Welcome
This time last year we were welcoming everybody back to Orienteering after the COVID lockdowns we had been experiencing over the early part of the year. I’m sure that we were certainly not expecting that a return to some sort of normality would take so long and, indeed, that we would still be subject to lockdowns and border closures a year later.
But that is the nature of the pandemic; we have been fortunate that we have been able to enjoy an almost uninterrupted orienteering program within the ACT over the past year, of course. Some of us managed to get away to the Easter events, in the Orange/Molong area, then to NSW Championship events at Eugowra the following weekend. Since then there has been wonderful dune orienteering at Broulee in mid-May, and QB3 events in the Newcastle region.
New Members
It is very encouraging to note the large number of new members who have joined Bushflyers over the past few months. I have included the long list of names at the end of this newsletter. You are all very welcome, and we look forward to a long association with you and your family. Please do not hesitate to seek the support of any Club members, especially if you are new to the sport, perhaps as a parent supporting a child. You are encouraged to make yourselves known to us, and you are welcome to offer your support with the organisation of any event. This is a great way to get to know people, and to make sense of the way orienteering functions, both here in the ACT and further afield.
Team Announcements
- It is so encouraging that in spite of the continuing uncertainty of the viability of events abroad, OA has still been able to acknowledge the hard work, commitment and resilience of so many of our younger orienteers.
The JWOC 2021 Honour Team was named following the Three Days Event at Easter, including our own David Stocks in the Junior Men’s team. Congratulations to David.
- The ACT team to compete in the Australian Schools Orienteering Championships (ASOC), in Tasmania at the end of September, was announced last week. This is a significant achievement for our juniors, and acknowledges their commitment and hard work. We are delighted that of the 20 students, ten are Bushflyers!
Congratulations to the following:
Senior Girls: Justine Hobson, Ellen Johnson, Natalie Miller, Zoe Terrill
Junior Girls: Katherine Maundrell
Senior Boys: Toby Lang, Josh Robards, David Stocks, Joseph Wilson
Junior Boys: Josh Mansell
The Bushflyers Club is pleased to announce that we are able to provide financial support of $200 to each student; we wish them all well as they prepare for their travel and competition at the end of the term. The ACT ASOC managers are more Bushflyers – the experienced team of Tom de Jongh and Jane Barnett.
Bushflyers Events
You have all been receiving received emails from Matt Stocks, our Bushflyers roster manager, as we have been planning for and presenting several events over the season.
I would like to acknowledge and thank the following planners and organisers as well as those day helpers who support them so well:
- Score #1, #2, #3, #4 Thursday 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th March
Organiser – Susanne Harryson
- Classic AL#3 Sunday 2nd May Mt Clear
Course Planner – Ryan Stocks Organisers – The Stocks family
- Metro#4 Saturday 29th May The Pinnacle
Course Planner – Alison Inglis Organisers – The Wilkinson family
- Metro#6 Saturday 11th June Bruce Ridge
Course Planner – Peter Antcliff Organiser – Andrew Johnston
- Classic AL#8 Sunday 11th July Collector Hill
Course Planner – Ari Piiroinen Controller – Ross Stewart Organiser – Valerie Barker
Helpers – Jane Barnett, David Jenkins, Alan Sergeant
- Metro #9 Saturday 24th July Stromlo East
Course Planner – Matt Stocks Organisers – The Hobson family
- ACT Long Distance Championships Sunday 22nd August Tidbinbilla
Course Planners – The Inglis/Miller family Organiser – Chris Anderson
It is appropriate to thank Matt for all of his work with the roster. Not only has he put together the roster for the current series of events, but he is also in negotiations with the Board and the Events Committee as the Twilight 2021/22, and 2022 Classic/Metro/MTBO series are being programmed.
This is a complex process as the events of other states, especially NSW, as well as the national events, all have to be considered. We have lost some of our favourite maps in recent years, but a number of new maps have been and are being prepared, so we have much to look forward to.
If you are keen to course set or organise any particular events/maps in the next year, please let Matt know so that he can indicate your interest as the new program is being prepared.
New Governance
Following the new OACT governance structure introduced in November 2020, the OACT AGM was held on 19th April. The incoming Board includes several Bushflyers: Peter Miller (Treasurer), Jane Barnett, David Stocks, and Valerie Barker. In lieu of the previous Council structure, important committees have been established. One critical one is the OACT Event and Planning and Management Committee, with Matt Stocks representing Bushflyers.
What Else?
- It has been encouraging that the Blue Lightning Squad has been able to train throughout the season. If you have a young person in your household who would enjoy developing their skills with other enthusiastic juniors, do contact the squad manager/coaches. Details are on the OACT website. There is also the return of the MapMates program (for young children and beginners, aged 7- 13) and the popular Keep Up With the Kids program. This is an ideal introduction to the sport for those adults and parents who want to try orienteering themselves as they support their children.
- A number of Bushflyers enjoyed the Ainslie/Majura MapRun Mayhem, a three-hour virtual Rogaine in late May. Since then, many orienteers participated in the ACTRA Winter 4 hour Rogaine, on Mt Rob Roy, with courses and vetting by Bushflyers David Poland, Toni Brown and Jonathan Miller. Check out the ACT Rogaining website.
- The Street-O series continue to attract a number of Bushflyers, many of whom are participating in the Winter Series of 8 MapRun only events (in July and August). Each course is open for a week, so competitors can choose their own starting time and window.
- Do you subscribe to the OACT weekly e-bulletin? What about the Orienteering Australia monthly e-bulletin? (Find the latest OA bulletin here)
I encourage you to subscribe to each of these bulletins, to enable you to keep up-to-date at both a local and a national level. They have so many links to interesting and inspiring articles, news items, YouTube videos, health and fitness advice…
- With major championship events, and even the possibility of interstate travel to Tasmania for National Championships (September/October), it is timely to remind you that I have a range of Bushflyers’ clothing (O-tops and jackets mostly) for sale. I was able to order new stock earlier this year and there is now a good range of sizes available, for both adults and children. Please check with me if you would like wear our Club colours.
Did you know…
Bushflyers has a Facebook page. “Like” our page and keep up to date with what’s happening in our club.
Keep safe; keep well; keep moving; and keep apart!
Valerie Barker (Club Convenor)
6251 5459 / 0410 151 554
For Bushflyers Orienteering – where no-one gets left on the bench!