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About
Western Melbourne Field Archers is a field archery club located in Melbourne, drawing members from across the west, north, and central areas of the city. The club maintains and shoots on two field archery ranges, each consisting of twenty targets. These ranges are nestled within the natural surroundings of the Laurie Emmins Reserve in Laverton, which is just a 15-minute drive from the city centre.
The club holds meetings on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month. On these days, members gather at the club rooms at 9:30 am to register, pay shoot fees, and be assigned to a small group of 3–5 people. The groups then move to the field course, where each group takes up position at their allocated starting target. Safety is paramount, and groups are kept separate as they move through the course.
During the day, archers shoot two rounds of the same 20 target course. In the morning round, each archer can shoot up to three arrows per target, with only the highest scoring arrow being counted. After a lunch break at the club rooms, the afternoon round consists of a single arrow shot at each target. Lunch is also an opportunity to purchase soft drinks and chocolate bars.
Visitors are welcome on any meeting day and can try field archery for a small fee. Bows are available to hire for the day, and a range fee is charged depending on age, with juniors and cubs having discounted rates. The club also has a fenced practise range that can be used outside of official club shooting times. This range is shared with the Werribee Archery club and requires membership of either club for use.
Western Melbourne Field Archers is affiliated with the Australian Bowhunters Association (ABA), and all members are required to hold or obtain ABA membership. The club was formed in 1993 through the merger of two existing clubs and changed to its current name in May 2015. Since then, the club has continued its focus on field archery and welcomes members with diverse interests and expertise in various types of bows, from traditional longbows to modern compound bows.
The club's Rules of Shoot are governed by the rules and constitution of the ABA, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all members.
