club and will make it easier for our elderly members to stay involved and enjoy something they love."
Applications for the council's annual Community Development Grants Program, which provides grants to not-for-profit groups for projects that directly benefit residents, opened on February 4 and will close on March 4.
To explain the application process, grant information sessions are being held in Natimuk and Horsham on February 11 and 12.
"Grants up to $10,000 are available for the annual funding round, with the majority of successful applications between $500 and $5000 for projects that enhance the provision of facilities or delivery of services to people in the Horsham municipality," Cr Ross said.
To find out more, visit the HRCC grants webpage or call 53829777.