The forum, titled ‘Your Children: Guns and Other Weapons’ was the idea of Deua River Valley’s Anne Cormick.

Mrs Cormick and her husband Peter have a blended family of seven children and they were inspired to have the open discussion to inform the community on the issue. 

Mrs Cormick said she was not anti-guns and hoped that people came to the meeting with an open mind. 

“This discussion is not about how bad guns are, because my husband owns a gun,”  Mrs Cormick said.

“We live on a property and there have been times when he has had to use his gun.

“However I think it’s important to discuss how hunting for pleasure can affect children’s empathy for animals and the psychological effects on them.” 

Speakers at the event include Dr Mary Atkinson, former Moruya veterinarian, who will discuss how harmful shooting is to animals.

Reverend Linda Chapman will also discuss the psychological effects shooting for sport can have on children. 

Mr and Mrs Cormick have collected information from the NSW Police Force, National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Forestry Corporation of NSW on the responsible use of guns and other weapons. 

Mrs Cormick said the event would be a “balanced and informed presentation” on the ethics around guns and the treatment of animals. 

“We want to present a balanced view on the whole scenario around children and guns,” she said. 

“We want parents, grandparents and carers of children to be aware of the effects of shooting a beautiful animal with a gun.” 

Tea and coffee will be provided with games and drawings for children. 

Entry is by gold coin donation,  given to RSPCA, SAFE, WIRES and Wildlife Rescue.

Your Children: Guns and Other Weapons will start at 11am at Moruya Masonic Centre. 

For more information phone 4474 2092 or email cormick.gold@bigpond.com