Held Monday 2 February 2026.
Hosted by Alison Inglis, Hackett.
Big-picture items
- The Orienteering Australia (OA) Strategy has been finalised and published.
- The OACT AGM will be held on Thursday 23 April 2026. Input to the Annual Report is due by the 23 March Board meeting
Finance & operations
- The new auditor has met with OACT (Andrew and Geoff). Work is ongoing to finalise the 2025 accounts.
- Although the formal accounts will show a loss (mainly due to depreciation/write-offs), day-to-day operations are roughly breaking even, supported by grants and strong event activity.
Coaching, ASOC & junior roles
- ASOC rules: allowing competitors to represent the state of their club is seen as a positive change.
- Blue Lightning manager and coach roles will also be advertised.
- Some sections of the rules are still considered confusing; OACT will send targeted feedback (e.g. wording in clause 3.1.2).
- ASOC manager and assistant manager positions will be advertised via the OACT bulletin.
Participation, events & promotion
- OACT ran 132 events in 2025, more than recent years, but total participation did not increase overall.
- The Board will hold a focused event strategy discussion at the 23 March meeting.
- Summer Sprints remain popular, while Wednesday Twilight events have low numbers.
- Nina will run a Facebook campaign to support participation.
- CapitalO advertising will be used across ACT government e-news and OA/state channels.
- There was discussion about who will run upcoming Discover Orienteering sessions; this will be confirmed separately.
Event management, policies & fees
- Coordination between the Event Committee, clubs and the office remains a challenge, especially where clubs struggle to fill organiser roles.
- The Event Management section of the website has been updated and is now clearer and more concise. Club organisers, planners and controllers are encouraged to read the updated documents
- Options noted include reducing the number of events or cancelling where no organiser is available. Clubs will be involved in further discussion on this.
- There is a policy covering payment for activities/projects by non-OACT employees, and pre-approval is required before work starts.
- The Board discussed the need to better explain how entry fees are used, including costs of mapping, equipment, administration and services.
Practical changes & initiatives
- SI buyback: the Board agreed to start with a DONATE YOUR SI STICK option at events.
- OACT will also buy some new SI sticks for Learn to Orienteer.
- Board members are asked to complete the “Strengthen Your Board” / Board Manual online course.
- ASOC uniform: additional items may be purchased if numbers require it – this was approved.
- ACT general uniform for interstate competitions: Tate will research options and how to order.
Awards
- Valerie has received a few nominations but the numbers are low. The awards that are given will be significant.
- Nominations close on 20 February 2026. Members are encouraged to nominate deserving people.
Oceania & mapping updates
- ANU has confirmed that pegs cannot be used in the protected grassland area, but the staging area can be used.
- Alternative ways of securing tents and infrastructure (without pegs) will be researched by the Oceania organising team.
- Volunteers: Matt Purcell will lead the timing team and work with the meshO team. A volunteer website is being built similar to the MTBO Australian Championships site. John Shelton Agar will coordinate equipment.
- Mapping is progressing – Bogong Creek is almost finished; Honeysuckle has started; Orana and ANU are to be mapped by Duncan Currie.
- John Shelton Agar is mapping Ainslie using new LiDAR data. The Pine Island map is nearing completion. The Stromlo map is still being refined to meet IOF standards. Test printing with several printers is ongoing.
- Oceania rules are still being finalised. Clarification is being sought on sprint requirements; OACT expects to use this sprint as the 2027 Sprint Championship.
- Entry fees are in line with other major carnivals; projected profit to OACT will be clearer once admin costs are finalised.
- Member vs non-member pricing was discussed but not finalised. The refund policy will follow OACT’s standard policy.
- The first bulletin is being drafted.
- Mid-week races during the carnival will be called “Flight of the Bogong”.
- T-shirts will be sold through the same supplier used for the 2025 Australian Championships.
- Mini O-flags will be designed and printed in China in consultation with Paul.
- Finalising work includes permissions, website, bulletin and promotion.
- Entries will open on 1 June 2026.
Next Meeting: Monday 23 March 2026