SSAA Sunshine Coast Branch Inc

Queensland Club Profile

The Sunshine Coast. For many the name conjures up wonderful images of playing in the surf or relaxing with a cool drink by the pool. If you are a shooter, maybe it brings to mind memories of competing at the SSAA’s wonderfully lush Sunshine Coast Branch at North Arm.

The Branch was formed by about 20 generous people, who loaned, on no interest, the money needed to get the Branch up and running. As soon as the organisation became financially secure the money was paid back. Thanks to a healthy membership - 1694 financial members and about 250 active members - repaying the founding members didn’t take long.

The first president was Eddie Hunt and the current president is Garnet Swallow.

The Branch first started off by shooting lever action. The first major shoot was the State Lever Action Championships in 1979, followed by national and state championships in 1980, ’83, ’86 and ’88. On September 7 and 8 of this year the State 4A Championships was conducted.

Rimfire metallic silhouette was started in 1981 and was quickly followed by rimfire field rifle and centrefire field rifle. Members can also take part in an open rifle competition, which allows the use of any type of rifle. Another popular discipline is air rifle metallic silhouette, which has been conducted at the Branch for the past five years. In 2001, the Branch was host to the State Air Rifle Championships and by all accounts it was a huge success.

The range is wheelchair accessible and boasts a covered firing line. Because air rifle is becoming more and more popular with the members, funds are being raised in order to build a covered firing line for the air rifle range.

The range is open three Sunday mornings and three Wednesday afternoons a month for those who do not wish to take part in competitions.

All disciplines at the Branch are well attended, with an average of 20 shooters in each. So, if you are looking for a little camaraderie and friendly competition, call in to the SSAA Sunshine Coast.

For more information contact: 07 5441 4088.