That's the part I don't like. Don't have a problem with DRA's still conducting their own Championship. It's who goes on to Bendigo I have a problem with. I believe that ALL CLUB champions should have the opportunity to compete at State level.
As a Club Champion that lost at District level, I am more than happy with Norm Nelson representing my DRA against the other DRA Champions. I don't think it is fair on Norm if I had the chance for a second go at him by competing in Bendigo, where he may not have the range experience that I have. The good thing about the DRA preselection, is that it gives the local shooter a real chance to beat other local shooters on ranges that they are more familiar on.
If Norm was not available to go to Bendigo, then I would consider that the runner up could be a viable contender, and it would serve to maintain numbers in Bendigo.
My preference would be to ask the VRA to allow the runner up to compete, if the champion was not available for well defined reasons. Not wanting to attend would not be one of them, and may need to be addressed within the DRA. If they can't afford to go to Bendigo, then maybe the DRA needs to consider subsidising their costs.