SSAA Newman Branch

Western Australia Club Profile

The SSAA Newman Branch was founded in the early 1970s by a group of school teachers who shared a passion for the shooting sports. Since Newman is a mining town and prone to a transient population, it is no surprise that none of the original club members are still around. Newman is a model mining town and is the largest town in the shire of East Pilbara, which is one of the most isolated and inhospitable regions in Australia.

The club is located at the edge of town in an industrial area. With the current boom in the mining industry, the town has more than tripled its population in the past two years and this has provided a great boost to the club’s membership. There are about 30 members who participate in Field Rifle, Practical Pistol, Metallic Silhouette (both centrefire and rimfire), Black Powder, Benchrest and Shotgun shooting.

These disciplines are conducted on the club’s 300m Benchrest range, the Field Rifle range and the two Metallic Silhouette ranges. Other facilities include a clubroom, barbecue facility and toilets. The club recently received a grant from the local shire and is using the money to provide much-needed renovations to the clubroom.

Other organisations also utilise the Newman Branch range. Gotcha Paintball, a local paintball company, uses the range on non-club shooting days and contributes to the venue’s upkeep. Various government departments also occasionally use the range for training.

The club’s current President is Steven Hide. Lindsay Lawrence serves as both Vice President and Secretary. Luke Forti handles all the financial aspects of the club.

The town’s only gunshop, Capricorn Firearms, is located onsite. Not only do members benefit from easy access, but they also receive discounted rates.

The range is open on Sundays from 2pm. A calendar of events is available upon request.

For more information contact: Steven Hide on 08 9175 0002 or steveh@austindo.com.au or Scott Baines on 0408 936 432.