Shooting Australia: Investing in People, Building Capability Through Play Well

Throughout 2026, Shooting Australia (SA) has continued to prioritise sport development opportunities and initiatives across key focus areas aligned with “Building the Capacity and Capability of Olympic/Paralympic Shooting”, a key pillar of Shooting Australia’s LA 2028+ High Performance Strategic Plan.

Officiating, coaching, and the support and delivery of high-quality domestic endorsed events are key areas of focus for SA, providing important opportunities to strengthen capability and build capacity.

During 2026, SA has once again been fortunate in receiving a ‘Play Well’ investment from the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) to strengthen the sport of Shooting by developing the people, environments and opportunities that enable more Australians to participate, engage and remain involved. This investment, with a co-contribution from SA, has enabled the delivery and support of opportunities and initiatives including:

• SIUS electronic target system training delivered at the Sydney International Shooting Centre by an international instructor from SIUS, supporting 12 participants to build their knowledge and practical understanding of the system.
• An Officiating Scholarship Program, supporting 7 officials in further developing their skills and providing officiating experience through the Shooting Australia Domestic Endorsed Events.
• An Officiating Mentor Program enabling the engagement of 3 of Australia’s most experienced officials across the pistol, rifle and shotgun disciplines to provide structured mentoring, guidance and development opportunities for emerging officials.
• Providing event delivery support across the Shooting Australia Domestic Endorsed Event series, including event operations, officials and media coverage.
• An inaugural 2025/26 Coach Development Program supporting 7 coaches to develop their coaching knowledge, skills and practice in a high-performance environment, strengthening their ability to support athlete development and performance.
• Equipment Control and Results, Timing Scoring (RTS) training for Shotgun officials.
• Ongoing Equipment Control education and practical experience across Rifle and Pistol disciplines.
• A National Electronic Scoring Target (EST) Course held in Sydney and attended by 15 officials.
• Support for Australian officials undertaking international officiating appointments to ensure their readiness.

SA’s Coach Development Lead, Aurelie Gibson, who has designed and facilitated the inaugural Coach Development Program, reflected on the impact the program has had on the participating coaches.

“The program has been well received by our coaches. Mid-program feedback identifies that various activities have helped simplify the coaching process, especially when coaching multiple athletes. Coaches feel supported in their development and have enjoyed thinking about things in new and different ways. They are embracing opportunities to work at a higher level of coaching and folding in the wholistic approach to athlete development. The community that has come together in this pilot have been wonderful to work with and we are looking forward to the rest of the year”.

SA’s Sport Development, Events, Communication Manager, Jane Vella, expressed her enthusiasm of the opportunities and initiatives offered so far this year.

“It has been incredibly rewarding to see the range and quality of sport development opportunities delivered throughout 2026 so far. From the inaugural Coach Development Program, the Officiating Scholarship Program and complimenting Officiating Mentor Program, through to the continued support of high-quality domestic endorsed events, we are creating genuine opportunities for people across our sport to learn, develop and build their skills, knowledge and experience.

“The enthusiasm and engagement we have seen from coaches, officials, volunteers and event hosts has been fantastic, and demonstrates the strength, potential and willingness to learn and engage within our sport. These initiatives are not only supporting people today, but are helping to build the capability, confidence and connections that will shape the future of Olympic and Paralympic shooting in Australia.

“We sincerely thank the ASC for its support through Play Well, enabling us to create valuable opportunities and initiatives that help to strengthen our sport and the people within it.”