The East Gippsland Women in Agriculture Network (EGWAN) recently ran a rifle skills day at Buchan, East Gippsland’s only rifle range, helping 10 women become more confident in handling their firearms.
Far East Victoria Landcare sustainable agricultural facilitator, Emma Orgill, organised the day and said the interest and response was so positive, other sessions would be organised including one to cover cleaning and maintaining rifles.
“The Buchan Rifle Range supplied three dedicated members as safety officers and trainers,” Emma said.
“Andrew from Gunsport Trading in Bairnsdale, and future Olympian, Darcie Morton from Marlo also attended to assist in the training.
“It was a fantastic day and all the participants left with big smiles.”
She said the event was another EGWAN initiative that came out of the Black Summer Bushfires.
“While the women use rifles on farm, the importance of this skill was highlighted post fires, particularly around euthanising livestock.
“The day was about increasing women’s confidence and ensuring they are using rifles safely.
“Other rifle skill days will be held including a firearm cleaning and maintenance day.”
One of the 10 participants was Brenda Flannagan of Omeo, who is also a EGWAN committee member.
“The workshop certainly interested me, I’m on a farm and I need to be able to put an animal down if I have to.
“I also felt I needed more familiarity with loading a gun.
“A lot of women have partners who aren’t the best teachers or aren’t there when something needs to be put down.”
She said her sister Erica also attended the day and recently had to shoot a roo that was shorting out an electric fence.
“I don’t particularly like guns, they’re another tool on the farm, I won’t start carrying one on my hip,” Brenda said.
“It’s just a necessary part of farming, you can’t just leave animals to suffer.
IMAGE: Marlo’s Olympic Games biathlon hopeful, Darcie Morton, helps Brenda Flannagan, Omeo, with a rifle at the Buchan Rifle Range.
