SSAA Warrnambool Branch

Victoria Club Profile

SSAA Warrnambool Branch have again organised a fantastic Vintage Engine Rally to support the Palliative Care Unit at the Warrnambool Base Hospital. Donations made upon entry at the front gate resulted in a cheque being presented to the hospital for $2000. The event attracted about 900 visitors over the two days.

In addition to the engine rally there were a number of other activities and events. This truly was a community event with working gun dog displays, ferret races, vintage cars, trucks and motorbikes, cross-saw championships, wood turning, pottery and fresh produce stalls.

This year the branch also included a clay target come & try event. This activity was made possible through the support of the Victorian Government and SSAA (Vic) for the Melbourne 2006 Take Your Shot program. This program will see Open Days run at ten sports shooting clubs throughout Victoria as part of the Government’s efforts to build healthier, more active communities through the 2006 Commonwealth Games.

Not only do Open Days increase the profile of the shooting sports, but they aim to bring the local community closer together. Each branch or club running an Open Day under the Melbourne 2006 Take Your Shot program is required to use the event to link with a nominated local community organisation. They also have to form an organising committee involving people from the local council, the sports assembly and their club members. This exposes a variety of people to the sport of shooting while being involved in a community-based activity.

The Warrnambool Branch event actually began on Friday evening with a come & try held in Warrnambool for people with disabilities. This activity was promoted and supported by South West Sports Assembly and attracted 16 participants on the night. The Rikka training system was used with a .22 rifle that was unable to shoot projectiles; the system uses infra-red light, and the results of each shot were shown on the computer. This provided much entertainment and as usual, the carers had just as much fun.

Warrnambool Branch invited Lauryn Mark to run the clay target come & try sessions on the Sunday. If you ever get a chance to get some tips from Lauryn you will not be disappointed; she had a great attitude and an encouraging manner with everyone who tried their hand at shooting. Not only did they learn something, everyone went away with a grin after hitting a target. Not one person missed a target, due to some great coaching, of course! Many thanks to Lauryn for a great effort.

The Vintage Engine Rally is now an annual event at the Warrnambool Branch and each year there are more displays, stalls and people in attendance. Many thanks go to the members from the Working Gun Dogs Association and their dogs, the Geelong Ferret Club (always entertaining) and the many people who brought their vintage machinery, trucks, tractors, cars and motorcycles for people to see.

This type of community-strengthening activity certainly shows that the shooting sports are active, and members a valuable part of our local communities. With another nine Open Days planned up until the end of June 2006, the good work undertaken at Warrnambool will be continued in other areas around the state.

For more information contact: email laangshooter@austarnet.com.au