Issue link: http://ssaansw.uberflip.com/i/1059218
16 Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (NSW) Inc. 2018 Promotional Events Wrap Up It has been another exciting and full year of events for SSAA NSW staff and teams of volunteers that have generously donated their time to the numerous events throughout the state promoting the safe, fun and inclusiveness of the shooting sports. As always, our fully licenced 10-metre Mobile Air Rifle Range was a huge drawcard and crowd pleaser no matter where it went. The benefit of this Range is the special conditional approval that comes with a moveable range, and that it allows non-licensed shooters and minors aged 12 – 17 years old to try shooting using tethered firearms under the direct supervision of a range safety officer, however without the need to complete P650 declaration forms. This allows for the continual flow of patrons through the Range therefore maximising their exposure to our sport. In total 2018 has seen SSAA NSW staff and volunteers attend 10 festivals, field days and shows starting with the Small Farm Field Day in Moss Vale in February, followed by St Marys Dutch Festival, HuntFest in Narooma, the SSAA SHOT Expo, AgQuip Field Days in Gunnedah, Lugarno Lions Club Spring Festival, the Illawarra Outdoor and Adventure Expo, Australian National Field Days in Borenore and twice to the Penrith Gun Show. On preliminary estimates, this has given us direct and indirect exposure to hundreds of thousands of members of the general public who may otherwise not have any exposure to firearms. Simple positive interactions like those experienced at these events has the potential to further our sport through licensing, memberships and a general acceptance of firearms and their legitimate uses by law-abiding firearms owners. Furthermore, as we experienced most recently at the Australian Nation Field Days in Orange, there may be a flow on effect for local Branches and ranges. Whilst we may have already been preaching to the converted, it was reported that the effect of speaking with locals and providing details of the local Branch and their activities could have contributed to an increase in participation at the Orange Branch range immediately following the field day.