Held Monday 19 October 2026.
Photography at local events
The Board agreed on a simple approach for participants who do not want their photo from local events published.
Bright pink silicone wristbands will soon be available for people who have opted out of photography. Participants will be responsible for wearing the wristband at events so photographers can easily identify them.
Guidance will be added to the OACT website soon.
ACT League and Junior League
The Board discussed ways to bring more energy and competition back into the ACT League and Junior League next winter. Ideas include stronger promotion, prizes and approaching potential sponsors. If you know a local business that might be interested in supporting local orienteering, get in touch! Reach out to any Board member or send an email to office@act.orienteering.asn.au
2027 event planning
The Event Planning Committee has allocated clubs and locations for the Summer Series and the 2027 winter series, including ACT League and Metro events.
The Canberra Cockatoos will also run a third event at Capital O on the Monday.
ACT Government funding
OACT has been advised that it no longer meets the criteria for ACT Government State Sporting Organisation categorisation. This means OACT will no longer be eligible for some SSO funding programs for the next three years. However, OACT remains eligible for the Club Enhancement Program.
The Board thanked Phil for the work involved in preparing the SSO application.
Club Enhancement Program grant
The Board discussed possible projects for the 2027 Club Enhancement Program grant.
Ideas include:
- mapping tablets
- newer SI sticks for hire, potentially including SI Air
- mapping work, including a possible extension to the Bogong Creek map.
Quotes are being gathered to support the application.
Discover O and Learn to O
Discover O was a strong success, with 105 entries and 101 participants attending.
The Board thanked David and all volunteers who helped with the event.
Learn to O has also attracted 43 participants, the largest cohort yet. More than 10 people appear to have come through Discover O.
Street-O
Planning for the summer Street-O series is progressing well. The series will focus on Wednesday events but still be available on MapRun for much of the week.
Mapping
Several maps still need to be created or finalised for the Short Series.
Longer-term mapping opportunities are also being considered for Capital O 2028 and Easter 2029, including possible areas around Braidwood and a new map at Bombay East.
Coach-in-Residence
Frank Townley’s arrival continues to be delayed by visa issues. OACT is still hopeful he will arrive in time to take up the Coach-in-Residence role.
Mesh-O
The Board reviewed lessons from using Mesh-O during Oceania.
All units have now had firmware updates to support remote wake-up. Work will now begin on documenting how Mesh-O should be used at ACT League and major events.
OACT Shirts
The new OACT shirts appear to have been well received. Another bulk order is likely to be offered in the new year, ahead of the winter season.
Oceania 2026
The Board formally thanked everyone who contributed to Oceania 2026, with particular recognition of Carnival Directors Nat Smith, Cath Chalmers and Allison Jones for their work over more than 18 months.
The Board also thanked the ACT ASOC officials, selection committee and those who completed the required safeguarding work.
A volunteer appreciation gathering will be held after the Sunday event on 1 November for those who contributed their time before and during Oceania.
Older SI Cards
SportIdent Series 5 and 6 cards are no longer supported by newer SI equipment.
The Board discussed a staged approach to addressing this end-of-life for our local events that includes:
- applying for grant funding for newer SI sticks
- replenishing OACT’s hire stock
- giving members a full season’s notice before SI 5 and 6 cards are no longer supported at OACT events.
Newcomer follow-up
OACT will improve follow-up with people who enter on the day using the QR code form.
The form will be changed so participants can choose to receive the weekly bulletin, helping new participants stay connected with upcoming events.
Next meeting: Monday 23 November 2026.