Issue link: http://ssaansw.uberflip.com/i/721881
6 Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (NSW) Inc. 2016 Sydney SSAA SHOT Expo Record attendance at the Expo held at Rosehill Gardens in June More than 15,000 visitors attended this year's Sydney SSAA SHOT Expo held over the weekend of 25 and 26 June, making it the largest event in its history. SSAA SHOT Expo, Australia's premier event for the Sports Shooting Industry, was held at Rosehill Gardens with over 160 exhibitors showcasing the latest on offer for shooting, hunting and outdoor activities. Despite the cold weather, visitors from all backgrounds and shooting abilities attended over the two days. SSAA NSW ran a number of courses at the Expo with 100 people completing their Firearms Safety Training Course and almost 300 completing their Restricted licence (R-licence) accreditation, with some classes booked out over the weekend. SSAA NSW staff and volunteers were on hand in the SSAA NSW precinct and answered a variety of enquires from both members and non-members. Over 3,000 SSAA NSW showbags were handed out. Devil Ark, a charity organisation dedicated to ensuring the survival of the endangered Tasmanian Devil, were also present in the SSAA NSW stand. Devil Ark, who SSAA NSW partnered with earlier this year, also brought 'Levi', a male Tasmanian Devil who was a big hit with kids and adults alike. There were two main halls for visitors to explore as well as a large outdoor area which included the SSAA NSW Mobile Air Rifle Range and an active display of the SSAA NSW Shotgun Trailer's clay target throwers. A great deal of meticulous planning is required for an event like this which includes permits and inspections by NSW Police on top of strict protocols for the display, inspection and purchase of firearms, along with a significant security presence throughout the event. There was a fantastic atmosphere over the weekend despite a sensationalised and misleading TV news story aired by Channel 7 News on Saturday evening on the event. SSAA NSW hit back through a media release. Event sponsors ATN, Swarovski Optik Hunting and Winchester Australia were some of the major exhibitors displaying the latest scopes, firearms and accessories. While in the Outdoor arena, the SSAA Working Gun Dog demonstrations and Yamaha All-Terrain Vehicle Safety Demos drew large crowds.