Evans, who first joined the club in 1982, said he was humbled by the award.

“I feel very honoured and privileged, I’ve done a bit over the years for the Smallbore Club, so it’s good,” Evans said.

Evans said his proudest achievement at the club was helping with the development of their new clubhouse in 1997. 

“The Smallbore Club was comfortably located behind the Army barracks in Baillie Street for years,” he said.

“In 1996 we had to move and in 1997 we spent the whole year building the new clubhouse. We have this beautiful facility now. My main contribution was helping with the move.”

Evans is the captain of the Horsham Bigbore Rifle Club and was awarded life membership for that club in 1998. He is somewhat of a legend when it comes to shooting in the region.

“They tell me I’m the first person to ever become a life member of both clubs,” Evans said.

Shooting has taken Evans to many places, providing him with countless memories. 

“I’ve competed all around Australia in every state, so I have thoroughly enjoyed it,” he said.

“The peak of my rifle shooting career was being part of the Australian veterans rifle team, which competed in Ohio in 2014.  I won a prize at 900 yards at their American championships.”

Evans said part of the reason he has been around the clubs for so long is because of the community atmosphere.

“You feel part of a big family. Wherever you go you know people on the rifle range and you always feel very comfortable,” he said.

“I’ve been a shooter since my old man taught me to shoot when I was nine or ten, and I’ve always enjoyed it.”