2025-26 Summer Street Series
Summer Street Series now on 
Every Wednesday
5:00pm to 6:30pm start window
45 minute score course using MapRun app
Next event: Cardiff South
For details see the Series Calendar
__________________________________________________________________________________
2025 ONSW Awards
Course Setter and Rookie Awards
Orienteering NSW presents several special awards at the end of each year, with two Newcastle members receiving accolades for their efforts in 2025.
The Course Setter of the Year, which is decided by popular vote from fellow orienteers, was won by long time member Geoff Peel for his courses in the complex sand dune terrain at "Oakvale", set for State League 11 in July. Geoff's course setting efforts were by assisted by Margaret Peel and Stephen Craig as vetter & controller.
The ONSW Rookie of the Year was awarded to Greg Newton with the citation saying "Greg began his orienteering journey as a teenager but rediscovered orienteering around two years ago, drawn to its family-friendly environment, outdoor settings and the running aspect. After success in Moderate level courses, Greg has since shown significant improvement - from tackling longer Moderate courses, to short Hard then longer Hard courses".
__________________________________________________________________________________
2025 Xmas 5 Days
Xmas 5 Days Carnival Results
Newcastle Orienteers hosted this year’s Xmas 5 Days carnival, held from 27 to 31 December. Around 200 orienteers enjoyed forest courses on the Palmers Creek, Honeyeater Hideout, Belford NP and The Poppethead maps and a sprint at Avondale University. The overall competition, with points awarded for finishing position, counted a competitor's best four results from the five races.
Fourteen Newcastle orienteers finished in the top three in the overall standings with three winning their class.
First: Peter Charlton (Men D), Isobel Newton (Women E), Presley Scouller-Evans (Men F).
Second: Alvin Craig (Men A), Greg Newton (Men C), Malcolm Roberts (Men D), Rudi Landsiedel (Men E), Hannah Stafford (Women F), Lucy Jenkins (M/W Novice).
Third: Jennifer Enberby (Women A), Nicole Haigh (Women B), Justin Stafford (Men B), Cassandra Wyborn (Women E), Hayley Jenkins (Women F).
__________________________________________________________________________
Street-O Updates
Changes to Street-O categories and map symbols
There have been some important updates to the Summer Street Series.
Changes to categories and competitions
- There are now just three entry categories: Men, Women and Teams. The Walk category has been deleted.
- The "Consistently Average" and "Alternating Controls" competitions have been deleted. There are new "9M" and "Line-Score" competitions. 9M competitors are those not averaging faster than 9 minutes per kilometre. Line-Score competition competitors complete a 6 control line course before doing the rest as a score course.
Map symbol changes
The symbols for "Forbidden Route" and "Forbidden To Cross" have been updated to better align with other orienteering disciplines (see below).
Competitors should also make sure they are familiar with all the other Out of Bounds and Not Crossable/Impassable features listed here.
X X X Forbidden route - A route which is Out Of Bounds. Not allowed to go along this route.
Forbidden to cross - Not permitted to cross but can go alongside. ________________________________________________________________________________
New O Promo Videos
"Orienteering in Australia" Videos
Orienteering Australia have released two new promotional videos following a project driven by our Club President Justin Stafford.
Newcastle club members feature in the videos which are designed to "dive into what makes orienteering so special: the thrill of the challenge, the joy of exploration, and a vibrant community that welcomes all ages and abilities. Whether you're a competitive runner, a bushwalking enthusiast, or just looking for a fun way to get outside with your family, there's something for everyone".
View them on YouTube - Extended version Short Promo ________________________________________________________________________________