David Billinghurst
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Hall of Fame benchrest shooter and greatly respected SSAA NSW member David Billinghurst.
Dave (or Billo as he was affectionately known), joined SSAA in 1965, competing in his first Benchrest match (NSW State Titles) in 1970.
Dave went on to compete overseas in WBC in 1999 at Dobbiaco, Italy. Of this experience Dave said that he “had a good time, learnt a lot and was proud to represent Australia.” For his achievements in shooting, Dave cited Ron Marsden as his mentor and great friend.
Dave was also a dedicated and involved SSAA member, further representing his shooting community as SSAA NSW Board member, SSAA Sydney Branch Committee member, SSAA NSW Benchrest Discipline Chairman, SSAA National Benchrest Chairman and an honoured SSAA NSW Life Member.
On his Hall of Fame profile, Dave left the following advice for his fellow shooters:
“Your time at the range and in competition must be enjoyable… Look, listen and learn. Seek advice from those at the top of the tree. They have the knowledge and are helpful and approachable.”
Those of us lucky enough to have a drink with Billo know that he had two great passions in his life, his family and his sport. His family came first, and when we consider how naturally skilled he was at setting up a Bench Rest shoot and how passionate he was about improving the shooting sports it is easy to see what a great husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather he was.
On behalf of SSAA NSW and his many friends in shooting, we thank Dave for his service to SSAA and the shooting sports. The Billinghurst family are in our thoughts at this time, as well as Dave’s friends and shooting community.
Vale, Billo.
