Australia Day recognition for Queensland SSAA stalwart Roger Goebel

Long-standing SSAA member Roger Goebel has been honoured in the 2017 Australia Day awards for his devoted service to sport, recreation and community events in the Cassowary Coast region of Northern Queensland.

Roger, who joined the SSAA Innisfail Branch more than 20 years ago, was presented with the Cassowary Coast Council Australia Day Sports Administration Award in a ceremony on Thursday, January 26 when he received his accolade from Mayor John Kremastos. It was one of 12 awards handed out at Innisfail Shire Hall on the day.

A hectic schedule means Roger has been busy as President of the Branch. His volunteer duties have included promoting the range for community use, fire safety training as well as organising competitions. Over April and May last year, the club hosted the five-day State Hunter Class event, which attracted about 40 shooters from Queensland and interstate.

The nomination for the award was put forward by SSAA Innisfail Vice President Fred Bailiff, who was thrilled by Roger’s coup. “As Vice President for the past three years, I have worked closely with Roger in guiding and maintaining our shooting sports club and range facility. With a membership of around 650, the pressures on the President are continuous,” said Fred. “Roger, with his 35-plus years experience in State Government as a Horticultural Inspector with DPI (Department of Primary Industries) has acquired the skills to assist him to work within and guide the club management team.”

In 2016, Roger was instrumental in helping to see through the granting of a 30-year lease for the land that the Innisfail range is built on. He also undertakes all community bookings and any changes that may occur. Although the range at Murdering Point, Kurrimine Beach, is primarily a target shooting facility, the Queensland Police and other organisations pay a minimal fee to undertake firearms training and re-qualifications.

Roger was modest about picking up his plaudit but said he had enjoyed the occasion. “The presentation was a bit of a blur but I do remember getting a very good reception and plenty of ‘well dones’,” he said.

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