Our History

A legacy of safe and responsible shooting sports, hunting and collecting

The Sporting Shooters’ Association of Australia (SSAA) was founded in 1948 to represent the interests of law-abiding sporting shooters across the nation. Since then, it has grown into the largest shooting organisation in Australia, with over 155,000 members nationally.

SSAA NSW was established in the 1950s as the state body, and today it represents more than 72,000 members across New South Wales. From its beginnings, SSAA NSW has been dedicated to making shooting safe, accessible and respected for individuals, families and communities throughout the state.

Growth and milestones

Over the decades, SSAA NSW has evolved alongside its members. Our history reflects not only the growth of shooting sports but also the values of responsibility, inclusivity and advocacy.

1940s – The beginning

1946 – The first known meeting of NSW shooters takes place in Sydney, laying the groundwork for what would become SSAA.
16 August 1947 – A second meeting is held at the Triggs family home in Auburn, with key early members present.
15 April 1948 – Over 100 shooters gather at the Railway Institute Building in Sydney and formally establish the Sporting Shooters Association of Australia.
1948 onwards – City membership is set at ten shillings, and a flood of public notices are distributed through gun shops to grow awareness.

1950s-1960s – Early growth & new branches

Early NSW ranges begin to form through volunteer effort and community support across Baulkham Hills, Wollongong, Cowra, Newcastle and more.
Baulkham Hills Rifle Range (opened 1952) becomes one of the state’s most active early ranges, hosting competitions, novelty shoots and demonstrations.
Branch formation accelerates, including notable branches such as Parkes (first meeting held in 1972, building its own strong local culture).

1960s-1970s – Establishing permanent ranges

1964–1965 – Silverdale Range is scouted, surveyed, cleared and approved, becoming a major new home for benchrest shooters.
1966 – First official competition events are held at Silverdale.
1969 – Silverdale Range is purchased and formally staffed.
1971 – A live-in caretaker position is established at Silverdale, signalling the range’s long-term commitment to shooters.

1970s-1990s – A growing community

SSAA NSW expands its focus into conservation, wildlife management and family-friendly shooting disciplines.
Member stories from this era - such as the achievements of Ann Brummell (NSW’s first woman in the prestigious Benchrest group) and Max Coady (National Benchrest Scorer) - highlight the depth of talent and dedication within the association.

2000s-Today – Statewide expansion

The St Marys Indoor Shooting Centre is established in 2000.
SSAA NSW membership grows into the tens of thousands, with over 130 branches and affiliate clubs across the state.
Modern ranges such as SSAA NSW Auburn Shooting Centre, SSAA NSW Orana Shooting Complex and SSAA NSW Hill Top Shooting Complex evolve to support various disciplines including pistol, shotgun, rifle, silhouette, single-action disciplines and more.
The association continues to champion safety, advocacy, training and responsible firearm ownership for all NSW shooters.