SSAA Kempsey Branch

New South Wales Club Profile

The SSAA Kempsey Branch has come a long way in the past 10 years since its inception, and this was only because of the hard work of its members.

The idea of Kempsey Branch was materialised by a few dedicated shooters who were members of the nearby Port Macquarie club, who decided to form their own local club.

After much recognition, they came to an arrangement with another local rifle club to share their range. They were given the use of a part of the 1000m range to shoot a maximum of 150m.

It was tough in those days with few members and little money. The equipment was made by members and earthworks were done by hand.

Their allocated days were Thursdays and Sundays - days which are still used today. The club grew and numbers increased, and with good financial management the club decided it was time to expand its range size. Negotiations started with governing bodies to clear more land and give them their own identity. They moved off the main range to the side running parallel with it and have now increased the distance to 200m.

A lot of blood and sweat was put into the next few years. Timber was cleared, money was saved and machinery was hired for hard work.

As they grew, they encouraged the younger ones to take more of an interest in the running of the club. Under the eyes of the older and wiser (who began to take more of a back seat), the club leapt forward.

With an increasingly healthy bankroll and a small grant from the Government, they decided to make their dream come true and try to make it one of the best on the coast.

They started more than two years ago and now it’s in its final stages, with only paths and water tanks to be done. The construction began with earthworks for the buildings - the first, a weatherproof and soundproof shooting firing point with concrete benches and wooden posts for different disciplines with a lock-up storeroom on the end.

Their next project was to complete an office and undercover areas for the members to enjoy a barbecue and sit and relax after an enjoyable day’s shooting. This area is now finished with gardens and new toilets with wheelchair access.

More than 300 of Kempsey’s members belong to the SSAA. They have approximately 1500 members who visit the range every year - not including the Police and Corrective Services shooters, visitors and non-shooters.

The first Sunday of each month is their centrefire and rimfire competition day, while the second Sunday is a Black Powder day. The third and fourth Sundays are practice days, as is every Thursday.

The complex caters for two government departments to use on non-shooting days, and the local Cadets.

Visitors are welcome to a friendly atmosphere to any of the events.

The Kempsey club is very proud of its achievements and thanks go to all those unnamed members who worked so hard to fulfil their dreams.