SSAA Darwin Branch

Northern Territory Club Profile

The Darwin branch of the SSAA opened in 1976 with 16 members and Brian Watts as president. Brian remained president until 1996 when Col Mellon, the current president, took over.

Currently the SSAA Darwin branch has 688 members; 103 are female. Only eight members are juniors, which is something Col is keen to rectify.

Juniors often come for a casual shoot, however, only eight are regular members. They are almost all involved in sporting rifle events. To build our junior membership base, we will soon embark on a campaign to attract juniors to our club and to our sport. One way of achieving this is by developing additional sport shooting competitions they are interested in and expanding club facilities. We are currently working on a new shotgun trap and sheltered area, which will benefit all members - not just the juniors.

Another proposal I am keen to move on, is revamping the ante-room and turning it into a conference/lecture room. The NT Police are showing interest in using that facility, which is of great benefit for us.”

Disciplines shot at the Darwin branch are varied: single-action, muzzleloading, sporting rifle, IHMSA, ISSF, field pistol and rifle, lever action, benchrest, rifle metallic silhouette and service match. Conservation and Pest Management and Hunting and Conservation are two very active groups. Hunting and Conservation make up the majority of members. The disciplines are shot over five ranges, which include a shotgun trap, 1x50-metre, 2x200-metre and a 1x500-metre. The range has barbecue facilities and the capability to hold sit-down dining and formal functions.

Groups such as the Arms Collectors Association of Northern Territory, Police Fire Emergency Services, Corrections Department, Primary Industry and Fisheries, and the Conservation Commission use the facilities for training and meeting purposes.

The club is also involved in community service with the Variety Club and Conservation and Pest Management.

“The club is worth visiting,” says Col. “It has excellent facilities, a beautiful environment, friendly members, and you can’t beat the Territory lifestyle.”

For more information contact: 08 8947 1339.