SSAA NSW

14 Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (NSW) Inc. Held on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 May The AGM is a perfect opportunity to not only inform delegates about the activities and achievements of SSAA NSW, but to update them on topical issues currently impacting on our sport to enable them to in turn, update their Committees and Branch members. Presentations were provided by a number of SSAA NSW representatives on the work and achievements of the past year as well as the plans for the future including the development of our strategic direction that will be driven by the outcomes of the market research project, the plans for improved internal and external communication via a public relations strategy, SSAA NSW's significant investment in range development, advocacy and promotional activities as well as media coverage, recreational hunting programs and activities, along with updates on disciplines and St Marys Indoor Shooting Centre. On Sunday delegates, in their capacity as representatives of their Branches, participated in a workshop as part of the market research project SSAA NSW is undertaking. The session was facilitated by Paul Costantoura of Review Partners and focussed on what members wanted and expected from SSAA NSW. Delegates provided valuable contribution and were keen for the session to be extended. Another highlight of the AGM was the dinner speaker, Dr Suzanna Fay-Ramirez, a Senior Lecturer in Criminology at the University of Queensland. Suzanna spoke about her current research which considers how perceptions of gun regulation influences debate and enforcement of Australia's gun laws. Her research is concerned with understanding how public discussion and debate has marginalised particular groups, such as farmers/recreational shooters, and explores how gun control might be improved by a more inclusive public discussion about firearms. Elections were held for four vacant positions with Lance Miller (Coffs Harbour) being re-elected as President for three years. Carl Smith (Tenterfield) and Chris Gosling (Grafton) were both elected, and Warren Brown was re-elected as Board members. SSAA NSW Annual General Meeting Volunteer Awards Volunteers are the life blood of our Association – without the efforts of the many members who volunteer their time to perform a wide range of duties, there would be no Branches, no activities, no ranges, no training and safe shooting courses. This year these very deserving members were nominated by their Branches to receive awards. Life Member (pictured) Bryson Payne (Batemans Bay) Gold Meritorious Service Award (pictured) Janet Cheal (Gilgandra), Ken Kenchington (Goulburn) Silver Meritorious Service Award Alan Genders (Taree Wingham), Bradley Witchard (Taree Wingham) Bronze Meritorious Service Award Brendon Adams (Griffith), Justin Badoco (Griffith), Jamie Cirillo (Griffith), Siegfried Kubank (Griffith), Kevin Neilan (Taree Wingham), Brian Weeding (Griffith) Certificate of Appreciation as a Valued Member David Watt (Condobolin) Safe Shooting Instructors Sydney Basin – John Nye (Sydney) Regional – Derek Roberts (Newcastle) – who received the award for the third year running.

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