SSAA NSW

Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (NSW) Inc. 3 From Diana's Desk Periodically there'll be an interest sparked in the media and as a result there'll be a fl urry of various articles and reports about the shooting sports. More often than not these will be one-sided and very loosely based on fact, if at all. Gone, it seems, are the days when there was a responsibility to inform the public of the facts, now there seems to be an abundance of stories based on opinion rather than truth. At these times we're often asked 'where's the response from SSAA NSW?' Most times, SSAA NSW has spoken with the journalist or in the rare instance where we are unavailable for an interview we always offer a written statement. More often than not our comments are not published, or occasionally when they are, it is usually an excerpt that doesn't truly portray our viewpoint. It's an unfortunate reality that many media outlets are not going to give equal time to organisations such as SSAA NSW when instead they can get sensational grabs from ill-informed anti-fi rearm campaigners. Over the past couple of years SSAA NSW has developed a number of key messages that, at every opportunity, are incorporated into any publicity or interview that we do. These messages revolve around safety, education, responsible fi rearms ownership, regulation of our sport and our intolerance for those criminals who choose to break fi rearms laws. We also focus on the safe, fun and unique aspect of our sport. Our sport is one of the safest because everyone involved takes safety extremely seriously; from the outset newcomers are taught the importance of safety. We as law abiding fi rearms owners are regulated by some of the strictest fi rearms laws, not only in Australia but worldwide. The shooting sports are fun because they allow anyone (over the age of 12 years) to participate on a level playing fi eld; that makes it an ideal family sport. There are a large variety of disciplines on offer that are challenging in many ways and also encourage a strong sense of camaraderie amongst competitors; many who are only too happy to share their skills and expertise, and often their fi rearms, with newcomers. Shooting is unique because it's one of the oldest Olympic sports and can be enjoyed individually or as part of a group. It doesn't require a shooter to be the fi ttest or the fastest or the tallest – everyone is welcome to participate. However, it does require skill, accuracy and consistency and it's not unusual to fi nd shooters of all ages and abilities competing alongside each other at the range. An important part of the campaign to make the general public more aware and accepting of our sport involves us getting out there amongst the community. Over the past couple of years SSAA NSW has made a concerted effort in this area; with our Mobile Air Rifl e Range we attend numerous community events including local fares, school fetes, regional and agricultural shows. This is a great way to get the public to come along and try shooting in a relaxed and encouraging atmosphere. More often than not they walk away with a smile on their face and a new understanding of the safe, fun and unique nature of our sport. Even if they never pick up a fi rearm again, they have experienced the sport, gained an understanding of the safety and responsibility required to participate and in the majority of cases, are more likely to be accepting of our sport. Our members are an extremely important part of getting our messages out there; after all you are the ones that are out amongst the community every day. Next time you read or hear a story about the shooting sports that you feel is not giving us a fair go, write to the editor or producer and give them the facts to set the record straight. If you hear people discussing the shooting sports, take the opportunity to tell them what is great about our sport and why you've chosen to be involved. The more positive messages we get out there, slowly but surely we'll chip away at the misconceptions and untruths so easily circulated by the anti-fi rearms campaigners that seem only too willing to misinform the general public to achieve support for their objectives. Diana Melham Executive Director - SSAA (NSW) Inc. At the SSAA NSW Dubbo Branch 'Lie Detector' shoot I was really chuffed to be presented with a personalised painting (that is featured on the front cover). The artist, Stephen Pope, is a member of the Branch Committee and explained that SSAA NSW Offi ce as well as all of the NSW Member Branches are represented in the painting. The painting now has pride of place on my offi ce wall – thank you Stephen for this amazing gift.

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