Hi Yvonne,
I note that you are based in Bundaberg, so I therefore suggest that you clarify your position with Merrilyn Walsh, Secretary of the Wide Bay Retriever Club of Bundaberg (Merrilyn Walsh [avokahlabs@austarnet.com.au]. The WBRC are scheduled to conduct Retrieving Trial over the June long weekend.
I also understand that Qld based Clubs conducting Retrieving Trials have sought and gained Police agreement to having the guns used at Retrieving Trials modified in such a way that they can nolonger function as a firearm and that persons using these modified guns at Retrieving Trials do not require a Shooters Licence. I know that the Schedules etc for the forthcoming QLD State Retrieving Trial Championship and the National Championship (to be hosted by QLD) advise competitors that Licences will not be required. What I do not know is whether or not the WBRC has modified its guns to the comply the QLD Police requirements. In that case Gareth's advice would be relevent.
Alan Donovan [adonovan@powerup.com.au] and Georgina Golle (
hottropics@bhmco.com.au) would be good contacts for overall advice on the QLD situation.
BFN, RWT