SSAA Illawarra is the third largest SSAA Branch in NSW, the branch currently conducts target shooting Operations on a NSW Government owned facility which comprises 3 different ranges, a 800m Classified Range, a 500m Range and 50m Rimfire / Pistol Range within the Southern Highlands Regional Shooting Complex Located on Wattle Rd, Hilltop NSW.
The 50 Rimfire Range features a large undercover shooting shelter with multiple benchrest tables. The range is approved for all rimfire rifles and air rifles to .22 calibre only and is fully baffled to limit the range danger area. Popular SSAA Approved matches held at the range are Benchrest BR30, BR Groups & Field Rifle as well as General Target Practice for members to sight in rifles, try different types of ammunition or for hunting practice.
500m Range also features a large undercover shooting shelter with multiple benches for right and left handed shooters as well as space for those who want to shoot prone, the range has an 8mm template with muzzle brakes being allowed on the range.
There are a number of different SSAA Approved shooting competitions that are held on the 500m range including the 200m rimfire SSAA FLY Shoot.
800m range. The 800 range speaks for itself, it’s a Classification Range with manned butts. Shooting on the 800m can be conducted and is often conducted from distances 100m to 800m, shots are placed into a specially designed buttstop with targets being elevated by qualified range officers.
Shooting on the 800m range is currently suspended due to bushfire damage, the SSAA Illawarra calendar will show when activities will recommence.
The Illawarra Branch also has available multiple range tools from Rifles, Labradar, Spotting Scopes, Shooting Mats and many other pieces of equipment.
Matches are held on a regular basis with all SSAA Illawarra juniors shooting for free on all ranges.
A Calendar for the Branch Activities & Shoots is published on the SSAA Illawarra Facebook page and SSAA Illawarra webpage.
Firearms Safety Awareness Training workshops are conducted to enable persons wishing to apply for a Firearms Licence while workshops to obtain an R Licence for hunting are also offered.
Peter Bryce and Chris Sainsbury can be contacted if interested.
COVID-19
Due to COVID-19 restrictions we ask that all those interested shooting with the Illawarra branch pre-book to accommodate numbers. Pre-booking can be done via email.
Hunting
The SSAA ILLAWARRA Branch is currently the ONLY SSAA Branch in NSW that owns and operates it’s own Mobile Coolroom, the cool room was designed and set up by hunters for hunters, the cool room can easily accommodate 1.1 ton of goods and is conveniently powered by an onboard generator for remote trips but also can be run on 240v for home usage or where mains power is available, the trailer is unbraked and can be towed by most utes or commercial designed vehicles.
The Coolroom can be used for hunting trips or for the weekend get together, the coolroom has two hanging rails with each rail holding a combined hold 500kgs on each rail, the cool room is also fitted with shelving for those who wish to place boxes or tubs inside.
The unit is available for hire, bookings are essential.
The SSAA Illawarra branch conducts hunting nights on a regular basis with hands on demonstrations on how to butcher deer and other game animals, these courses are free of charge to members, the branch however does ask for a small donation which goes back to a local church charity that assists in feeding the homeless and less fortunate.
SSAA Illawarra Expo
The SSAA Illawarra branch is the only SSAA Branch in NSW that holds its own SSAA Expo apart Shot Show, the Expo is held in conjunction with SSAA NSW and aims to promote all things firearm, hunting, fishing, outdoor and four-wheel driving-related equipment.
The expo brings in retailers from all across NSW, Victoria and Queensland, the expo also highlights the fantastic work that SSAA NSW and the Illawarra branch do together and also aims to normalise the shooting sports.
