Bellinger is one of 377 shooters who are taking part in the Sporting Clays Australia (SCA) National Championships at Laang.

The 27-year-old is competing at the championships as part of the South Australian team.

“I am aiming to make the Australian team for the world championships in the UK next year,” Bellinger said.

“There is this weekend plus the Australian Grand Prix next year in March that I need to shoot well at to make the team.”

Bellinger is the third generation of her family that has spent time perfecting the art of shooting, following on from her father and grandfather.

While the thrill of competition drives her, there is also a social element to the sport she loves.

“Coming to events like this is great, you meet like-minded people, it’s good fun,” she said.

The championships began on Friday and will go through until Sunday afternoon.

Shooters have come from across Australia and internationally from New Zealand and New Caledonia.

SCA president Tony Trainor said he was delighted with the numbers of competitors. 

“The public is most welcome to come out to the range and see the competition,” he said.

“The support we have received from sponsors has been fantastic, which allows us to award almost $45,000 in prizes in the various classes.”