The Sporting Shooters’ Association of Australia held its 53rd national annual general meeting in Hobart over the weekend of April 18 and 19. The meeting was attended by SSAA state and territory delegates, staff and observers, as well as a guest speaker.
Reports were presented to the meeting, detailing the activities of the Membership, Merchandise (SSAA Store), Disciplines, Finance, Insurance, Hunting, Publications and International Affairs departments, Executive and National CEO in the past year.
Elections for the 2015 Executive Board were held on the Saturday, with SSAA National President Geoff Jones, Senior Vice President Ron Bryant, Junior Vice President Jeff Kuyken, Secretary Kaye McIntyre and Treasure Alf Bastian all re-elected to their positions unopposed.
At the AGM dinner on Saturday night, Queensland wildlife biologist Neal Finch made a guest presentation about the importance and culture of recreational hunting in Australia. Neal has extensive experience in game management research and practice, having worked with The University of Queensland in deer research, co-authoring the 2012 report ‘Expenditure and motivation of Australian recreational hunters’, and penning many conservation-related articles for the SSAA’s Australian Shooter and Australian Hunter magazines.
Also in attendance at the AGM dinner were SSAA National Life Member Dave McAllister and his wife Lindy, who said they enjoyed catching up with ‘old’ and new SSAA members.
Following proceedings on the Sunday, Geoff Jones and Kaye McIntyre were both awarded SSAA National Life Memberships in recognition of their many years of dedication and service.