WITH each passing generation, Bendigo's Smith family has added another string to its business bow.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
First, Charles and Eileen Smith ran Bendigo Motor Wreckers from after the Second World War on Lyttleton Terrace.
Next it was son Graham Smith, who continues to run Midland Irrigation to the present day.
Now the latest in the line of business ventures is grandson Matt Smith, whose outdoor supplies store is set to open from October 1.
Smiths Outdoors sits on Roanoak Court as part of a new business estate in Bendigo East.
With a long-term plan to expand into all outdoor equipment, the business will begin with a focus on hunting supplies, stocking firearms, ammunition and other hunting equipment.
Matt Smith said a demand had developed in central Victoria for hunting supplies as firearms sports increased in popularity.
"There's a really popular culture of deer hunting, especially in the Grampians and in the high country of Victoria, past Mansfield," he said.
"There are good numbers of Sambar deer, which are the most sought after game species of deer in the world.
"The beauty of Australia is there are no game fees. You can go hunting in state forests in Victoria. All you need is a firearms licence and a permit from DEPI."
Mr Smith said rabbits, foxes and other feral animals were popular among hunters, as well as increasing popularity of hunting pheasants, feral goats. quail, deer and ducks. Target and club shooting had also seen a resurgence in Victoria.
Mr Smith said there had traditionally been two or three firearm stores in Bendigo, but now there was only one at Eaglehawk.
Smiths Outdoors will initially stock firearms, ammunition, clothing, knives, compasses and GPS's.
Mr Smith said he wanted to draw on the experience of his parents and grandparents in the latest venture.
"I learned from a very young age the importance of quality products and even better customer service and that's what will help Smith Outdoors stand out," he said.
The store will open on Wednesday, October 1.