A Home Hill cane farmer has achieved his lifelong dream of qualifying to represent Australia in clay target shooting.
Joseph Rossato, a member of Bowen’s Port Denison Gun Club, returned from Wagga Wagga earlier this month where he represented Queensland in the 2024 National Trap Championships.
Joseph has qualified for the state team six times and competed for Queensland twice, finishing his most recent outing on equal first in the top 25 in Australia, known as the Mackintosh team.
Shooters then shot another 100 targets point score, where he made the top five to qualify to represent Australia at the World DTL Championship in Bywell, England in July.
“Ever since I knew I could shoot competitively, I wanted to shoot for Australia and wear the green and gold,” Joseph said.
“My dream’s come true, and it feels amazing.”
Growing up on a cane farm, guns have always been a part of Joseph’s life.
He started clay target shooting in 1992 aged 16 and competed at a local gun club where he won an under 18 young fellows shooting event.
“Ever since then, I was hooked,” he said.
Early in his shooting career, Joseph would shoot every weekend, working his way around the Charters Towers, Burdekin, Townsville and Bowen circuits.
He gradually developed his skillset and climbed the ranks, advancing to participate in state shoots.
“You just have to be seasoned, competitive and match fit,” he said.
“You have to shoot consistently and shoot well and not let any internal demons get into your head, which is easier said than done.
“This sport is 90% mental and 10% ability.
“It’s a mental game and if you’ve got that under control, you will do well.”
Joseph will represent Australia in the Open Men’s team in July.
He is one of three Queenslanders travelling to England to represent the country alongside Jessica Rob shooting in the women’s and Jack Brandt shooting in the juniors.
“I couldn’t have done it without my family’s support,” he said.
“Friends and family are my inspiration, they keep me going, and the love of the sport drives me.
“When I zip up the green and gold, I think that’s when it’s going to hit me, that will be a huge moment.”
Joseph Rossato medalled at the 2024 National Trap Championships to qualify to represent Australia in England in July
