SSAA NSW

4 Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (NSW) Inc. From Diana's Desk Members need to have their say... But how? SSAA NSW is recognised as the largest and most diverse shooting body in the State: • Our membership of 58,000 represents a large and diverse cross section of our community – this membership base brings with it a diversity of age, ability, skill level and gender. • Our unique position as the only shooting body able to offer its members opportunities to participate in all of the many and varied activities encompassed within the shooting sports – facilitation and support of these activities (which include target shooting for rifle, pistol and shotgun, hunting and collecting) brings with it a diversity of interests and motivations. • Our reputation as the peak shooting body in the State, which has been built by ensuring that our positions are always based on facts and evidence and that our approach is collaborative and pragmatic – resulting in SSAA NSW being the 'go to' organisation for the media, politicians, bureaucrats and others seeking informed, rational and credible comment. Inherit in such a large and diverse group of people is a variety of views, opinions, agendas and motivations; the challenge for SSAA NSW is getting a true picture of what our members want, what our sport needs and what's essential for our association to continue to thrive and grow. So, how do we know what our members want? How do we get a true picture of what the majority of members want and not get side-tracked by the 'squeaky wheels'? How do we determine what the majority view is, what the expectations of the majority of members are, and how do we differentiate these from personal agendas or those driven by outside influences? Our approach is no different to the way we address any of the other challenges we face; establish the facts and base our strategy and plans on credible, reliable evidence and data. How do we ensure every member has an opportunity to have their say? Through democratic processes that give everyone the chance to become involved. Members of SSAA NSW Branches have two options that provide them with the chance to have their say, provide feedback and help shape their association; • Annual General Meetings, and • Member Surveys and other feedback opportunities. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS The first six months of the year is AGM season and many of you may have already received your meeting notice or even attended your Branch AGM. It's a legal requirement for all Branches, SSAA NSW and SSAA National to hold an Annual General Meeting each year. AGMs enable "members" of the different entities within the SSAA organisation to be updated on activities and achievements, elect their Committee/Board to manage the affairs of the entity and also provide input into various aspects of the entity. SSAA Organisational Structure – Voting Members SSAA NSW AGMs Each year the SSAA NSW AGM is attended by Branch delegates from around the state. As the "members" of SSAA NSW, the Branches have the right to vote on motions, elect SSAA NSW Board members and raise agenda items. These rights are exercised on behalf of the Branch by their representative "delegate". Delegates have an obligation to act in the best interests of their Branch as a whole and to avoid the effect of personal agendas or outside influences on their decision making. In many cases, the Branch Committee will consider the matters to be discussed at the SSAA NSW 3 3 3

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