Bendigo Pistol Club - New Members

Welcome to Bendigo Pistol Club, where the exhilarating world of pistol shooting awaits you. With a commitment to professionalism, safety, and excellence, we offer a comprehensive experience tailored to both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers alike. At Bendigo Pistol Club, we pride ourselves on providing a diverse range of shooting styles, ensuring there's something to suit every preference and skill level. Our facilities and meticulously maintained ranges create the perfect environment for honing your skills and enjoying the thrill of the sport.

Joining our club is a straightforward process designed to make your transition into our community seamless and enjoyable. By scheduling a visit with us, you'll have the opportunity to learn about our membership requirements and benefits firsthand. Our dedicated members are always on hand to offer guidance, support, and invaluable advice to help you get started on your journey. To ensure a personalized experience, prospective member visits are available by appointment only. This allows us to dedicate ample time to discuss your individual needs and answer any questions you may have. For booking details, please visit our "Contact Us" page.

Before embarking on your pistol shooting journey with us, all participants are required to complete the Notice of Receiving Instruction (NORI) forms. This ensures compliance with regulatory standards and helps us maintain a safe and secure environment for all members. Remember to bring two forms of identification for verification purposes, such as a driver's license or Medicare card. New members are encouraged to immerse themselves in our club culture by attending at least five club sessions before submitting their membership application. Our monthly club meetings, held on the first Saturday of each month, provide the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow enthusiasts and formally join our community. At Bendigo Pistol Club, we uphold the highest standards of integrity and sportsmanship, adhering to the Victorian Government Fair Play Code of Conduct. Our commitment to fairness, respect, and inclusivity ensures that every member feels valued and supported throughout their journey with us.

Ready to embark on your pistol shooting adventure? Contact us at newmembers@bendigopistolclub.com.au to schedule your visit and take the first step toward becoming a part of our vibrant community. We look forward to welcoming you to Bendigo Pistol Club, where passion meets precision.

Welcome to our comprehensive guide to exploring general category handguns in Victoria, Australia. Whether you're contemplating obtaining a general category handgun license or simply intrigued by the experience, this guide is designed to walk you through the eligibility criteria, requirements, and the roles of key entities involved.

Eligibility & Requirements:

To engage in trying out general category handguns under the Firearms Act 1996, you must meet the following criteria:

- Not classified as a 'prohibited person.'

- Be at least 12 years old.

- Be free from medical conditions that could compromise safe handgun use.

- Have not exceeded the maximum permitted instruction sessions without a license.

Furthermore, instruction must take place at an approved Victorian handgun target shooting range, and your instructor is required to notify Victoria Police after each session.

Notification Process:

Before commencing instruction, you'll need to:

- Complete the personal information section of the notification form (NORI – Notice of Receiving Instruction).

- Provide two forms of identification.

- Understand the definition of a 'prohibited person.'

- Disclose any relevant medical conditions and provide a certificate if necessary.

- Specify the number of previous instruction sessions.

- If you're a junior (aged 12-17 years), obtain parental or guardian consent.

- Sign and date the 'Declaration by Person Receiving Instruction' section.

Both you and your instructor must complete Victoria Police's 'Notification of Receiving Instruction' form before your session.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Here are some common queries and their answers:

- How many instruction sessions can I have without a license?

- Both adults and juniors (aged 12-17 years) can have up to thirteen separate sessions.

- How do I arrange an instruction?

- Contact an approved handgun target shooting club to inquire about instructor availability.

- Where can I obtain a notification form?

- Download it from Victoria Police's website at www.police.vic.gov.au/firearms.

- Does the form need to be submitted before the instruction?

- No, but it must be completed before the session, with submission within seven days.

- Is a notice required for safety courses?

- Yes, a notification form is mandatory for any instruction involving a general category handgun.

- Can I receive instruction in other firearm types?

- Yes, for Category A or B longarms, with consent for juniors, but notification is not required.

Contact Information:

For further assistance, reach out to:

Licensing & Regulation Division

Victoria Police Centre

GPO Box 2807

Melbourne 3001

Victoria, Australia

Telephone: 1300 651 645

Email: lrd@police.vic.gov.au