SSAA NSW

SSAA NSW 50,000 th (and 50,001 st) member At the end of 2012, SSAA NSW announced two ambitious new membership goals. The first was to reach 50,000 members by the end of 2013, and the second to hit 60,000 by the end of 2014. Well, with more than 3 months still left in 2013 we have already reached that first target! Recently the NSW Shooter caught up with Jacob and Sam Bonfield who were the 50,000th (and 50,001st) SSAA NSW members. "Recently we've met with a number of politicians and journalists and when they learn we have 50,000 members in NSW alone, you can see their surprise, so it's important for the sport that we continue growing and introducing new shooters – whether they are target shooters, hunters or collectors." Jacob and Sam said they were looking forward to getting their firearms licences and seeing what the sport had to offer them. "I can't wait to get out there and just start enjoying more of the Australian outdoors," said Jacob who has already started planning his first rifle. "Maybe a .223 for rabbits." The brothers mentioned that not everyone had been thrilled when they discussed the idea of getting a firearms licence. After recently completing a Firearms Safety Course, Jacob and Sam both decided to join SSAA and are looking forward to finding out more about the safe, fun and unique range of shooting sports that are available. Having grown up with a fondness for camping and fishing both the brothers felt that it was time to get their firearms licence. SSAA NSW President Paul McNabb was on hand to present the brothers with their commemorative SSAA NSW 50,000th Member jerseys and said the rapid growth in membership in the past few years was a fantastic sign for the sport. "One-third of all SSAA members in Australia now reside in New South Wales," said McNabb. SSAA NSW Executive Director Diana Melham was also thrilled to have reached the first goal with more than 3 months to spare. "It's a big milestone for SSAA NSW to hit 50,000 members, but the job is only half done and we are now turning our attention to having 60,000 by the end of 2014." Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (NSW) Inc. "Mum was a bit hesitant," said Sam. "But we want to show her that this is a really safe sport," he added. 4

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