SSAA NSW

From Diana's Desk Busy start to 2014 If it wasn't bad enough that the Christmas and New Year break just flew by this year, now we're already heading into February! I hope that everyone enjoyed the break, and hopefully managed to get some shooting done. It's been a busy start to the year, with some good news for hunters. Supplementary Pest Control Program The Supplementary Pest Control Program is moving along with the first two Information Days held in Sydney on 14 December and recently in Griffith on 18 January. Additional Information Days are also being held in Sydney, Armidale and Dubbo. These provide interested members with details on the SPC Program, NPWS activities and the qualifications and process required to become a qualified volunteer as well as how SPC Programs are planned and undertaken. The planning for SPC Program activities is underway. As part of the implementation we will be conducting the first activity as a trial in February. This will give us an opportunity to evaluate our procedures and ensure that all future activities are conducted effectively, safely and efficiently. More than 200 members have already signed up to take part in the SPC Program which will run for three years in 12 National Parks. If you are interested in signing up to find out more about the SPC Program, please visit the SSAA NSW website. State Forests re-open Hunters received more good news with the announcement that hunting in State Forests will resume on 3 February. SSAA NSW believes this is a significant acknowledgement by the NSW Government of the value of hunting to the environment, and the important conservation role played by volunteer hunters. State Forest hunting under the former Game Council model operated safely and successfully in NSW for more than seven years, and the re-opening of the forests will be welcome news not just to hunters, but also the communities in regional NSW battling feral pests. SSAA NSW will be seeking a seat on the new Game Board to continue our representation of hunters throughout the State. Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (NSW) Inc. For more information on hunting in State Forests please visit the Department of Primary Industries website. More than 4300 safe shooting courses in 2013 SSAA NSW Safe Shooting Instructors from across NSW conducted more than 4300 Safe Shooting courses in 2013. That's more than 10 people every single day who are learning about the importance of firearm safety from SSAA NSW Safe Shooting Instructors. A great effort by our hard working volunteers. In particular I'd like to acknowledge the incredible efforts of Derek Roberts (Newcastle Branch), Peter Thomson (Sydney Branch) and Trevor Allen (Griffith Branch) who each trained and accredited more than 150 new shooters in 2013! SAVE THE DATE: SSAA SHOT Expo returns to Sydney 21-22 June 2014 The 2014 SSAA SHOT Expo will return to Sydney in 2014 with a new home at Rosehill Gardens, which will make travel to and from the event more convenient than ever before. With a train station at the front gates, free parking and a shuttle bus service, 2014 is shaping up to be the biggest event we have ever held. And with more booths, and more exhibitors, than ever before there's sure to be something for everyone. We'll have more information about SSAA SHOT Expo in the NSW Shooter over the coming months, but keep an eye on the SSAA NSW website for more information. ATTENDANCES The SSAA NSW Attendance Year will conclude on 31 March 2014 and it is important that all shooters have completed their required number of shoots by this date. This week SSAA NSW has sent out a courtesy reminder letter to all members who have not yet completed the correct number of attendances. For more information about attendances, or for a list of Frequently Asked Questions please refer to the SSAA Attendances Information Sheet. Diana Melham Executive Director - SSAA (NSW) Inc. 3

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