SSAA Snowy River Branch

New South Wales Club Profile

On Monday February 3, 1992 a decision was made to open the SSAA Jindabyne Branch, which would serve to protect the right of the individual to own a firearm for recreation purposes. Mr Kim Weston, a local landholder, donated the land for the range and he has since been a very strong supporter of the club.

The inaugural general meeting was held on May 20, 1992. At that time there were 52 registered members. The current membership stands at about 160, with only five female shooters and no juniors.

At the time the range was started only a paddock existed. The facilities constructed since then include14 bays and concrete benches under a covered firing line, five small ancillary sheds and a double garage-sized shed with basic cooking facilities used as the clubhouse. The range itself is 500m with stop butts at 100, 200, 300, 375 and 500m. A besser block amenities block was constructed with assistance from a Sport & Recreation grant.

In May 1994 the motion was carried to change the name from SSAA Jindabyne to SSAA Snowy River to better reflect the membership and location of the range.

The range facilities are used by outside groups such as NSW Police, Department of Corrections and National Parks & Wildlife to train and gain accreditation for their members.

SSAA Snowy River has always been a strong club. Although small, it always has representation at national, state and regional shoots, with members placing in the trophies.

As juniors, Dann Suthern and Les Thomas, the two youngest members of the club, hold the majority of junior records between them in silhouette and field rifle. Both have been selected for a second time to represent Australia at Oceania later in the year.

The club holds silhouette, field rifle, 3 positional and benchrest shoots. Fun Days are held in conjunction with the local golf and bowling club. These days are extremely popular and give all of the local community a chance to participate in sports they would not normally be involved in.

For more information contact: secretary Julie Davies on 02 6456 3098.