SSAA NSW

Try Shooting in Wagga SSAA NSW is always looking for new ways to promote the safe, fun and unique range of shooting sports, and recently trialled a new initiative in Wagga Wagga. Working closely with SSAA NSW Wagga Branch and Wagga Wagga City Council, SSAA NSW set up our Mobile Air Rifle Range in Bolton Park on a recent Thursday and Friday before heading out to the Big Springs Rifle Range on the Saturday for a Try Shooting Day. Bolton Park was a great location for the event as it was in a highly visible location at one of the busiest intersections in Wagga and attracted a lot of attention from passing motorists – many of whom jumped out of their cars eager to find out what was going on! Two local shooters and one of the best groupings we saw all weekend! But the best part of the two days in Bolton Park was seeing the fun and enjoyment people had, particularly those who had never used a firearm before. On Saturday we moved out to the Big Springs Rifle Range which is owned and operated by SSAA NSW Wagga Branch. And what a wonderful Range they have built with targets out to 500m. SSAA NSW Policy and Project Manager Mitch Newbery teaching one of our younger shooters Over the two days almost 100 people, ranging in age from 12 years to one gentleman in his 80s, had a go. Some people had never tried shooting before, and would probably never have thought to visit a Range until one appeared on a busy street corner. Others mentioned that they had enjoyed shooting as a teenager, but had given the sport away due to work, family and the increasing amount of hoops law abiding firearm owners had to jump through. And, of course, we had plenty of people who were active shooters and just couldn't pass up the opportunity to put a few shots down range. We even had Prime 7 News in Wagga come down and do a story. Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (NSW) Inc. Don't let the sunshine in this picture fool you – it was COLD!' Despite the bitterly cold temperatures and frequent bouts of rain and even some hail, there was a great turnout with more than 50 new shooters completing P650s! "The newcomers seemed pleasantly surprised by how fun shooting was and by how friendly and open the Range Officers and Coaches were," said Greg Chapman one of several SSAA NSW Wagga Branch members who helped out on the day. 4

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