Membership at Cranbourne Dandenong Pistol Club

Becoming a member of Cranbourne Dandenong Pistol Club (CDPC) is the first step toward participating in organised pistol shooting in Victoria. Our club is inclusive and social, welcoming members from 12 years of age (with conditions for juniors). This page explains how to visit the club, how to join as a member, what’s involved in the process and how membership connects with the handgun licensing pathway.

1. Why join CDPC & who can join

Shooting sports are highly inclusive and offer something for everyone – from casual social shooters through to competitors at state, national and international level.

CDPC welcomes members of all abilities from 12 years of age and up.
You can be as involved as you like – from visiting once a month to training and competing several times a week.
As a member you can shoot weekly club competitions, attend open competitions at other Victorian clubs, and work towards major events such as Victorian and National Championships.
The club also values the social side of the sport, regularly organising visits to other clubs and events around the country.

Juniors (12–18 years)
Under Victorian law, juniors are individuals aged 12 to 18. Junior members are welcome at CDPC, but must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at all times while at the club. The club cannot accept responsibility for unaccompanied juniors.

2. Visiting CDPC for the first time

We aim to make your first visit both instructive and enjoyable. If you’re curious about the club or the sport, visiting is the best way to get a feel for how we operate.

On arrival, visitors must:

Introduce themselves to the Secretary or Range Officer.
Sign the attendance book and clearly indicate visitor status (print name and sign).
Follow all safety instructions given by Range Officers and club officials.

If you wish to shoot as a visitor, there are additional forms and safety requirements. You will be guided through these on the day.

Trying your first shoot (NORI sessions)

To try shooting, you will complete a NORI (Notice of Receiving Instruction) form for each session.
Forms can be completed at the club or downloaded from Victoria Police or our website.
Under current rules, you may participate in NORI shoots up to 13 times in your life.

During NORI sessions you will shoot under direct supervision, learn safe handgun handling, and be introduced to basic target shooting. Safety is our primary focus at all times.

3. New shooters – joining process

If you are new to pistol shooting, we recommend a gradual pathway into membership so you can get to know the club, our members and the sport.

Start with a few first-time NORI shoots to see if you enjoy the sport.
We generally ask that you attend around 4 NORI sessions before applying for membership.
This helps you become familiar with our safety standards and range procedures, and helps us ensure shooting remains safe for everyone.

Once you’re confident that pistol shooting is for you, the formal joining steps look like this:

Step 1 – First visits & NORI shoots

Visit CDPC on NORI days, complete the required NORI forms and experience supervised pistol shooting while learning range safety and etiquette.

Step 2 – Decide to join

After several NORI sessions (typically 4), decide whether you’d like to commit to the sport and the club. If so, speak with a committee member about starting your membership application.

Step 3 – Police checks & fingerprints

We will guide you to schedule your fingerprint appointment and obtain a National Police Check, as required by Victoria Police for handgun licensing.

Step 4 – Handgun safety course

Complete the mandatory handgun safety course provided at the club. This covers legal obligations, safe storage, and practical safe use on the range.

Step 5 – Provisional licence

Apply for your Provisional General Category Handgun Licence via Victoria Police Licensing & Regulation Division (LRD). CDPC committee members can help you understand the process and documentation.

Step 6 – Build experience as a member

As a new member and provisional licence holder, you will continue shooting with club handguns, gaining experience across different disciplines while working toward eligibility for a full licence.

For a detailed step-by-step guide to the licensing side of this process, see our Acquiring Your Handgun Licence page.

4. Membership application checklist

When you are ready to apply for membership, you will need to complete the club’s application form and supply supporting documentation.

Typical membership application requirements include:

2 passport-sized photographs (used for your club membership card).
2 character references from non-related friends who have known you for at least 2 years.
A fully completed CDPC membership application form.

Once your application and documents are submitted, the committee will review your application. If accepted, you will be asked to pay the applicable joining fee and membership fee.

New members can find additional information in our New Membership Booklet, available from the club or via download from our website.

5. Licences, competition shoots & owning pistols

Your club membership, competition activity and handgun licence are closely linked under Victorian law.

Full General Category Handgun Licence

To become eligible for a full General Category Handgun Licence, you must normally be a club member for at least 6 months.
During this time you must complete at least 5 approved competition match shoots (similar in format to your supervised NORI shoots).
After meeting these requirements, you may apply for your full licence through Victoria Police LRD.

Using club pistols during your provisional period

For the first 6 months of holding a provisional handgun licence, you are not permitted to purchase or own your own handguns.
CDPC provides club handguns for members to use during this period, giving you the chance to try different disciplines and calibres.

Permits to Acquire (PTAs) & disciplines

Once eligible and licensed, you can apply for Permits to Acquire (PTAs) for your own pistols.
We will assist you in choosing suitable handguns based on the disciplines you wish to shoot (e.g. Air Pistol, ISSF precision, IPSC practical shooting, Cowboy Action, and more).
PTA applications must be endorsed by authorised CDPC committee members before submission to LRD.
Unlike some clubs, CDPC does not limit you to specific calibres such as only Air Pistol or .22. Endorsement is based on your chosen discipline and your demonstrated ability to safely handle the firearm.

For official requirements, prerequisites and limitations relating to handgun licences, please refer to information from Victoria Police Licensing & Regulation Division, including their “Firearms Information Sheet – Licences issued for Handgun Shooting”.

For detailed information on safe storage requirements at home, see our Owning a Handgun in Victoria page and the latest guidance from Victoria Police.

6. Membership types & fees

CDPC offers several membership categories to suit different situations, including full members, family members, juniors and associates.

Pro-rata fees for new members
New members who join after November pay pro rata membership fees through to 30 June of the following year. This ensures you only pay for the portion of the membership year you are using.

Current fee structure (example)

Membership Category	Annual Membership Fee	Joining Fee
Full / Primary Member	$300	$300
Additional Family Member	$200	$0
Junior Member	$100	$0
Family (2 adults, 2 juniors)	$500	$300
Associate Member	$150	$0

Note: Fees are subject to change. Please confirm the latest schedule with the club before applying.

7. Processing times & what to expect

The full journey from first visit to owning your own handgun can take time. Patience and good record-keeping will make the process smoother.

Always keep copies of any forms or documents you submit to Victoria Police LRD or to the club.
Processing by external agencies (police checks, licence applications, PTAs) can be slow – it is not unusual for the overall process to take 8–10 months.
There are costs involved at each stage (club fees, courses, police checks, licence fees, safes, firearms, etc.) – plan ahead for these expenses.
When handing in paperwork or presenting yourself to the Committee as a potential member, make sure all forms are complete and you have the required supporting documents with you.

While it takes time and commitment, pistol shooting is a rewarding sport where many long-term friendships are formed.

8. Where to next?

Completely new to shooting? – Book a NORI “come and try” session to experience pistol shooting under supervision.
Ready to become a member? – Complete a Membership Application and review the New Membership Booklet.
Looking for licence details? – Read Acquiring Your Handgun Licence and Owning a Handgun in Victoria.

Last Updated: March 2025

Key points at a glance

CDPC welcomes members from 12 years+, with juniors (12–18) always accompanied by a parent or guardian.
New shooters start as visitors using NORI forms and can attend up to 13 NORI sessions in their lifetime.
A typical pathway: NORI sessions → membership application → safety course & checks → provisional licence → competition shoots → full licence.
Provisional licence holders cannot own pistols for the first 6 months but may use club handguns (you must provide your own ammunition).
Multiple membership categories and pro rata fees are available; check the current fee schedule.

Useful links

Need help or have questions?

If you’re unsure about membership, NORI shoots, licence requirements or what paperwork you need, please speak with a committee member or contact the club directly.

Contact the club