SSAA NSW

Volunteer with SSAA NSW An organisation as large and diverse as SSAA NSW could not function without the ongoing support of our volunteers. This month the NSW Shooter interviewed three Range Safety Officers to discuss the importance of their role, why they got involved and what they enjoy most about their positions. NSW Shooter – How long have you been an RSO? Beau – Approximately 8 or 9 years. John – Since January 2012, so about 2 years. Simon – About 4 years. NSW Shooter – Why did you decide to become an RSO at St Marys Indoor Shooting Centre? NSW Shooter – Would you encourage others to sign up? Beau – The matches and events we hold rely on RSOs so if you've ever thought about putting something back into the sport and you want to help new and existing shooters develop their skills and increase their enjoyment, absolutely you should sign up. Beau – I'd been a member of St Marys Pistol Club for some years and really enjoyed the sport, and I felt I could put something back into it. John – I saw an advertisement for an RSO position, and I wanted to make a positive contribution towards our sport. Simon – Many other shooters had taken the time to help me over the years, and this was a way I could do the same while developing leadership and communication competencies at the same time. NSW Shooter – Do you enjoy it? Beau – Very much. I've met some great friends through the sport and RSO-ing. I'm involved with new members to the sport and seeing their skills develop and the appreciation they have for you helping them out is great. John – Like Beau, I spend most of my RSO shifts with the club's new members, and it's really satisfying to help develop their skills and see them learning and enjoying target shooting. Simon – Absolutely. I've made many friendships with other RSOs and shooters, but there's also the pride of holding a respected position within the Club and being able to improve the quality and frequency of match events that we offer to members. Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (NSW) Inc. John – Our clubs can't function without RSOs, so if you have a good knowledge of firearms, a desire to contribute and a passion for shooting, talk to your Club about getting involved. Simon – In 10 years time, no one will remember the rounds you put downrange, but as an RSO a few hundred people will remember the difference you made to their shooting. Ali Newbery, Operations Manager at St Marys Indoor Shooting Centre, says that the next intake for volunteers for both SSAA NSW and St Marys is coming up. "We require volunteers for St Marys Pistol Club, the Mobile Air Rifle Range, Junior Development Program and the Roy Smith Firearms Museum. If you have ever thought about volunteering, now is a great time to start." Expressions of interest should be emailed to info@ stmarys.ssaa.org.au by February 28th. 9

• Cover