One Club, One Community

SSAA NSW Newcastle Branch’s approach to building a strong shooting community

SSAA NSW Newcastle Branch isn’t just a SSAA NSW branch that shoots from the Seaham Range — it’s the second largest branch in NSW and an example of how a great branch culture can strengthen the sport and grow a thriving, inclusive community.

By embracing a “One Club” model, SSAA NSW Newcastle Branch has created a culture where all shooters, regardless of age, experience, or discipline, are treated as equals. It’s a philosophy that continues to be central to the branch’s operational ethos that fosters respect, encourages participation, and breaks down the barriers that can exist between shooting groups and disciplines.

What “One Club” Means

Rather than separating members by discipline like single action, smallbore or benchrest, SSAA NSW Newcastle Branch promotes that:

All members have equal access to the facilities, competitions, support from experienced shooters and branch members, and events.
Shared communication, discussion and planning across all shooting sports groups.
A consistent, inclusive culture that transcends generations from day one.

Welcoming New Shooters

SSAA NSW Newcastle Branch works hard to welcome newcomers to the sport and has well experienced Range Officers who make new shooters, feel genuinely welcome. The branch also encourages its members to participate in competitions, and volunteer to assist with running the branch as a Range Officer or at other events held at the range, such as “Try Shooting Days”.

The result has been a stronger, more connected membership where people stay involved and engaged long-term.

Growing from Tradition to Diversity

The Seaham Range was established following access to the property being provided by J & W Bruce in the late 60s. With the property later being purchased by the branch, it has come a long way from its origins as a benchrest range, under the leadership of SSAA NSW Newcastle Branch Executive. As the interest in shooting sports has grown in the area, the branch is responding by expanding its facilities to support a wider range of disciplines.

Today, the range caters for everything from casual shooting practice, precision rifle competitions and pistols to muzzleloaders in various competition formats.

“This growth isn’t just about adding infrastructure—it is about building a more inclusive branch that offers multiple shooting disciplines that will meet the needs of a broader community of shooters,” says Adam Marshall, Secretary for the SSAA NSW Newcastle Branch.

“We also have a growing community of muzzleloading rifle and canon shooters at our range, which can be interesting to watch,” he concludes.