Issue link: http://ssaansw.uberflip.com/i/1178178
16 Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (NSW) Inc. On Wednesday 19 th June, another very successful School Farm Safety Day was conducted by the Merriwa Springtime Show Committee. Students primarily studying agriculture from Merriwa Central, Scone High, Saint Joseph's High School Aberdeen, Scone Grammar and Quirindi High School were invited to attend. Safety aspects of fi rearms use on farms, along with quad bikes and chainsaws, were among the many seminars that were presented by members of the community. The SSAA NSW Merriwa Branch representative covered basic fi rearms safety, ranging from vehicle-based vermin control, to hunting in the fi eld. Students demonstrated a wide variety of experience levels, from competent, to several having never used fi rearms in any form before. During the presentation the use of a prop, and in this instance a broom stick, was employed to demonstrate the safe handling of fi rearms. At all times the concept of a safe and positive interaction with fi rearms was emphasised and that this could best be achieved by attaining suitable instruction from a qualifi ed trainer and safe shooting instructor. The students attending each presentation posed many questions, seeking a better understanding of fi rearms carry techniques, when to chamber ammunition, what clubs were available in their local areas to conduct a safety test and ultimately how to obtain a Minor's Permit. The Committee of SSAA NSW Merriwa Branch wish to thank the Show Committee for the opportunity to be involved with the School Farm Safety Day. This type of event provides an excellent platform to build acceptance among the community. It also assists in promoting the benefi ts of fi rearms ownership for both sport shooting and recreational hunting and the responsibilities of law- abiding fi rearms owners. It is believed that the School Farm Safety Day will be conducted in 2020. SSAA NSW Merriwa Branch will again be in attendance to inform and help promote a positive outlook on our sport. School Farm Safety Day 2019 From left to right: Nathan Swinboune, Ryan Gillett (Scone High School), Lachlan Hobden and Tyler Kelly (Scone Grammar School), Phil Martyn (SSAA NSW Merriwa Branch), Annabell Avard and Brad Forsyth (Qurindi High School), Rebecca Keagan and Tahli Gleeson (Merriwa Central School), Emma Palmer and Kathrine Moon (St Joseph's High School Aberdeen).