MelBushO 2019

from OV 2019 Yearbook

Officers

Past, present and future

WORDS RUTH GODDARD, COORDINATOR OF MELBUSHO PHOTOS RUTH GODDARD

“I want to learn how to orienteer in the bush” “My friend wants to try orienteering” “I like bush orienteering but only have a leave pass for the morning” “I used to be able to compete well in bush events but can’t now because I am injured” MelBushO welcomes you all! In 2019, eight events were held in winter about every three weeks between April and September. Six events were close to Melbourne and two were about one hour away at the You Yangs and at Macedon. Attendances ranged from 121 (on a very cold, windy day) to 177, with an average of 147 per event. There were at least two new course planners. Three events deserve a particular mention. At Macedon the small club of Central Highlands were delighted with the large turnout of 156 to their event. People came back from their courses happy in spite of the rugged terrain and hitches with the entry system. Fine weather contributed to the good feeling of being out in the bush. At Tikalara in Templestowe, the course was set by junior Ashley White, and the organisation was primarily by juniors from several clubs. They were deservedly proud of their efforts. After the event there seemed to be a carryover of more junior participation. The third event was at Cardinia Reservoir Park near Beaconsfield. The normal event had a historic display and

attendance by orienteers from 1969 and early 1970s. The first event in Victoria took place on 23 August 1969. Sandra Hogg, Don Fell, Fiona Fell (then Shaw), David Hogg

(5th in the first event), Alex Tarr, Janet Tarr, Ron Frederick (winner of first event), Tom Andrews (organiser of first event), Mike Hubbert (8th in first event), Kathy Liley and Peta Whitford Belinda Dale organised a historic display and assembled the ‘orienteering legends” from the first event. Most are still orienteering 50 years later. The memorabilia included displays of old maps and articles, scrap books, magazines, two of the original refresh buckets used as controls complete with self inking stamps, an old control stand and old orienteering clothing (no bright colours in those days!). In Belinda’s words: “the high and increasing participation rates at events meant that sometimes organisers were overwhelmed with the deluge of newcomers wanting to try this exciting new experience.” We hope that an experience at a MelBushO event today leaves people wanting more.