SSAA NSW

Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (NSW) Inc. 3 From Diana's Desk SSAA NSW AGM Round-up This year's AGM saw a record number of delegates in attendance and it was great to welcome quite a few new faces. A focus of the meeting was to update and inform delegates on topical issues currently impacting on our sport to enable them to report back to their respective Branch committees and members. To that end, we had a number of guests from various departments address delegates, answer questions and clarify concerns on a number of issues. The General Manager of the Firearms Registry, Superintendent Bluey Lyons, updated delegates on the recent review of the Firearms Registry and the resulting recommendations which included the formation of advisory committees that will enable representatives of the sport, industry and Registry to work together to address issues in the areas of ranges, legislation and communication. He also outlined his views on the importance of those involved in the shooting sports being able to have input into the regulatory framework that governs the sport. Superintendent Lyons was accompanied by the Registry's Range Manager John Howcroft, who updated delegates on particular range issues that had occurred over the past year or so and the positive working relationship currently enjoted between the Registry and SSAA NSW. Andrew Moriarty, Manager Game Licensing, from the NSW DPI Game Licensing Unit updated delegates on the establishment and operations of the Unit since the abolishment of the Game Council last year. Andrew was accompanied by Troy Hogarth, Team Leader Compliance, and together they answered numerous questions from delegates. Topics covered during this presentation included R-Licence application and renewal processes, the future plan for assessors, compliance including the 'Shut the Gate on Illegal Hunting' initiative, new requirements for R-Licence hunters, the Community Awareness Program to educate the public and other forest users and the new Hunter LEAP program which will incorporate the former Game Council education courses. Craig Arms and Ben Russell from the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service participated in a joint SSAA NSW & NPWS presentation to update on the Supplementary Pest Control (SPC) Program. Delegates were given a condensed version of the presentation provided to members who attended Information Days, provided with an update on the Program's progress to date and given an opportunity to ask questions and seek clarification on some of the 'rumours' and misinformation that had been circulating about SPC. The Program is progressing well with volunteers that have completed the training and accreditation and subsequently participated in SPC operations, providing extremely positive feedback. The Program will continue to develop over the 3 years of the trial and is being independently assessed by the Natural Resources Commission. On the SSAA NSW front, delegates were updated on the outcomes of the market research undertaken through various surveys and focus groups, which provided a good picture of our membership and their expectations. Delegates were also provided with details on the achievements of the 2010-13 Strategic Plan and the four areas identified for the development of the future direction of SSAA NSW. These broad areas cover ranges, hunting, membership and representation. Members in the main are very happy with the progress of SSAA NSW and recognise it as a strong voice working positively and proactively for shooters and its members. Elections were held for the four vacant positions on the SSAA NSW Board. Congratulations to Mark Godwin (Sydney), re-elected unopposed as Senior Vice President; David Billinghurst (Sydney) and Lance Miller (Coffs Harbour) re-elected unopposed as Board members; and Warren Brown (Griffith) our new Board member also elected unopposed. Elections were also held for the inaugural members of the SSAA NSW Appeals Panel, an important component of the disciplinary structure established with the adoption of the new State and Branch constitutions. Congratulations to Jan Jacka (Hay), Rodney Madeley (Coffs Harbour), Bryson Payne (Batemans Bay), Ken Peterson (West Wyalong), Simon Taranto (Sydney) and Grahame Walsh (Armidale). Thank you to these members who have committed to fulfil a very important role within SSAA NSW for a 5 year term. Warren Brown (Griffith) was awarded a very deserving Life Membership of SSAA NSW in recognition of his many years of service to SSAA at Branch, State and National level. SSAA SHOT Expo 2014 will be held on 21 & 22 June; which is just over a week away. This year we've moved to Rosehill Gardens which has allowed us to enhance the Expo with outdoor areas and displays as well as increased indoor exhibition areas. The 'Trade Night' is back in 2014 along with our firearms safe handling courses and the butchering and caping demonstrations. We're also pleased to have the working gun dogs from Victoria this year, along with face painting and a jumping castle to entertain all the family. And of course, we have the always popular Air Rifle, Air Pistol and Archery ranges which are sure to keep our visitors occupied. So whether you are looking for the latest firearms and ammunition, hunting essentials including torches, binoculars and clothing, camping equipment, if you are planning a safari or much, much, more SSAA SHOT Expo 2014 is the place to be. We're expecting that this year's SSAA SHOT Expo will be the biggest and best ever, and we look forward to seeing you there. Diana Melham Executive Director - SSAA (NSW) Inc.

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