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Back to the basics of SSAA Victoria

Back to the basics of SSAA Victoria

The Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (Victoria) was incorporated as a public company on October 1, 1973. We exist to promote the shooting sports and protect firearm owners’ interests.

With more than 36,000 members, SSAA Victoria is a leading body representing licensed firearm owners in Victoria. SSAA Victoria has more than a dozen branches and more than 30 sub-clubs and disciplines within the organisation.

SSAA Victoria is dedicated to supporting its 36,000 members through its facilities, competitions, communications and advocacy work. All members have access to fortnightly electronic newsletters, the bi-monthly electronic Victorian Shooter magazine and breaking news alerts, to ensure they keep up to date with issues affecting firearm users. SSAA memberships are offered to juniors and pensioners at discounted rates.

The current Victorian board election has created plenty of interest within SSAA Victoria. Campaigning by those who have nominated for the available positions on the board has been vigorous. Many members are obviously very passionate about the Association, which is great to see, and there has certainly been plenty of criticism directed at SSAA Victoria, especially via social media platforms.

Constructive criticism and positive suggestions are always welcome. There is always room for improvement and refinement. Malicious statements, however, merely undermines the Association and hinders its ability to fulfil its aims and objectives.

It may be appropriate to take things back a step and look at the aims and objectives of the Association. Is the criticism being directed at it justified in light of those objectives? SSAA Victoria is not, and will never be, all things to all people. However, the Association is very clear in its aims and objectives and what it offers members.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

  • To promote and encourage competitive target shooting and practice shooting, with a view to developing proficient and safe use of firearms
  • To promote and encourage ethical hunting and field shooting, and related ancillary activities
  • To promote and advocate game and fauna conservation and to promote a better understanding between members, landholders, regulatory bodies, other interest groups and the general public
  • To promote and advocate the rights of firearms owners to legislative and regulatory bodies, and to the general public
  • To promote country centres throughout the state of Victoria for the purposes of carrying out any of the objectives of the company

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

  • As an approved hunting organisation and approved target shooting club, membership to SSAA gives you a ‘genuine reason’ for firearm ownership as per the Victorian Firearms Act 1996
  • $20m public liability insurance
  • Free annual subscription to Australian Shooter magazine
  • Free annual subscription to Victorian Shooter magazine
  • Free copies of the Junior Shooter
  • Discounted subscription rates to all other SSAA publications
  • Discounted range fees

In spite of criticism from some quarters, the Association has had significant achievements. Members are encouraged to read the Annual Report 2017 for more information on those achievements. They include a $1.14m surplus, the purchase of the Springvale Range, and the employment of a dedicated Hunting Development Manager.

The Association encourages all members to have their say in a constructive way and to vote in the election.