SSAA NSW

From your President What a Sweet and Sour year it's been We're getting bigger, stronger and more financially secure by the week, now we have over 50,000 members. This means one in three SSAA members in Australia belong to SSAA NSW. Your Association is now a powerful voice in NSW. From what I've seen around the country I believe we are the premier state for shooters and the brief now is to get to 60,000 members as soon as possible. But it's also been a troubling year for shooters with the stupid and completely irrational Ammo Bill becoming law. This ridiculous law means your name and address is floating around a gun shop in their AMMO Book. What happens if it is stolen or copied? They don't put your address on your Firearms Licence but are happy to have it lying around in a book…Amazing. We fought this until we were blue in the face but Mr. O'Farrell and his Ministers just don't get it… I don't see street shootings and gun toting crims disappearing, do you? I can only hope the 210,000 shooters in NSW will make their voices heard at the ballot box. New Registry Chief This year also saw a new manager at the Firearms Registry. There is also a new Range Inspector who is carrying out inspections with a forensic zeal. Unfortunately they have some genuine public safety issues to address with templates crossing over onto adjoining land. However we were assured by the Inspector that he wants to work with us to get everything back working and safe. "Bluey" the new Registry chief seems to be a sensible bloke and we are hoping his reforms will be workable and user friendly. Unfortunately he tells me their computer system is 10 years out of date but hopefully there's an upgrade on the way so we will be able to do more stuff online with the Registry. The loss of the Game Council was not only a set back for our hunters but the Shooter and Fishers Party who have worked long and hard to get it up and running successfully. Again you know who to thank for this at the ballot box. Macksville Open On a brighter note the Armidale Range is looking fantastic with the final paper work with Guyra Council. After years of frustration caused by bad weather and the local petty, small minded Extreme Greens the Macksville range is now open for business. Well done Denis Rowe and the team. Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (NSW) Inc. Silverdale was the venue for the 12th World Bench Rest Championships. What a Range, all that's missing is a swimming pool. This has to be Australia's only true World Class Bench Rest Range. National Parks Open Soon Di Melham and her staff did a remarkable job setting up the SSAA NSW & National Parks Partnership. This was negotiated without any help from SSAA National or other parties. This is a three year trial in 12 parks and it must not fail. We will be doing everything possible to guarantee this. Also I believe hunting in State Forests will be up and running soon. This year Cathie and I got to drive around Australia and I would like to thank Senior Vice President Mark Godwin for holding the fort for me. Everyone should visit the stunning west coast and Kimberley's, it's amazing. I even met a SSAA NSW Sydney member working at Lake Argyle, G'day Bob McNabb from Springwood (no relation). Also I would like to congratulate everyone who attended our AGM this year. It was a beauty, good practical discussions, good decisions and great mateship. It was the best I've ever been to. Many Thanks to You This year all the SSAA NSW staff starred again with another year of good work done in a great atmosphere and vibe, it's always a pleasure to visit. Finally I would like to thank our Executive Director, Di Melham who is our very own workaholic. The work this woman does 24/7 is unbelievable, we're very lucky to have her. Also thanks to the NSW Board, your Directors just get on with it… no time wasting politics. A special thanks to Richard Drozdowski our Junior VP and Chair of the Range Development Fund Committee, Richard has discovered the 29 hour day. I wish your and your loved ones a safe, happy, wonderful Christmas and New Year. Let's all come back refreshed in 2014 to continue the fight to protect your freedoms and our great sport. Paul McNabb SSAA NSW President 3

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