SSAA NSW

Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (NSW) Inc. 5 from the outset newcomers are taught the importance of safety. We as law abiding firearms owners are regulated by some of the strictest firearms 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 field; 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 firearms, 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 fittest, the fastest or the tallest – everyone is welcome to participate. However, it does require skill, accuracy and consistency and it's not unusual to find 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 Rifle 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 firearm 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 message 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-firearms campaigners that seem only too willing to misinform the general public to achieve support for their misguided objectives. Who knows, if we all take the opportunity to promote our sport we may well see more and more positive coverage in the media. Diana Melham Executive Director - SSAA (NSW) Inc. The NSW Shooter is published by the Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (NSW) Inc Disclaimer: Please note that the views expressed are not necessarily those of SSAA (NSW) Inc. Attention: Branch Secretaries/Publicity Officers Editorial deadline for the October 2015 issue of the NSW Shooter (online only) is Friday 25 September 2015. Editor: Jay Pandya Graphic Designer: Craig Rogers Post all correspondence and contributions to: Newsletter PO Box 1001 ST MARYS NSW 1790 or email nswshooter@nsw.ssaa.org.au Cover: Photo taken by Lance Miller of SSAA NSW Branch delegates, board members and staff at the 2015 SSAA NSW Annual General Meeting.

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