Mark’s introduction to the rifle range was accompanying father Jack on the steam train to Liverpool NSW during the late 1960’s. His first shooting involvement was marking targets, in order to finance his need for cigarettes (thankfully a habit he no longer needs to support)!
Fortunately Mark began shooting seriously with the Maroubra RSL Rifle Club in 1971, rising through the ranks and eventually winning his first A Grade Queen’s Badge at the 1974 Queensland Queen’s. Since then Mark has represented his State and Australia on several occasions with this being his third Australian Team.
Among Mark’s many notable achievements is his score of 150 in the Kolapore back in 1996, making him the first Australian to achieve this feat. He is an eight times Queen’s winner, eight times Grand Aggregate winner and he has over 60 Queen’s badges, including nine seconds. In 2003 and 2005 Mark received the NSW Shooter of the Year Award.
Despite his many successes Mark’s favourite moments in the sport include sharing valuable time with both his father and son on the range, and meeting his bride at Bisley some 26 years ago. To pay the bills Mark has worked in the instrument game for over 30 years at just about all levels, but has now settled down to sales.