SSAA Albany Branch

Western Australia Club Profile

Members of the SSAA Albany Branch in Western Australia have much to boast about. Not only do they have access to a lush and well-equipped shooting range, their hometown offers unrivalled views of some of the world’s most beautiful naturally protected waterways, which are enhanced by dolphins, seals and humpback and Southern Right whales. The town was also Western Australia’s first European settlement and was the place of assembly and departure for some 30,000 troops serving in the Great War and Gallipoli in 1914. Home to Australia’s first official dawn service, Albany has an intense connection with the Anzac legend.

The SSAA Albany Branch was started in 1969 by current member Kevin Caimanos. It caters for 102 members: 90 men and 12 women. Ken Oldham has been the President for the past 10 years. Helping Ken keep everything running smoothly is Vice President Greg Davis and Secretary Harry Smith.

The range is 18km west of Albany and just 1km from a beautiful swimming, fishing and surfing beach. The range is surrounded by coastal flora, both in and outside of its boundaries.

Facilities include toilet and limited camping amenities, three clubhouses and a number of ranges: a Western Action/Combined Services range, a Lever Action range, a Revolver/Sport Pistol range and a Muzzleloading range. The upgrades currently underway on the camping area and toilet blocks will make overnight stays much more pleasant for visiting shooters.

Despite its strong numbers, Harry Smith says the branch is continually focusing on increasing membership, “specifically young adult and junior membership”. Advertising is by way of the Albany Chamber of Commerce phone directory and a weekly write-up of shooting results in the Albany Advertiser. Involvement in the annual Australia Day celebrations also draws attention to the branch. Each year the Muzzleloading shooters don period dress and shoot-off the city’s old black powder cannon.

Major competition events include the Biannual Muzzleloading Labor Day Shoot, Lever Action State Shoots every few years and occasional Lever Action Revolver State Shoots.
The range is open every weekend and training is offered in Revolver, Metallic Silhouette, Field Pistol, Muzzleloading, Lever Action, Western Action, Combined Services, Pistol and Rifle disciplines.

The branch shares the range with the Service Cadets and the Department of Environment and Conservation.

If your travels take you to beautiful and historic Albany, be sure to stop by the SSAA Albany Branch. You won’t be disappointed.

For more information contact: Harry Smith on hksmith1@bigpond.com