The 75th year of the Sporting Shooters’ Association of Australia has been one of celebration and reflection as the Association continues to strengthen and grow. Around 100 forward-thinking shooters set the wheels in motion back in 1948 and we’re now spread far and wide, with state and territory member numbers reaching new heights of more than 215,000.
We started the year singing the praises of SSAA stalwart Scottie Brydon as he was about to embark on a jam-packed calendar of events in preparation for his goal of selection to the 2024 Paris Paralympics team. Scottie is continuing in his role as SSAA ambassador where he actively promotes shooting as an all-inclusive sport suitable for everyone. And there have been great examples in all states this year of representing our sport and pastime to the wider public in come-and-try events and hosting our country’s elected leaders on the range. These activities go a long way to encourage understanding and acceptance of what we do and why.
In the political arena, SSAA Inc has been in regular contact with government entities and representatives on a number of issues including native bird-hunting, the concept of a National Firearms Register and cancellation of the 2026 Victorian Commonwealth Games. Earlier this year, SSAA Inc joined other like-minded bodies including Shooting Australia and the Sporting Industry Foundation Australia (SIFA) to relaunch the Parliamentary Friends of Shooting group after a Covid-enforced hiatus. SSAA Inc has also provided assistance throughout the year to our Western Australia branch as the government there prepared to rewrite that state’s firearm laws. A number of these issues are ongoing and we’ll continue to update members as appropriate.
Under our own roof the digital Australian Shooter was recently launched alongside the print edition of our flagship magazine, offering members a new way to read their favourite publication. We released the fourth edition of the Association’s public-facing magazine, Great Australian Outdoors, where we continue to celebrate and promote all that’s environment, conservation, travel and hunting in a forum for the masses.
As the Association looks forward to 2024 and beyond, we can reflect with pride the fact the SSAA is continuing to grow. We wish all our state and territory members, readers and advertisers a safe and enjoyable holiday period and look forward to seeing you at the range or in the field in 2024. Happy Christmas one and all!