SSAA NSW

Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (NSW) Inc. 5 shooting complex capable of servicing regional, state and national competitions. This purchase is another addition to the growing portfolio of SSAA NSW owned ranges which includes facilities at Armidale, Hay, Macksville, Forbes and St Marys. The RDF has also provided funding to SSAA NSW Wagga Wagga Branch for development work at their owned Big Springs Range. During the coming year the RDF will also provide funding to further develop other Branch and SSAA NSW owned facilities to 'future proof' those ranges. Members told us they wanted more hunting… In the membership survey, hunting opportunities was identified as an important benefit of membership with 83% of those that responded indicating that they are involved in hunting with around half of those hunting between 1 and 5 times per year and 30 % holding an R Licence. Respondents to the H&C Program survey indicated hunting opportunities, training and accreditation, an information source and the support of hunting as some of the main benefits for H&C membership. In response SSAA NSW is working on growing the array of hunting, training, education and accreditation opportunities available to members and by doing so also increase community awareness and acceptance of the valuable contribution volunteer hunters make to conserving the environment. These are a couple of the reasons we entered into our successful partnership with National Parks and Wildlife Service to provide volunteers for the Supplementary Pest Control Program and we're currently working on establishing similar partnerships with other bodies. We're also working with SSAA National to expand the Farmer Assist program into New South Wales. SSAA NSW has been a long time registered Approved Hunting Organisation (AHO) with the Department of Primary Industries and we're currently in the process of becoming an accredited HunterLEAP provider which will increase the training and education opportunities for our members. The establishment of a hunter education and training facility will form part of the development of the new regional shooting complex at Dubbo. Members wanted us to be more politically active… The third highest ranking benefit identified was the provision of a political voice, with two thirds of the members who responded indicating they valued this and recognised SSAA NSW as a strong voice working positively and proactively for members and the sport. SSAA NSW has been building direct relationships with politicians, regulators and decision makers so that we're now in a position to inform those that have an influence on firearms ownership and our sport. Whilst our approach of collaboration and mutual respectful negotiation doesn't always yield instant results that are immediately seen by members, the relationships and achievements are almost always long lasting and beneficial. Members want to know what's going on… Provision of information was the fourth highest ranking membership benefit and amazingly 90% of survey respondents indicated that they get their information from the NSW Shooter. Recognising that a significant number of our members are not regular computer users we've introduced the Quarterly Review which is circulated in printed form to most of our SSAA NSW members each quarter. We continue to widen our methods of communication through the use of electronic and social media such as the SSAA NSW website, Facebook and Twitter. A vitally important part of our role is the positive promotion of the shooting sports to increase understanding and acceptance. Communication is integral in getting the message out to the community at large enabling us to educate the general public and build greater awareness of the shooting sports and its safe, fun and unique attributes. To be effective we utilise a variety of methods which include getting out amongst the general public with the Mobile Air Rifle Range encouraging people to have a go, organising, supporting and sponsoring events such as Girls Night In, SHOT Expo, HuntFest, Unlock the Bush Muster and various other outdoor shows and exhibitions. Our policy of always responding to media requests, whether by interview or providing written comment has assisted us with building a reputation as the 'go to' organisation within NSW. Whilst our comments are not always published, it's important that we take every opportunity to get the facts out there along with positive messages about the sport and SSAA NSW. As you can see, SSAA NSW has listened to what our members wanted and will continue to dedicate its efforts to working in the best interests of our members, our Association and the furtherance of the shooting sports. So please speak up, tell us what you want… your thoughts are important to SSAA NSW. Diana Melham Executive Director - SSAA (NSW) Inc.

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