SSAA NSW

4 Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (NSW) Inc. From Diana's Desk Market research – general population study… In the last edition of the NSW Shooter Quarterly Review we published the initial results of phase one of our market research project; the SSAA NSW membership. The results of this phase have provided solid data on which to base the development of our future direction and identify areas that we need to work to improve upon. The outcomes will also inform an internal public relations campaign, which will focus on improving information flow and communication between SSAA NSW, Branches, Affiliate Clubs and members. As I write this we are wrapping up phase two of the project; the general population research where the objective is to gauge current attitudes towards firearms ownership and their understanding of the laws that govern civilian firearms ownership and use. We are all too aware that the views of the community can and often do have great influence on our sport. This lack of awareness, which is sometimes intentional, impacts the general public, media, politicians and bureaucrats; each of these are inter-connected and influenced by each other. Our general population research commenced with a number of focus groups held in city and country locations. Observing these groups was extremely interesting, if not frustrating at times, as it quickly became apparent that there is definitely a lack of knowledge when it comes to firearms laws. This is something we as law- abiding firearm owners have always suspected, but our research gives us solid, credible data to substantiate this. What was fascinating, was watching the noticeable shift in acceptance of civilian firearms ownership as the participants were taken through the steps, which included educating them on current laws. This same methodology was implemented for the survey, which has yielded similar results. You can read the detailed report on the general population research outcomes prepared by Paul Costantoura of Review Partners in a separate article on pages 6 to 10. Engaging an independent market research company will again ensure a professional and transparent report that will provide SSAA NSW with credible data which can be used to inform our external public relations strategy. This strategy will focus on increasing understanding, awareness and acceptance within the community in order to effect reasonable firearms laws and policies. The top/high priorities identified by members in phase one of our market research project included managing media relations to ensure issues relating to legal firearms ownership are reported in a fair and balanced manner (97%) as well as running a public relations campaign among the general public about the positive aspects of the shooting sports, recreational hunting and firearms ownership (91%). Our external public relations strategy will have as its core aims: • Mainstream recognition To have shooting sports, recreational hunting and firearms ownership again recognised as mainstream activities, and • Positive and effective influence To positively and effectively influence public opinion and decisions affecting shooting sports, recreational hunting and firearms ownership. Positive Promotion… An important part of building community acceptance and awareness of the shootings sports and firearms ownership is grass roots promotion; getting out amongst the community and positively promoting our sport. This is something SSAA NSW has been successfully doing for some years now. In the last edition of the NSW Shooter we reported on a number of promotional activities including SHOT Expo, SSAA NSW HuntFest, our inaugural Pollie Try Shooting day and the SBS Viceland Ladies Competition which resulted in a positive story aired on The Feed. In this edition we again feature some of the promotional activities being undertaken to build awareness of the shooting sports within the community. There's an article on the various events our Mobile Air Rifle Range (MARR) has attended this year. The MARR is always a drawcard wherever it goes; it is an excellent promotional tool that provides an opportunity for people to try shooting in a relaxed, friendly environment. As a volunteer that has spent time taking people through try shooting both at the MARR and at other ranges I find it one of the most rewarding experiences, especially when the person walks away with a great big smile on their face clutching their targets with pride. Whilst they may not always be 'converted', this type of hands on experience gives them a direct understanding of the safety and responsibility that is required when participating in shooting activities, and more likely than not they will be less inclined to be swayed by the misinformation campaigns of the anti-gun groups and sensationalist media reports on firearms. Within the SSAA NSW organisation we have many pro-active Branches and Affiliate Clubs who run various promotional events; recently Goulburn and Batemans Bay Branches have hosted successful try shooting days.

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