SSAA NSW

HuntFest Sydney Branch Update Over the June long weekend SSAA NSW along with SSAA NSW Batemans Bay Branch attended the inaugural HuntFest in Narooma on the South Coast. Thank you to all Sydney Branch members who attended our AGM on 30 May. The elections resulted in my being elected President, Pam Reeves continuing as Secretary, Mark Godwin being returned unopposed as Treasurer, and Peter Thomson and Pauline Smith being elected as Committee members. Thanks to all the candidates that stood for Committee positions, but particular thanks are due to Rob Carnell and Dave Billinghurst for their many years of service to the Branch. The focus of the meeting was on the elections, however in general business the meeting agreed to refer some matters to the new Committee, including the feasibility of developing a system of pre-purchasing multiple range visits, and a review of the benefits available to volunteer Range Officers across all ranges. Although anti-hunting campaigners had threatened to disrupt the event, it was pleasing to see this did not eventuate and the 1200 visitors were able to enjoy the weekend. The Youth Camp at Tilterweira was a popular area of discussion over at the SSAA NSW stall, and the representatives from SSAA NSW Batemans Bay were able to answer questions about shooting and hunting in the local area. SSAA NSW would like to congratualte all the organisers of HuntFest and we look forward to this becoming an annual event on the hunting calendar. Following the AGM our Senior Vice President, Carl Smith, resigned his ordinary Committee position, but agreed to remain on as SVP at the urging of the majority of the Committee. The Committee has appointed Simon Taranto to this casual vacancy. Simon had been on the Committee for the past two years, filling a casual vacancy, and doing a good job as the Branch media liaison officer on internet forums. We are fortunate to have persuaded him to continue. MCW LAWYERS General & Specialist Legal Services • Firearms • Licensing • Criminal • Family Law Contact SSAA member Ian Connor Ph: 9589 6666 - Fax: 9589 6699 email: iconnor@mcwlaw.com.au 4 The changes to the Committee, and the appointment of Greg Bondar as part-time Executive Officer, mark the move into a new management era for the Branch. You can expect to see the effects of this over the next year or so. One of the matters that needs to be addressed immediately is improving communication with members and the Branch will conduct a review of our communication methods. Email will continue to grow as an important method of communication. If you wish to receive emails from the Branch, please send your email address to us at ssaasydneyemail@bigpond.com - this email address will only be used for collecting email addresses. Even if you believe you have provided this previously, please send it again as we strive to improve our database. James Walsh President SSAA Sydney Branch Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (NSW) Inc. RESULTS

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