For star shooter Kiara Dean, getting to compete on the world stage in her home town is something that she never thought would happen.
But that dream might soon become a reality, with Echuca vying to host the clay target shooting events at the Commonwealth Games in 2026 which will be held in regional Victoria.
“I never thought it would happen. If you had said this to me five years ago, I would have laughed at you, I wouldn’t have believed you,” Dean said.
“I always imagined that it could be held in Melbourne, but to be done In my home town around all my family, friends and club members, it’s something that I never thought would be possible.
“It is super, super, super exciting. I think it would be really special to have all of your family and friends, all of your own club members and everyone to be able to watch it at your home range.”
Dean has competed at an elite level across the world and said getting to host the shooting in Echuca-Moama would be massive for the region.
“It would be huge for everyone. Echuca-Moama has got some top shooters, and to be recognised in an international aspect like the Commonwealth Games, is huge. It would bring a lot of light to shooting in Echuca-Moama,” she said.
“Our grounds here are beautiful, we have got one of the best grounds in the world. We have some world-class facilities, and to be able to use them would be incredible.
“I think that our grounds are very clean and well maintained, so I don’t think it would take a lot to get it ready for the Commonwealth Games.”