As was announced last week by our SSAA NSW President Lance Miller, I will be finishing up my role at SSAA NSW and other associated roles.
I would like to firstly thank SSAA NSW President Lance Miller, the executive Rob Austin and Scott Wagner, along with the entire Board; Danae Jenkins, Stephen Bowler, Alison Wordon, Adam Ryan, Peter Thomson, and Phil Clarke for your support, mentorship, and leadership during my 5 years in the role. It has been an absolute pleasure to work with a talented team working extremely hard to increase advocacy, services to members, governance, and creating additional places to shoot. During my term, there have been other Directors who have been on the Board at different points in time, and I thank them too for their commitment and support.
The entire Board is very hard-working and SSAA NSW would simply not work without them. Our President Lance Miller volunteers his time and works tirelessly for all 65,000 members every day. Working with Lance daily means I know how ambitious he is for all our members and the shooting sports and know the personal and financial impact volunteering to that extent has on him and his family. I take this opportunity to thank his lovely wife Marie for sharing him with us. We are in a very strong position under Lance’s and the Board’s leadership.
I also take this opportunity to thank our staff, who do a great job in supporting our Members. Although we have a small team, they certainly deliver and have the equivalent workload of a very large one. This is only possible due to their passion and commitment to shooting sports, our Members, and striving to achieve the best possible service that can be delivered. Although the CEO is the public face from a staff point of view, I can assure you that without our staff, I wouldn’t be able to do a quarter of what we do. They interact with our members every day providing great support. I am proud of them all.
SSAA NSW, its 65,000 Members, Branches, and Affiliate Clubs are the reason that the Board, Staff and I enjoy serving in our roles. We have a fantastic organisation, made up of the most amazing people. I take this opportunity to thank all our volunteers across the entire State who week in and week out serve and donate their time, so everyone can participate in our great sport. If you were to add up the hours that SSAA NSW volunteers give each year, it would be in the many millions.
From the very first day, I started in the role just prior to Christmas 5 years ago, you made me feel very welcomed and have worked hand in hand with me. I’m proud of the role that Branches play in being partners in the leadership of SSAA NSW and as such this has resulted in great outcomes. Traveling to our Branches and ranges during my term has reinforced how much progress has occurred within the organisation and how important our volunteers are.
Personally, I have loved every minute of the role, and it has been the honour of a lifetime to serve as your CEO. I leave on very good terms knowing that the place is in a very sound position and that there is a strong Board, a strong staffing team, and a fantastic membership. I would like to think that along with the Board, Staff, and Members I have played a small part in that success.
To ensure a smooth transition, I have given 3 months’ notice and when I conclude my employment, I will make sure I check in with the Board and staff in case there is any need for assistance. I will remain a member and help, but like many of you, in the capacity of a volunteer.
Although there is some time before I finish my role, I write to say thank you for an amazing journey. SSAA NSW’s future is bright, and I look forward to seeing you out at the range or in the field.
Jai Rowell
CEO – SSAA NSW
