SSAA West Wyalong

New South Wales Club Profile

West Wyalong is a small country town situated on the Newell Highway between Wagga Wagga, Griffith and Dubbo. It is approximately five hours west of Sydney. The area is predominantly a grain and sheep-producing region. However, its economy received a boost when the Barrick Lake Cowal Gold Mine opened four years ago.

The SSAA West Wyalong Branch, which was established in 1987, is located 5km from the town centre on 32 acres of farming and grazing land. It features a shed-cum-clubhouse and a baffled range with a covered shooting bay that hosts nine shooting benches. Branch President Craig Hopkins said the club is currently looking into the feasibility of building a new “you-beaut” clubroom.

The branch has a lifetime lease with the West Wyalong Clay Target Club. The two clubs have a great relationship and share electricity costs, parking and toilet facilities, as well as members! Dual membership is the norm.

The branch has 80 enrolled members, 18 to 25 of whom regularly attend the monthly shooting events. The branch has approval for Rimfire and Black Powder competitions, which are held every second Saturday and Sunday, respectively. Centrefire sighting-in is permitted after these events. Pistol shooting is also permitted.

“All of our shoots are classified as ‘major shooting events’ by our members,” said Craig, “But the club does hold special annual shoots during Easter and Christmas.” Competition results are reported in the local paper, The West Wyalong Advocate, and they are mentioned on the local radio station. This, along with word of mouth, is generating a lot of interest from families and juniors. The club’s goal is to continue to increase its membership, especially juniors, and provide participants with a safe shooting environment. The warm and welcoming atmosphere cultivated at the club is just one of the many reasons the branch is thriving.

“A large number of our members have SSAA range officer accreditation and willingly offer their time and knowledge to new prospective shooters,” said Craig. There are also a number of accredited instructors who put newcomers through the SSAA Safe Shooting Accreditation course using club rifles donated by members.

Member Ray Hale, who drives a 150km round trip to shoot, currently holds the title of club Top Shot. However, according to Craig, a few of the junior shooters are giving him a run for his money.

The SSAA West Wyalong Branch offers a friendly, happy environment where everyone is welcome.

For contact information check the state branch list here.