At the Brisbane International Shooting Centre in Belmont, Australia’s only shooter-run international venue hosted a week of competition that brought together Olympic hopefuls, new athletes and Para-shooters training side by side. Competitors from all over Australia and New Zealand came together for a first-of-its-kind camp and national selection event that placed inclusivity at the centre of high-performance sport.
Shooting Centre Grows Beyond Elite Sport
Built in 1968 and significantly upgraded in preparation for the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, the Brisbane International Shooting Centre (BISC) now features four international-level ranges for pistol, air rifle and small-bore rifle events. Managed jointly by Pistol Shooting Queensland and Queensland Target Sports through Brisbane International Shooting Centre Ltd, the venue has evolved into a hub for Olympic, Commonwealth and Paralympic pathway athletes.
While the facility is used for high-level training and competition, it also serves local and regional shooters, including those who are just starting out in the sport. From weekly club meets to national selection events, the Belmont-based complex maintains a small club atmosphere while delivering top-tier competitive infrastructure.
Inclusive Para Camp Launches in Belmont
In early July 2025, Shooting Australia hosted its inaugural Trans-Tasman Para-shooting development camp at BISC, gathering 15 athletes from Australia and New Zealand. The camp included high-performance athletes, national squad members and new shooters transitioning from other elite sports into target disciplines. The program focused on practical development, team integration and familiarisation with competition processes.
The event marked the formal start of Shooting Australia’s “Precision with Purpose” program, which aims to provide structured pathways for Para-athletes and increase inclusion in domestic events. Coaches and support staff from both countries contributed to the sessions, which offered participants access to mentoring, training facilities, and feedback from national-level experts.
BISC Open Offers Real-Time Experience
Running in parallel with the camp was the BISC Open, a Tier 1 national competition recognised by Shooting Australia and Pistol Shooting Queensland. Held from July 4 to 6, the competition included ISSF-sanctioned events in pistol and rifle disciplines. The event also served as the third World Championship selection trial, with results contributing to international team selection.
Finals included the 25-metre rapid fire pistol event, featuring seasoned competitors such as Bruce Quick, Paul Eskaf and Bruce Dimond. These matches were held in the centre’s custom-designed Finals Hall, where spectators viewed live scoring on large digital displays—a feature that enhances accessibility and engagement for those attending or supporting athletes on site.
Club and Community at the Core
The Brisbane International Pistol Club (BIPC), one of the primary resident clubs at the venue, continues to provide regular shooting experiences for locals. Newcomers are invited to attend Thursday night sessions, with the option to join the club and progress through the licensing and training process. Members receive guidance on equipment, safety, and the sport’s competitive pathways, and the club ensures accessibility with wheelchair-friendly facilities and structured entry points for people with different levels of experience.
This shared focus on high performance and community involvement helps make Belmont’s shooting complex unique. For the Para-athletes involved in this year’s development camp and competition, it offered a rare opportunity to train and compete under the same conditions as their able-bodied peers—something increasingly seen as essential for the growth of inclusive sport in Australia.
Published 14-July-2025
