SSAA NSW

Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (NSW) Inc. 3 National Parks SPC Program More and more of our H&C hunters are signing up to help clean up the feral animal problem in selected National Parks. However at a recent parliamentary committee hearing the Shooters & Fishers Party and the Greens questioned the value and startup costs of the program. I believe there was no mention of how much money was thrown at the now defunct Game Council. $25 Firearms Insurance SSAA Insurance Brokers is about to launch a fantastic new offer. For a fl at fee of $25 per year you can insure all the fi rearms registered in your name. This should save you a lot of money on your Home Contents Policy. More about this great SSAA insurance offer in the New Year. It's also been a big year for visiting Ranges and Branches around the State and from what I have seen it just keeps getting better: Armidale The new Armidale Shooting Complex is on track to open next year but the paper work involved in opening a new range is mind-boggling. However, the highly professional Armidale team led by President, Grahame Walsh, has the situation well under control. Dubbo SSAA NSW, using funds from the Range Development Fund (RDF), have purchased land in the area and work will begin shortly on this huge SSAA NSW Shooting Complex. Recently, Di Melham and I met with the local Branch and introduced them to Mitch Newberry from our SSAA NSW Head Offi ce. Mitch will act as Project Manager responsible for getting the 1000 metre range plus shotgun and pistol ranges up and running and also liaising with the local council. I believe this range will become the home of many great shooting competitions. For years we have talked about a mid-state shooting centre like this and now it's a reality. Good work and thanks to the Dubbo team, Mitch and Richard Drozdowski, our RDF range designer genius. Macksville The new Range at Macksville on the north coast is now open and well worth a visit, so contact the Branch for more information and the hours of operation. Wagga Wagga This year saw a set back with the Wagga Range Safety Template. However, the new Range Inspector from the Firearms Registry, Dick Oakley, working with the Wagga Branch team solved the problems and with funding assistance from SSAA NSW, I believe it's almost business as usual. The Firearms Registry Since Superintendant Bluey Lyons took over running the Registry things have changed for the better… big time. Some of you met Bluey at our AGM this year and it's a pleasure to work with him. Recently, I was appointed to a Forum of four set up by the Registry to look at the problems faced by licensed fi rearms owners and the industry at large. We have been tasked to fi nd ways to iron out rough spots in the regulations including the much talked about Ammo Bill and changes are coming. Bluey also tells me once their new computer system is up and running, buying fi rearms, renewing licenses and dealing with the Registry will be much more streamlined. 2015 State Election The SSAA NSW Board has decided to meet with all the major parties so we can bring you up to date on where they stand on shooting sports. This will be published next year in the NSW Shooter. Well that's it for this year. I would like to thank Di Melham for being the best Executive Director in the world. If you only knew the endless hours and passion she puts in, it is truly amazing… well done Di from all of us. I also thank our Senior VP, Mark Godwin, for his help with all the Branch Grants and great year-round support. Thanks also to Richard Drozdowski, our Junior VP and RDF resident Range Designer genius. Also I congratulate all the NSW Board members for being a great bunch of shooters who are totally united and committed to making your SSAA NSW Board the most effective in Australia. A Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family. Seeya at the range Paul McNabb SSAA NSW President

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