Held Monday 11 May 2026.
OA and governance updates
- The Board noted outcomes from the recent OA AGM, including Marina Iskhakova’s appointment to the OA Board and approval of OA constitutional strategy matters.
Ski-O back on for 2026
- After further discussion, the Board agreed that Ski-O will go ahead in 2026 given the work and promotion already completed.
- The event will be reviewed for 2027, and similar future one-off events will need Board approval.
Grants and State Sporting Organisation work
- Both recent funding applications were approved (ACT Government Sport and Recreation grants), which is good news for OACT. Refer; Funding Recipients – Sport and Recreation
- Work has started on the 2026 State Sporting Organisation Categorisation Application, with Phil coordinating this. The categorisation assessment impacts OACT’s eligibility for ACT government grants in 2027–2029. Refer; State Sporting Organisation Categorisation – Sport and Recreation
Finance and event costs
- The Board reviewed finance papers and discussed a few items in more detail, including Sporting Schools income and the treatment of NOL and Capital O income.
Capital O and NOL 2027
- Capital O and the NOL round proposed for 2027 were discussed, with Ian confirming that he is willing to coordinate the event again.
- The Capital O carnival in 2026 was a huge success for the organisation, setting it up as a major annual carnival for OACT.
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.
Coaching and athlete development
- The Board discussed coaching governance, WWVP and accreditation matters.
- An international coaching visit by Frank Townley from Edinburgh has been locked in for September to March, with tasks and structure still to be developed.
- The current on-demand model for elite coaching appears to be working well.
Blue Lightning coaching
- Alastair George has been appointed as the Blue Lightning coach for this season. He will work with the Blue Lightning Manager, Grit Schuster.
MTBO
- The Board noted that Emily Stewart-Reed will take over the ACT MTBO Coordinator role in 2027.
Athlete support funding approved
- The Board agreed unanimously to provide athlete support in 2026 at the following levels: JWOC – $1,000; WOC – $500; WUOC – $750.
Uniforms and communications
- Uniform updates were noted.
- The Board also supported, in principle, the idea of engaging a junior to help with regular content for OACT’s social media.
Remote Area First Aid Course
- ACT Government has provided funding for the Remote Area First Aid Course.
- Up to 15 participants will complete the course, and they will be expected to volunteer at least two events. If you’re interested in participating, watch this space!
Welcome person roster
- Andrew advised that he will no longer continue as the event welcome person for Saturday Metro events.
- For 2026, Board members will rotate through this role instead. Come and say hi!
Oceania 2026
- Planning for Oceania is continuing steadily.
- Entries will open on 1 June.
Board succession and development officer role
- The Board discussed broadening Board membership and future succession. Nina will approach possible candidates.
- The Board also discussed formalising the development officer role, much of which is currently being covered by Susanne.
Next meeting: Monday 22 June 2026.