About

About NSWRA

NSW Rocketry Association Inc. (NSWRA) was formed in June 1997 and is a non-profit incorporated association whose charter is to promote safe model rocketry in NSW.

NSWRA is a prefecture of the Tripoli Rocketry Association.

NSWRA organises monthly low and mid power rocket launches at Whalan Reserve (45 minutes west of Sydney) and twice yearly low, mid and high power launches at Mullaley (5 hours north of Sydney).

NSWRA is run by a committee of 7 volunteers, and has no paid staff. Committee positions include:

  • President
  • Vice President
  • Treasurer
  • Secretary
  • Senior Adviser
  • Committee Members x 2

One member of the NSWRA committee must also hold the position of Tripoli Prefect.

All committee positions automatically become vacant each year. A new committee is elected at the club’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), which is normally held towards the end of the year. As well as the elections the AGM also includes the presentation of the President’s and Treasurer’s reports, together with other motions. All members of NSWRA are invited to attend the AGM and are entitled to vote.

About Tripoli

The Tripoli Rocketry Association (TRA) was formed as a high school science club in Pennsylvania, USA in 1964. Over the years the science club evolved into an international rocketry association with more than 100 prefectures in 23 countries.

Tripoli Prefectures

Tripoli defines a prefecture as  “a self-governing group of rocketry enthusiasts in a specific area of the country. This may be a club, a society, or just a group. There must be at least three people to be designated a Prefecture. And the Prefecture shall support, by membership, and uphold, by actions, the goals and future of the Tripoli Rocketry Association, Inc. It’s activities will not be controlled by the Association except in the compliance of the Association’s Safety Code, Motor purchasing and handling, and compliance with governmental regulations involving unmanned non-professional rockets.”

Tripoli Prefects

A Tripoli Prefect is elected to each prefecture and their duties are “to oversee the Prefectures’ compliance with the rules and regulations as required. They are authorized, as agents of the corporation, to certify Tripoli Rocketry Association members to level 1 and level 2 for the purchase and use of motors in the applicable power ranges. They are also responsible for keeping the Association posted as to their activities, both as a group and any individual advancement.”

Tripoli Services

Tripoli provides prefectures with:

  • Support
  • Advocacy and representation
  • Insurance
  • The HPR certification program
  • Competition rules and records
  • Mentoring and scholarship programs

Tripoli Advisor Panel

Tripoli also manages the Tripoli Advisor Panel (TAP). TAP members are Level 3 certified Tripoli members with significant technical experience. TAP members are tasked with providing “technical assistance and guidance to Tripoli Members desiring to design, construct and fly rockets having a high or total impulse in the M, N and O ranges and Certifying to Level 3.” For further information about the Tripoli Advisor Panel please read the TAP Policy.

Tripoli is recognised in the USA as a nonprofit corporation.

Key Governance Documents

NSWRA is operated in accordance with 2 key documents:

NSWRA Brochure

To view the NSWRA promotional brochure and FAQs please click here.