John Henry Collinson OAM

John Collinson commenced shooting with the Fitzroy RC, where he was Club Secretary from 1951 to 1959. Fitzroy amalgamated with the Brunswick RC in 1962 where he remained an member until the 1990’s. John served as Treasurer to the Metropolitan District Rifle Union from 1959 – 1964, whilst also being Treasurer of the VRA. In 1964 he was appointed as VRA Chairman, a position he occupied until 1979. He was also awarded Life Member of the VRA.

At a National level John was Chairman of the Australian Council of State Rifle Associations 1966 to 1971, then with the formation of the National Rifle Association of Australia, Chairman of the NRAA 1971 – 1974. In 1975 he was appointed as General Secretary of the NRAA. He occupied the position of General Secretary/Executive Director from 1975 until his retirement in about 1993. He was awarded the OAM in 1993, for services to sport

As a shooter, John Collinson was Fitzroy RC Club Champion on three occasions, Captain of the Victorian Team which won the 1964 Merrett Team Match. He was Chief Statistician for shooting at the 1956 Olympic Games, Commandant of Australia teams to England and Canada in 1972, a Jury Member for the Commonwealth Games in 1982.