SSAA NSW

BUILDING OUR PROFILE… Increasing the awareness, understanding and acceptance of the shooting sports, recreational hunting and firearms ownership is one of the most important roles that SSAA NSW plays. The ability to positively and effectively influence public opinion is essential to influencing decision-makers whose actions impact on our chosen recreation. Media Achieving balanced coverage in the media for any firearms related topics is another of our constant challenges. Our reasoned and factual responses are often cast aside in favour of the more sensationalist and most often misleading hype and scaremongering. Over the past 12 months we've seen waves of increased media interest in firearms ownership; in most cases these are the result of anti-gun groups' attempts to leverage off the latest tragedy. SSAA NSW has utilised these as opportunities to 'get the facts out there'. There has been an increased number of requests from various media outlets for comment on issues including firearms laws, shooting sports and pest animal management. We have also taken the opportunity to correct the record, responding to misleading information published in different publications; usually without response. On a number of occasions, we have publicly challenged the Greens and Gun Control Australia to work with us and focus our combined efforts on solving the real problem of illegal guns and gun crime. Media coverage over the past twelve months has included our appearance on the ABC's Q&A program following the NSW by-elections and the Las Vegas tragedy, interviews with ABC radio on firearms laws and the NFA, the amnesty and an introduction to firearms licencing and ownership on a new ABC podcast. SSAA NSW has provided statements and responses to numerous media outlets and has had comments published on the Greens' 'toomanyguns website in the Newcastle Herald, feral cat problems in the Wagga Daily Advertiser and Griffith's The Area News, feral deer impacts in an online ABC article, minors permits in the Sydney Morning Herald, the Junior Target Shooting Camp in Griffith's The Area News and participated in a Nine News interview on juniors in the sport. SSAA NSW has also circulated responses to articles containing commentary from Gun Control Australia including their call for a referendum on firearms laws, their report on stolen firearms and their report on compliance with the NFA. During May we hosted a 'ladies competition' in response to a request from SBS Viceland who were interested in doing a segment on the rise of females in the sport. The response to the 'call out' for ladies to come along and promote the sport was phenomenal, so much so that we are working on a monthly 'ladies competition' that we hope to expand on a regional basis. Read more about this event in a separate article on pages 8 and 9. Promotional Activities First-hand experience is the best marketing tool and try shooting is one of the best ways for people to 'give it a go' in a safe and relaxed environment. These first-hand experiences, whilst labour intensive, are the most effective way to get non-shooters to understand, accept and sometimes even join our sport. SSAA NSW continues to utilise the Mobile Air Rifle Range as a 'draw card' at the various events we attend as part of our promotion of the shooting sports at field days, local fairs and charity events. The Mobile Range is also available to Branches for their events; SSAA NSW will be attending the SSAA Illawarra Outdoor and Adventure Expo. This year will see SSAA NSW host the largest SHOT Expo ever held. As well as increased exhibitor and visitor numbers we are looking at introducing some 'firsts' for the event that will see SSAA NSW lead the way in innovation. SSAA NSW continues to support HuntFest as its major naming sponsor. The event now in its fifth year continues to grow with more exhibitors and visitors each year. In May we hosted a number of NSW Members of Parliament at our first "Pollie Try Shooting" event. This provided a unique opportunity to not only showcase our sport, but also further build SSAA NSW's reputation as the State's leading body representing the shooting sports, recreational hunting and firearms ownership. Look out for the article that will be published in the September edition of the NSW Shooter. ANOTHER INCREDIBLY BUSY AND PRODUCTIVE YEAR… Much of the achievements and successes can be attributed to the incredibly dedicated and skilled team at the SSAA NSW Office and the wide range of business skills and expertise brought to the NSW Board by the Directors. Volunteers form an essential part of the Association and play an integral role in delivering benefits to members at the 'grass roots' level. SSAA NSW is the ultimate example of teamwork with multiple groups and individuals all pulling together to cement its position as the strongest shooting Association in New South Wales. Diana Melham Executive Director - SSAA (NSW) Inc. Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (NSW) Inc. 7

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