The Tamworth & Peel Valley Rifle Club (TPVRC) is a sports club located in Tamworth Regional Council. Established in 1896 as a military rifle club, TPVRC has a rich history and has adapted over the years to cater to the changing needs of shooters and modern weapons. The club's present location is at Loomberah, but it previously used a 1000 yard range behind the Tamworth Technical College, which was extensively used for firearms training during both world wars.
The TPVRC range is situated on a privately owned property that is leased by the club committee. It is a working property and therefore only available during scheduled programme activities. The programme, which includes practise days, competition days, and maintenance activities, may be subject to change at short notice depending on the availability of trained staff to ensure a safe shooting environment.
All shooters attending TPVRC are expected to participate in the specific activities planned for the day. This includes assisting with setting up targets, marking in the butts, scoring on the mounds, and packing up. Target duties and other activities are expected of members aged 18 and above, while junior members are also encouraged to contribute in other capacities.
The club's website provides information on its current shoot programme, membership details, and the facilities available. Visitors can also find resources such as rifle specifications and commonly used targets, which are incredibly important for target shooting. The website includes links to the Australian International High Power Association (AIHPA) web page where users can view rifle specifications and various targets.
TPVRC also offers safety awareness training for individuals who wish to apply for a NSW Firearms Licence. The club has trainers who are accredited through the Firearms Safety and Training Council Limited to conduct recognised training. Interested individuals can contact the club to request firearms safety awareness training.
In addition, the TPVRC website provides various resources such as field class course of fire, field class shooting rules, and the NSW Firearms Users Guide available through the Firearms Registry NSW website. The website also includes links to organisations and associations such as the Sporting Shooters Association of Australia, Firearms Registry NSW, Australia International High Power Association, and Creedmoor Sports.
For those interested in becoming a member of the Tamworth & Peel Valley Rifle Club, they can contact the club and email their details and any queries regarding membership. The club will then get in touch with them to provide further information and guidance.
Overall, the Tamworth & Peel Valley Rifle Club offers a rich history, a range of shooting activities, and opportunities for individuals to develop their shooting skills in a safe and supportive environment.