ARCHERY club Uralla Bowmen have received a massive boost with a $2,590 NSW Department of Sport and Recreation grant to help upgrade the club’s basic facilities.
They started scratch two years ago on several hectares of vacant Crown land near Mount Yarrowyk.
The block contained only a windowless abandoned concrete building that had become a site for illegal rave parties.
Uralla Bowmen was founded by Stewart and Dianne Houghton, who wanted to revive their interest in field archery after moving to Uralla from Brisbane.
A years-long quest for a suitable venue kept coming up blank, until Mr Houghton saw a glimpse of a roof in bushland while driving along the road.
The club was able to negotiate a lease and the work began to transform the site into a field archery course.
The Houghtons have spent many hours improving the current facilities.
“These funds will help us to improve safety and access, and take the club to the next level,” Mr Houghton said.
Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall said the hard work of the club's field archery enthusiasts had transformed this waste land into an attractive venue for a family-friendly sport.
“This is a modest investment by government to leverage the hundreds of hours of work already invested by club members in transforming what was basically a rubbish dump into a wonderful family venue,” Mr Marshall said.
“I have nothing but admiration for Uralla Bowmen, and small sporting groups like them, that have the dedication and enterprise to get off the couch and create places that bring people together and foster skill.
Ellen Dunger
Originally from the Blue Mountains, I spent my teenage years in the Riverina at boarding school before moving to Bathurst in 2012 to complete Bachelor of Sport Studies/ Bachelor of Communications (journalism) at Charles Sturt University. I started my career at The Blayney Chronicle in May 2015 and worked casually, one day a week at the Central Western Daily later on that year. I moved to Armidale in March 2016 to take on the role as the Northern Tablelands' sports journalist. Played a variety of sports in my lifetime including touch football, league tag, gymnastics, dance, cross country running and equestrian. Always happy to hear news and tips. www.facebook.com/ellendungerjournalist/
Originally from the Blue Mountains, I spent my teenage years in the Riverina at boarding school before moving to Bathurst in 2012 to complete Bachelor of Sport Studies/ Bachelor of Communications (journalism) at Charles Sturt University. I started my career at The Blayney Chronicle in May 2015 and worked casually, one day a week at the Central Western Daily later on that year. I moved to Armidale in March 2016 to take on the role as the Northern Tablelands' sports journalist. Played a variety of sports in my lifetime including touch football, league tag, gymnastics, dance, cross country running and equestrian. Always happy to hear news and tips. www.facebook.com/ellendungerjournalist/
