Held Monday 23 March 2026.
Strategic direction for event series
- The Board had a big-picture discussion about OACT’s event program, using participation data and a strategic discussion paper to look at what is working well and what may need to change.
- A total of 132 events were run in 2025, but some series are stagnating and volunteer workload remains a concern.
- The Board agreed that future decisions should focus on attracting younger people, families and new members, with trial changes to be reviewed after a season.
Wednesday winter Midweek Series to stop
- The Board agreed that the Wednesday winter Midweek Series will not continue, due to declining attendance and the workload involved.
- This is part of a broader effort to simplify the calendar and focus effort where it will have the most impact
Summer series proposal under discussion
- The Board discussed merging the Wednesday summer Twilight series with the Sunday summer series into a new Summer Series on Sunday mornings.
- This would still offer a range of terrains and event styles, but better suit families and the summer heat.
- Feedback will be sought from club convenors before any final decision is made.
Ski-O not to run in 2026
- Because of low participation and the volunteer effort required, the Board agreed that OACT will not run Ski-O in 2026 and that another state may be invited to take it on.
Street-O relaunch planned
- The Board wants Street-O to return to pre-COVID strength for summer 2026–27.
- Ideas discussed include a clearer start time, mass start, printed maps, accurate mapping, MapRun timing and simple post-event refreshments.
- Team entries will also be promoted more actively across events.
Capital O to continue
- The Board agreed that Capital O was a successful weekend and thanked Ian Prosser for overseeing it.
- The Board also agreed that Capital O should continue as an annual event, while recognising that the Canberra Day long weekend may not always be the best fit.
- OACT has also lodged a bid with OA to host a NOL round in 2027 in conjunction with Capital O.
Grants, membership and finance
- Membership is tracking better than at the same time last year.
- OACT has submitted two applications for 2027 grant funding support: one for 100 new control flags and one for a Remote Area First Aid course.
- The 2025 audit has now been completed and passed.
Coaching and sporting schools
- The Board discussed accredited coaches, WWVP requirements and support for coach accreditation.
AGM and annual report
- The AGM is booked for 23 April at Jamison, and comments on the annual report are due by 27 March.
OACT representation on Orienteering Australia Board
- The Board supported Marina Iskhakova’s nomination to be a Director on the OA Board role.
Event coordination and workload
- The Board discussed the idea of series coordinators to help ensure each series is run effectively, especially around mapping, planning and printing. This reflects an ongoing concern that the same small group of volunteers is carrying too much of the event load.
Rule change on start-time loading
- The Board passed a motion to remove the 10% loading rule for ACT League scores at events with allocated start times.
Next meeting: The OACT Annual General Meeting on 23 April 2026.