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By Linda Abdi
Kurrajong Heights Tucked beside the Kurrajong Heights Bowling Club on Bells Line of Road sits one of the Hawkesbury’s longest-running sporting institutions: the Kurrajong Pistol Club, a community organisation that has spent almost 60 years promoting safe, skilful, and community-focused pistol shooting.
Founded on 27 April 1966 by just ten members, the club began on a leased paddock off Comleroy Road. By 1968, members were working with the nearby bowling club to secure a permanent home a move that eventually led to the club purchasing its own land, a rarity among pistol clubs in New South Wales. Today, the club proudly owns its premises and continues to operate as a volunteer-run, safety-driven organisation.
A Community Tradition Passed Down Through Generations
For many Hawkesbury families, the club is more than a sporting venue, it’s a place where memories are made. Linda a lifetime local, recalls her earliest visits fondly:
“I first remember going to the pistol club when I was in primary school,” she says. “The noise was loud, but the best part was getting free fizzy drinks from the fridge. The snacks are still a core memory. I went with my dad, and I developed a love of shooting just the same as his.”
As she grew older, that childhood curiosity became a passion.
“When I went to high school, I started shooting properly and learned the art of pistol shooting. My dad loved the competition side of things I didn’t, but I loved the craft itself.”
Her story is echoed by many locals who grew up in and around the ranges, learning not only technique but also discipline, respect for firearms, and the importance of community.
A Time-Honoured Craft With Modern Appeal
The club hosts a wide range of disciplines including ISSF events, Service Pistol, WA1500, Black Powder, Field Rifle, and Metallic Silhouette. Saturdays remain the busiest day, offering newcomers the chance to meet members, ask questions, and learn about firearms licensing under NSW’s strict safety framework.
Recently, the club held an open day, and turnout was stronger than anyone expected.
“It was surprising how many people were interested,” Linda says. “Shooting is a very old craft, almost half a millennium of tradition and it’s something we continue to carry on today.”
Looking Toward 60 Years
With the club’s 60th anniversary approaching in 2026, members are already discussing ways to celebrate the milestone. Whether through competitions, community days, or historical displays, the anniversary is set to honour both the volunteers who built the club and the families who helped it thrive.
As the Hawkesbury region continues to grow, the Kurrajong Pistol Club remains a steadfast part of its heritage a place where old skills are preserved, new friendships are made, and generations continue to discover the craft, challenge, and camaraderie of pistol shooting.
Interested in joining? Kurrajong Pistol Club 1550A Bells Line of Road, Kurrajong Heights (beside the Bowling Club).
Email: info@kurrajongpistolclub.org.au
The club welcomes new members and visitors every Saturday from 9:00 AM to 3PM Their website and Facebook page provide updates, match schedules, and membership information.
