Shooting arrows at rubber animals was not something entirely new to Australia during the mid 90’s, ABA had been toying with their own format and after all Terry Sheather and John Hawkins were already importing McKenzie Targets for use at Murwillumbah and Nambucca Heads. The problem was structure, the archers were wanting to shoot what the world shot, IBO (International Bowhunting Organisation), and follow IBO rules even if they were slightly modified to suit Australian conditions.
During this period a small indoor archery club had formed in Alstonville, NSW. The club wasn’t affiliated with any organisation and had overcome a hurdle holding back many other clubs from breaking away from the ABA. Insurance. Thanks to a member, who also happened to be an insurance broker they were able to take out their own affordable policy. Like most insurance policies there more people being covered the cheaper the individual contribution would become. Cue Grafton. The club of notorious rule breakers and outlaws from Grafton had had enough of the ABA and broke away to join the small group of clubs in Northern NSW under their own banner.
Mid ’97 saw Jamie Bradshaw introduce Rob Donnelly and Chris Wakeley to the archers shooting at the Alstonville Showgrounds. Seeing what could be done on their own, Rob, Chris and a few other able bodies got to work on starting what is now the Northern Rivers Field Archers in Leeville.
Jamie (Bradshaw) had been shooting makeshift 3D for 5 years before he felt comfortable enough to take on the world at the IBO World Titles in Peek'n Peak Resort in Clymer, New York USA. It was upon return from the US that Jamie desire to shoot IBO style events in Australia was burning hot. During Jamie’s extended visit to America, Rob and Chris had put in a lot of the hard yakka and got the NRFA up and going.
Unbeknownst to them an “association” in its simplest definition was forming, Murwillumbah, Casino, Grafton and Alstonville were four clubs all under the one insurance banner. During an early meeting of these clubs, in the back of Casino Outdoors and Disposal, it was brought up that the more clubs under the same insurance policy, the cheaper it would be for everyone.
It was decided that for Australia to shoot to IBO rules and standards an affiliated association was needed. Not far away was an ABA meet at Attunga in NSW and present would be a host of archers who may be interested in shooting 3D.
Word was put out a meeting was to take place at the Attunga Pub and a steering committee would be formed. Competitive 3D Archery is Australia was underway, and there was no stopping it now.
............. continued next issue
where it all began.... Part 1
Vinnie Bleakley talks with Jamie Bradshaw about 3D Archerys humble beginnings in Australia