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                 Sunday 24 September 2023  Kitchener 

   NOY8 & HUNTER VALLEY CHAMPS - "Kitchley Green"

This event is both the final event in the 2023 Newcastle Orienteer of the Year series  AND the Hunter Valley Championships.

Click here for more details.   

                        RESULTS - by Course  and by HV Champs class 

                                                   - Newcastle Orienteer of the Year series final results.

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 Click here for the 2020/21 MTBO Calendar

BOSS#2 - 15 Nov 2020 - Start Location - Freemans Drive - midway between Mount Falk Road & Freemans Waterhole M1 Overpass.

 Click here for the 2020/21 MTBO Calendar

If you would like help with an Event or two - SMS Greg Bacon 0401 889 688, email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

If you'd like help from an experienced course setter or as an experienced course setter would like to help, please contact Greg as above.

Summer Street Series ~  Wednesdays ~ October 2020 - February 2021

Late Penalty: 30 points per minute late penalty up to 5 mins late then 30 points per 30 seconds from 5-10mins late. Disqualification if more than 10 mins late.

We will be using MapRun this season after the success of our MapRun Street Orienteering Trial Series (which you can still try). You will need to bring a smartphone with the MapRunF app which will register (and beep) when you get to each control and upload your score after finishing. There is now also the option of using your Garmin watch with MapRunG on course and link back to your smartphone when finished. You will no longer need an SI stick for timing or a pen/highlighter unless you wish to mark your map in your 2 min preparation time as there will no longer be questions to answer at each control. 

Your best 10 event results will go toward your Series Total. The 2 warm up events will not count towards the Street Series Results.

Course closure: 7:25pm.

Click here for the Rules

Street Series & Urban Series Fees:

Members $8

Family maximum (Members only) $24

Non Members: $10

General Fees:

$5 for second map on the day

Our club is non-profit with all takings going back towards equipment, access fees and mapping.

Important Note: Newcastle Orienteering recommends that all competitors wear bright clothing or reflective gear throughout the season to enable drivers to see you especially if you are running near dusk. Please also take care when crossing roads and use recommended crossing points on busy roads. We also wish to remind competitors that listening to an ipod (or similar) while on course can be a distraction that may cause you to not hear an emergency warning or similar and as such are not allowed during these events for your safety.

BOSS results are compiled and maintained by Andrew Haigh and Tim Hackney. If you find any errors or omissions, please let me know asap either at an event or by This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Alternatively you can pass a message at an event.

Series Totals (Final Totals 17-3-19 Ver 1)

BOSS 1 - Columbey NP
55 Entries  Results | Eventor Results | Routegadget

BOSS 2 - Wallaroo SF
61 Entries Results |Routegadget | Livelox

BOSS 3 - Werakata NP
57 Entries Results | Livelox

BOSS 4 - Hawkmount
82 Entries Results | Livelox

BOSS 5 - Pourmalong Creek
84 Entries Results | Livelox

BOSS 6 - Hebburn Dam & Presentations
55 Entries Results | Routegadget

Male Line Score Competition

1^st place – Steven Todkill

2^nd place – Andrew Haigh

3^rd place – Malcolm Roberts

Female Line score Competition

1^st place – Carolyn Matthews

2^nd place – Nicole Haigh

3^rd place – Sally-Anne Henderson

Male All Score Competition

1^st place –Derek Cant

2^nd place –Marcus Lee

3^rd place – Brad Mertons

Female All Score Competition

1^st place – Cassandra Thompson

2^nd place – Margerat Peel

3^rd place – Ginaya Dunn

Rookie Line Score – Tim Doman

Rookie All Score – Derek Cant

E-bike Line Score – Greg Bacon

E-bike All Score – Peter Ramsey

Click here for the RESULTS

Information about this event can be found on Eventor

https://eventor.orienteering.asn.au/Events/Show/6900

Results

VENUE: Awaba State Forest, Awaba (west of Toronto).

MAP: MTBO map: “Hawkemount” 1:15000 5m contours (some new tracks 2017). The eastern edge of the map is the fence preventing people accessing the railway line. Riders should make no attempt to enter the rail corridor.

NOTE: there is a change to the previously advertised start location.

DIRECTIONS: Due to the erection of a new gate and limited parking, the start has moved from Freemans Drive on the western side of the map, over to Awaba on the north east part of the map. Directions are as follows:
From the M1 take the Toronto exit and travel towards Toronto. After 3.9km turn right into Gosford Street. From the main set of traffic lights at Toronto, turn west and travel 4.6km towards the M1. Shortly after crossing the railway line, turn left into Gosford Street.
Once in Gosford Street, travel 1.1km, past Awaba railway station and turn left into Wyong Street. The start is at the south west end of Wyong Street. Wyong street is a quiet residential area so can be used for warmup. When parking, please be respectful of people's driveways and leave residents enough room to get in and out. Watch for children riding their bikes along the street.

TERRAIN: The area is more mountainous than other MTBO maps in the BOSS series. You may need to push your bike up some sections. Due to loose gravel on some downhill runs, getting off and walking may be the safest thing to do. One steep track into a 2pt control has been marked as a forbidden route in order to protect riders from a potential lack of judgment. Some new motor bike tracks have been marked but are slow, leaving the older tracks as the preferred route choice.

COURSE LENGTH: The line course is only 6 km and takes riders down and up some gentler spurs ensuring even novice riders can complete the line course, then find a fairly direct route home to make it back inside 75 minutes.

NOTE: In order to minimise the chance of other forest users interfering with controls, corflutes tend to be placed on trees along minor tracks a short distance in from a main track. You will get used to needing to turn around and ride back out again.

START TIME: between 8 - 9am. Course closure 11am. Please be back at the start by this time.

PLANNER: Peter Newton

Routegadget | Results

Setter's Report

Thanks to everyone who came and enjoyed the warmup event. We had 72 entries with quite a lot of new people and groups giving it a go and getting hooked. Two newbies had so much fun that they had to be chased down the street to tell them to stop after being out for almost an hour (they had misheard the instructions and didn't take their phone with them). I did give a finish time to a man with a pram passing through the finish out of curiosity (perhaps another future orienteer). There were quite a few prams and walkers so expect some good competition in those categories during this series. Congratulations to all the new orienteering parents this year too!
There was only one clue that was slightly wrong - I had written an address as 99 and not 99A. Apologies to anyone who was confused and thank you for letting me know. As it was just the warmup, I hadn't done my extra check of the controls that I usually do. Most people saw the clue and realised the error I think and points were awarded to all who went to that control.

So next week will be Maryland and the first of the street events in the series - see you there!

Sam

Location: Pat Jordan Oval, Tully St, Carrington
Start Times: Mass starts at 5:15pm and 6pm
Map: Onebygamba
Setter: Samantha Howe

Facilities: Toilets on corner of Tully St and Fitzroy St but we can't guarantee they will be open on the day. Sign says open until 6pm (possibly).

Parking: Tully St (and the parking area near the water) and Fitzroy St. Please do not park on Arnold St as it is residents only.

Warm Up Events

• Do not count toward Summer Street Series
• 30 minute score course
• Mass starts at 5:15pm and 6pm
• 1 minute planning time before the start
• Competitors do their own scoring

View Warm Up - Carrington in a larger map

Important Note: Newcastle Orienteering recommends that all competitors wear bright clothing or reflective gear throughout the season to enable drivers to see you especially if you are running near dusk. We also wish to remind competitors that listening to an ipod (or similar) while on course can be a distraction that may cause you to not hear an emergency warning or similar and as such are not allowed during these events for your safety.

88 entries | results | routegadget | Photos

Setter's Report: 

Location: SE end of Tumpoaba Reserve, Callan Ave (near Maryland Dr), Maryland
Start Times: Starts are between 5pm and 6:30pm
Map: Wetland View - Maryland
Setter: Viola O'Connor

Facilities: Playground only. There are toilets at Coles Shopping Centre on the corner of Minmi Rd and Churnwood Dr (not on the Maryland map).

Parking: Callan Ave, Maryland Dr or Naranghi Circuit.

View SSS1 Maryland in a larger map

Important Note: Newcastle Orienteering recommends that all competitors wear bright clothing or reflective gear throughout the season to enable drivers to see you especially if you are running near dusk. We also wish to remind competitors that listening to an ipod (or similar) while on course can be a distraction that may cause you to not hear an emergency warning or similar and as such are not allowed during these events for your safety.

Results | Routegadget | Photos

Location: The reserve on Lakeview St (near Nord St), Speers Point
Start Times: Starts are between 5pm and 6:30pm
Map: Speers Point
Setter: Daniel & Katherine Orr

Facilities: None

Parking: Lakeview St, Main Rd, Nord St or the small carpark on Lakeview St.

View SSS2 - Speers Point in a larger map

Important Note: Newcastle Orienteering recommends that all competitors wear bright clothing or reflective gear throughout the season to enable drivers to see you especially if you are running near dusk. We also wish to remind competitors that listening to an ipod (or similar) while on course can be a distraction that may cause you to not hear an emergency warning or similar and as such are not allowed during these events for your safety.

Results | Routegadget | Photos

Location: Webb Park, Beach Rd, Redhead
Start Times: Starts are between 5pm and 6:30pm
Map: Redhead
Setter: Peter & Maria Orr

Facilities: Toilets, Playground, Water, BBQ and Beach. The surf club is 500m away and there is a takeaway shop across the road.

Parking: The carpark at Webb Park or on Beach Rd.

View SSS3 - Redhead in a larger map

Important Note: Newcastle Orienteering recommends that all competitors wear bright clothing or reflective gear throughout the season to enable drivers to see you especially if you are running near dusk. We also wish to remind competitors that listening to an ipod (or similar) while on course can be a distraction that may cause you to not hear an emergency warning or similar and as such are not allowed during these events for your safety.

Location: Dangar Park Rotunda, Carrington St, Mayfield
Start Times: Starts are between 5pm and 6:30pm
Map: Mayfield East
Setter: The Peel Family

Facilities: None. There is a public pool at the park if you want a swim afterwards.

Parking: Carrington St or Ingall St.

View SSS4 - Mayfield East in a larger map

Important Note: Newcastle Orienteering recommends that all competitors wear bright clothing or reflective gear throughout the season to enable drivers to see you especially if you are running near dusk. We also wish to remind competitors that listening to an ipod (or similar) while on course can be a distraction that may cause you to not hear an emergency warning or similar and as such are not allowed during these events for your safety.

Location: The reserve on the corner of Garsdale Ave & Cambronne Pde, Elermore Vale
Start Times: Starts are between 5pm and 6:30pm
Map: The Shaft
Setter: Sonia Brown & Michael Goode

Facilities: None. There are toilets at the Elermore Vale Shopping Centre one block away (on the other side of Croudace Rd).

Parking: Cambronne Parade and surrounding streets or Elermore Vale Shopping Centre car park. If parking on Garsdale Ave or Croudace Rd then please take care as these roads may be busy.

View SSS5 - Elermore Vale in a larger map

Important Note: Newcastle Orienteering recommends that all competitors wear bright clothing or reflective gear throughout the season to enable drivers to see you especially if you are running near dusk. We also wish to remind competitors that listening to an ipod (or similar) while on course can be a distraction that may cause you to not hear an emergency warning or similar and as such are not allowed during these events for your safety.

Location: Ernie Jurd Oval, Largs Ave, Largs
Start Times: Starts are between 5pm and 6:30pm
Map: Largs - NEW MAP!
Setter: Lynda Hewson

Facilities: There is a new playground at the start (Largs Oval). There are toilets at Largs Oval but I think they will be locked. The nearest PUBLIC toilet which will be open that day until 7.30 pm is at Bolwarra Lookout, 181 Paterson Rd Bolwarra Heights. This is just off the southwest corner of the map so a very short drive from Largs Oval.

Parking: Ernie Jurd Oval, Largs Ave or Church St.

View SSS6 - Largs in a larger map

Important Note: Newcastle Orienteering recommends that all competitors wear bright clothing or reflective gear throughout the season to enable drivers to see you especially if you are running near dusk. We also wish to remind competitors that listening to an ipod (or similar) while on course can be a distraction that may cause you to not hear an emergency warning or similar and as such are not allowed during these events for your safety.

81 entries | results | routegadget

Don't forget you can now comment on events. Click here to find out how

Location: The Park on South Pde (between Ashley & Todd Sts), Blackalls Park
Start Times: Starts are between 5pm and 6:30pm
Map: Blackalls Park
Setter: Samantha Howe

Facilities: Toilets.

Parking: Todd St, Ashley St or Fassifern St.

View SSS7 - Blackalls Park in a larger map

Important Note: Newcastle Orienteering recommends that all competitors wear bright clothing or reflective gear throughout the season to enable drivers to see you especially if you are running near dusk. We also wish to remind competitors that listening to an ipod (or similar) while on course can be a distraction that may cause you to not hear an emergency warning or similar and as such are not allowed during these events for your safety.

Results | Routegadget

Location: Claremont Ave Reserve, Claremont Ave, Adamstown
Start Times: Starts are between 5pm and 6:30pm
Map: Land of Open Drains
Setter: Arthur Kingsland

Facilities: Water, Playground.

Parking: Claremont Ave, Randall Parade or Westwood Ave.

View SSS8 - Adamstown in a larger map

Location: Kittyhawk Park, Dawson Rd, Raymond Terrace
Start Times: Starts are between 5pm and 6:30pm
Map: Riverview Ridge
Setter: Bob Gilbert

Facilities: Water, Playground, BBQ.

Parking: Dawson Rd (and surrounding streets).

View SSS9 - Riverview Ridge in a larger map

Location: RH Taylor Reserve (North East of Belmore Bridge), The Esplanade, Lorn. (Note: after crossing Belmore Bridge there is no right turn onto the Esplanade. Take the next right onto The Avenue, drive to the end then turn right onto The Esplanade).
Start Times: Starts are between 5pm and 6:30pm
Map: Lorn & Maitland - NEW MAP!

Important Note 1 : High traffic volume in a number of areas of map.

Read information on "Forbidden Routes" and "Pedestrian Crossings" displayed at the Start.

Important Note 2 : Snakes have been sighted along the either of the grassy edges of the River.

No controls have been placed in these areas. Children should be supervised if playing near the River.

Setter: David Messenger

Facilities: None.

Parking: The Esplanade.

Note The Esplanade is a one-way road and parking typically on right hand side (residential side).

If driving along this road and all parks are taken, turn left onto Belmore Bridge, turn left into High Street, and take first left into St Andrews Street and park in the public carpark. It is a short walk across the Belmore Bridge back to the start.

If arriving later it may be best to assume "The Esplanade" is full an use alternative parking on either side of "The Avenue" one street north.

View SSS10 - Lorn & Maitland in a larger map

Location: Reserve on Hampton St, Carey Bay
Start Times: Starts are between 5pm and 6:30pm
Map: Kilaben Bay
Setter: Bert & Kim Van Netten

Facilities: Toilets and water.

Parking: Hampton St.

View SSS11 - Kilaben Bay in a larger map

Location: Lambton Park (near junction of Howe & Wye Sts), Lambton
Start Times: Starts are between 5pm and 6:30pm
Map: Lambton Common
Setter: Martin Quirke

Facilities: None. Toilets are a short walk away on the north west side of the park.

Parking: Howe St.

View SSS11 - Kilaben Bay in a larger map

Location: Cameron Park, Christo Rd, Waratah
Start Times: Starts are between 5pm and 6:30pm
Map: Georgetown (Some of this map hasn't been used for a long time and some is completely new!)
Setter: Shane & Caroline Jenkins

Facilities: Playground.

Parking: Christo Rd. Please don't park on Griffiths Rd as it will be busy and dangerous.

View SSS13 - Georgetown in a larger map

Location: Booth Park, corner of Greta & Rawson Sts, Kurri Kurri
Start Times: Starts are between 5pm and 6:30pm
Map: Kurri Kurri - NEW MAP!
Setter: Nigel Thompson

Facilities: Playground.

Parking: Rawson, Greta, Hopetoun or Stanford Sts.

Note: Course closure is at 7:20pm so please make sure you return to the finish by then or you may be disqualified.

If you are competing as a wayfarer then please tell the start desk your intentions so that the finish desk knows when to expect you and also make sure you return by course closure.

View SSS14 - Kurri Kurri in a larger map

Location: Eleebana Oval, Linden Ave, Eleebana
Start Times: Starts are between 5pm and 6:30pm
Map: Eleebana - NEW MAP!
Setter: The Killen Family

Facilities: Playground.

Parking: Linden Ave and surrounding streets.

Note: Course closure is at 7:20pm so please make sure you return to the finish by then or you may be disqualified.

If you are competing as a wayfarer then please tell the start desk your intentions so that the finish desk knows when to expect you and also make sure you return by course closure.

View SSS15 - Eleebana in a larger map

Location: Reserve on Karen Ave between Cheryl Ave and Lalor Parade (opposite side), Glendale.
Start Times: Starts are between 5pm and 6:30pm
Map: Cardiff North
Setter: Andrew & Kate Morris

Facilities: None

Parking: Karen Ave, Lalor Parade or Cheryl Ave

View SSS16 - Cardiff North in a larger map

Location: Pt Hunter Sailing Club, Hunter St (off Punt Rd) Stockton.
Start Times: Starts are between 5pm and 6:30pm
Map: Stockton
Setter: Peter Newton

Note: there is a control set on the pontoon nearby. People with prams should be extremely careful at this control, or simply skip it.

Facilities: Toilets and Water

Parking: Hunter St, Punt Rd or carpark off of Fullerton St.

The Summer Street Series Presentations and BBQ will be at Pt Hunter Sailing Club after this event.

Event 17 scores will now count towards the series totals and for attendance.

View SSS17 - Stockton in a larger map

The 24th Summer Street Series is starting soon!

Due to daylight savings not starting until the long weekend, the first event will be on Wednesday 9th October.

Warm Up Event 1 will be on Wed 9th October at National Park. The start will be at the corner of Smith Street & Dumaresq Street, Newcastle West.

Warm Up Event 2 will be on Wed 16th October at Brickworks Park, Iranda Grove, Wallsend.

The warm up events will have mass starts at 5:15pm and 6pm and competitors will have 30mins (plus 1 minute planning time before the start).

The full list of events will be added to the website this week as well as the event flyer.

The walking category will be available again for those who prefer to walk. Now with the additional rule that people with prams who compete in this category will be allowed to jog or run while pushing the pram without being disqualifed due to the extra physical and navigational difficulty.

We hope to see everyone soon!

Minor Event - Macquarie College (Sprint and Club Presentations)

RESULTS | ROUTEGADET | PHOTOS | Attackpoint: LONG MEDIUM SHORT

Results are in - go check out the Middle distance results and the Long Results

The first of this seasons duo event kick off on Sat. 14th Sept down at Ourimbah. More information can be found over at the Duo website. 

The organisers are also putting on foot 'o' only line courses for those who would like some last minute training before the NSW Championships the weekend after. More information on this is in this convenient flyer.

Thinking of attending state presentations this year? The please let Karen Blatchford know by This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.or catch her at an event. We are trying to get a table together to represent the club and car pool if required. Please be aware that this does not book you a place for the dinner only your intent to go. Details on how to book for the dinner will be available shortly.

There will be a score event before dinner (There will be showers for those who wish to freshen up before the formal proceedings)

Location: Castle Hill Showground, Castle Hill, NSW

Venue: George Bell Pavilion, Castle Hill Showground, Castle Hill. Enter via Doran Drive.

Format: 4.30pm Team score event; 6pm Junior Awards; 6.30pm Dinner; 7pm Senior Awards. As this is a catered event bookings are required by Tuesday 6th Nov.

Note:Anyone who would like to stay on site overnight in their campervan (or tent!) can do so for a small fee (about $20)

On Sept 8 and 9 a band of enthusiastic mountain bike orienteers descended on Clarencetown, in the Hunter Valley, for last two rounds of the NSW MTBO Super Series. The weekend was hosted by Newcastle Orienteering Club and consisted of a Middle Distance event in Uffington State Forest on Saturday and a Long Distance event in Wallaroo State Forest on Sunday morning.

This event was the first time we used the newly purchased SI equipment. Thus behind the scenes there was much discussion of logistics and processes.  Unfortunately, teething issues on Saturday meant that splits were lost for publishing and the organisers offer apologies to the competitors for this.

Out in the forests and the riding was good since the areas had dried up considerably over the last month although on Sunday there was still some water on the tracks (which was mapped!) that had to be taken into consideration. Steven Todkill and Hilary Ellis took out the Mens and Womens Course 1 respectively, on both days. David Ellis took out the “Epic Fail” award by injuring himself Saturday morning while surfing and then melting his wheel on the journey up to the events by having his bike too close the exhaust pipe! He did however assist the organisers throughout both events. Well done Dave!

The course setters,Malcolm Roberts and Andrew Power would like to thank all of those members from the Newcastle club who helped make the events a success, in particular Denis Lyons on Saturday and Caroline Taurany on Sunday.

SS7 Results | SS8 Results | SS8 Splits

Warmup Event

Location: Litchfield Pk, Myola St, Mayfield
Start Times: Mass starts at 5:15pm and 6pm
Map Waratah Rail
Setter: Malcolm Roberts

Warm Up Events

• Do not count toward Summer Street Series
• 30 minute score course
• Mass starts at 5:15pm and 6pm
• 1 minute planning time before the start
• Competitors do their own scoring

Results | Routegadget

View Warmup 2 in a larger map

Qualifier 1

Location: King Edward Park (The Hill)
Start Times: Starts between 5pm and 6:30pm (Course Closure 7:10pm) Update: Not a mass start as previously indicated
Setter: Glenn Burgess
Course: Long (~5km) and Short (~2km)

Directions: York Drive entrance, southern end of the The Terrace, The Hill. Carparks may be in short supply demand due to commuters parking out surrounding streets. If nothing available in The Terrace try in the Strzelecki Lookout carpark around the corner.

Note: The entire park is out of bounds prior to competing (other than the small car park at the top of York Drive)
Facilities: Water

Important Notice: This is an SI event. Please bring your SI stick if you own one otherwise you will need to rent one of the clubs.

Results: Times | Splits | Routegadget | Photos

Hopefully next time Sportident will go smoother. If you DNF'd please bring your splits printout next week if you believe it to be in error. 

View Park Qualifier 1 in a larger map

Qualifier 3

Location: Thomas Halton Park (Croudace Bay)
Start Times: Starts between 5pm and 6:30pm (Course Closure 7:10pm)
Setter: Daniel Orr
Course: Long (~5km) and Short (~2km)

Directions: The main car park at Thomas Halton Park on Macquarie Drive near the skate park.

Facilities: TBA

Important Notice: This is an SI event. Please bring your SI stick if you own one otherwise you will need to rent one of the clubs.

Results: 82 Entrants | Results | Splits | Photos | Routegadget | Routegadget Split Analysis | Attackpoint Spilts analysis Long | Attackpoint Spilts analysis Short

View Park Qualifier 3 in a larger map

Qualifier 2

Location: Boomerang Park (Raymond Terrace)
Start Times: Starts between 5pm and 6:30pm (Course Closure 7:10pm)
Setter: David Messenger
Course: Long (~5km) and Short (~2km)

Directions: Car park at Freeth Street entrance to the park, corner of Freeth Street and Kangaroo Street. Parking may be required along Kangaroo Street if the car park becomes full

Facilities: TBA

Important Notice: This is an SI event. Please bring your SI stick if you own one otherwise you will need to rent one of the clubs.

REALLY Important Notice: Mosquito's are really prolific right now in the park so it is reccommended that you wear long sleeves, long pants and bring insect repellent.

From the desk of the Setter:

The rain stayed away for my first ever Park Event but it was hot and humid instead. The mosquitoes were relatively subdued until after event closure when they were vicious and in great numbers.

A brand new map crafted by Russell Rigby offered both open parklands but also the opportunity for more complicated navigation in forested areas. Some found this challenge fun, whilst others struggled with the difficult step-up from Street. An early prelude to the navigation required in Bush. Usually a new map is not revealed until you are out on the course but today it was displayed on the board to give some advance ‘warning’.

57 competitors took on the Long Course, with another 18 competitors on the Short Course.

Competitors rapidly found after the easier controls out in the open parkland that the forest needed more care and navigation. The splits reveal competitors issues with control navigation were highly varied with some forest controls problematic for some but not others (and no single control seen as problem to majority), whilst even some controls in the open parkland resulted in issues at times.

It was our first outing with use of locks and tethers … and within 10 minutes of putting out the last control the locals were spotted attempting to take a control away only to abandon their attempt due to the tether! Whilst this added substantially to the set-up time it is worth it to protect the sport-ident investment which allows the wealth of information for post event discussion and review.

I would encourage others to take on the role of setter and I learnt a lot about O-CAD and the challenges of mapping, course setting, layout and organisation and overall enjoyed the experience. It makes you appreciate how much effort is put in each week to allow our club to have a busy schedule for members enjoyment.

I also look forward to the fantastic map being used again … where I can experience for myself getting totally lost in the forest.

Start Setup – Thanks to Viola O’Connor, Russell Rigby, Carolyn Rigby, Peter Newton, Malcolm Roberts and any others I missed whilst I was out putting the remaining controls
Start / Finish – Thanks to Cheryl Todkill, Joy Guy, Malcolm Robertson and Peter Orr
Control Collection - Thanks to Alex Massey, Russell Rigby and Daniel Orr
Setting and Map – Thanks to Russell Rigby for patience and guidance through process

Results: 75 Entrants | Results | Splits | Photos | Routegadget | Routegadget Split Analysis | Attackpoint Spilts analysis Long | Attackpoint Spilts analysis Short

For those wondering Bronwyn Stafford who took a bit of a tumble just has a bad sprain of her ankle and is now on the road to recovery. Hopefully she will be back to join us again in the bush series.

View Park Qualifier 2 in a larger map

Park Final

Setters Report:

When Carolyn & I first visited Booragul Public School to look at mapping it for the Active After School Communities program in late 2011 the possibilities of the area for a Park Tour map were obvious. Thanks to the cooperation of the staff at Booragul PS and Lake Macquarie HS this became a reality.

As mapper and setter this felt almost like a perfect event for me - happy with map, lots of support from landowners & no access issues (and the school P&C put on a sausage sizzle), an area that was scenic and appropriate for the standard of course, near perfect weather, event ran smoothly with involvement of many club members, LOTS OF HAPPY COMPETITORS, and a few helpful suggestions - & enough volunteers for control pick-up so that I didn't have to get any. Thanks to everybody for your assistance - hope you enjoyed it as much as we did.

With the absence of some of "gun" runners, either because of non-qualification or Formula 1 commitments, the A Grade final opened up. Early starter Shane Trotter took the lead with 26:22, but then Martin Quirke improved on that by half a minute. Andrew Morris took out the top position with a late run, even allowing for some creative navigation around control 11 on the marsh. Jenny Enderby won the Women's A Grade, and will get the Women's Park Trophy when we track it down.
Geoff Todkill thought he was going well until he arrived at Control 16 for the first time (unfortunately after he had completed the loop around 17, 18,19 & 20), so resigned himself to a MP result.

Angus Roberts won B grade with a time that would have placed him mid-field in A Grade, while first starter David Messenger never really settled after a 90 degree mistake out of the start box for his worst run of the Tour ("WHY is he going that way???)

Michael Goode won C Grade with a 4 minute lead over Sonia Brown, and Graham Fowler had a 53 second lead on (a hopeful) Jon Sayers in D grade.

On the Short Course Graeme Taplin won E Grade convincingly from Kate Alborough and Peter Newton.

Fastest time for the day was by Steve Todkill, who did not have enough events to qualify for A Grade, and visited some haunts familiar from his school days on the run around the high school.

As part of the arrangements with the school Carolyn ran a Young Orienteers course around the school buildings and playground, with miniature control flags and animal pictures instead of control codes. This did not stop at least one senior orienteer from trying to find the SI punch (is that you Craig?). Eleven groups of kids ran the course, 7 from the school and 4 from the club. This course used the original school maps (1:1000 scale) compiled for the AASC program that first raised our interest in the area, completing the cycle.

The P&C was very happy with the results from their sausage sizzle, selling out of cakes and drinks and almost all of the sausages. If the club uses the area for a larger event in the future (State League sprint?) they certainly would like to be involved.

Thanks once again to everyone involved in making the event run so smoothly - Malcolm (SI), Cheryle, Joy and Maria (admin), David, Peter O, Peter N (set-up), Andrew, Kate, Greig, Sonia, Schyler, Imogen, Axel, Ingrid, Alan, David (control pick-up) - so many, sorry if we've missed anyone.

Russell & Carolyn

Results: 65 Entrants | Results | Splits | Photos | Routegadget | Routegadget Split Analysis | Attackpoint Spilts analysis Long | Attackpoint Spilts analysis Short

The event will be run on a new map Booragul Campus (1:4000) with a mixture of park, some bush and some school building features to negotiate. SportIdent will be used.

Location: Booragul Primary School, Aspinall Street, Booragul
Parking: Please park in surrounding streets, taking care not to block residential driveways. Enter Booragul Public School at the flagged entrance off Aspinall Street.

Start Times: Starts between 5pm and 6:30pm (Course Closure 7:10pm)
Setter: Carolyn and Russell Rigby
Course: Long (~5km) and Short (~2km)

Directions: From Five Islands Rd turn into First St at the roundabout then right into Marmong St. Finally left into Aspinall Street.

Note: There will be an additional course for younger competitors entirely within the schools grounds

Facilities: toilets, children's playground, shelter

Important Notice: This is an SI event. Please bring your SI stick if you own one otherwise you will need to rent one of the clubs.

Really Important Notice: Please check your grading for the final here: 2013 Park Grades.

Really Really Important Notice: As a special feature Booragul P&C are putting on a BBQ starting at 6pm. Please support their fundraising efforts. BBQ, including vegetarian options, cakes, soft drinks and coffee and tea will be available at very reasonable prices. This will keep you entertained until the Park Series Presentation beginning at 7:10. Lucky Draw prizes plus prizes for winners in each division.

Starts will be from 5:00pm. Grading based on the results from Best 2 of 3 races are on the website., You can run in the event and compare you time, even if you have not qualified for a graded start.

Please consider coming early as course closure at 7:10 (maybe earlier if overcast), and sunset very soon after – and you'll want to have a sausage sandwich afterwards too.

A special course is also planned for very young orienteers wholly within Booragul PS grounds. This will be free of charge and will not use SportIdent punching.

As a special service we have a flyer for you to put on your fridge or noticeboard at home as a reminder.

View Park Final in a larger map

Newcastle Night Championships 

Setters Report:

Thanks to everyone who came and had fun running around in the dark. Especially those who braved the park with just a small light (or none at all and tried running on map memory between streetlights).
I tried to set courses which gave the option of no bush-bashing but a few people found some good shortcuts and some found shortcuts that took longer than staying on the trails.
Also there are some very interesting ruins hidden in the park that I tried to show (mostly on the long course as they were a bit far for the short course and harder to find). To learn more about the history of Rathmines Park speak to Alec at "Friends of Rathmines" - Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Phone: 02 4975 1973. They are a community group who look after and encourage recreational use of the park.
Thanks also to everyone who helped as I couldn't have done it without you and thanks to Kendall for the fantastic free lighting. I also apologise for forgetting to print separate control sheets (though this didn't seem to slow many people down looking at some of the very fast results).
I hope everyone enjoyed the event and I had a lot of fun setting. Thanks, Sam.

Location: Rathmines Park (Rathmines)
Start Times: Starts from 7:30 (when it gets dark)
Setter: Sam Howe
Course: Long (~5km) and Short (~2km)

Directions: From Dorrington Rd, turn left onto Stilling Street and park in one of the carparks on the right. There is also a large parking area on the left side of Stilling Street near the boat ramp. 

Note: Don't forget to bring your own lights and insect repellent.

Facilities: Water

Important Notice: This is an SI event. Please bring your SI stick if you own one otherwise you will need to rent one of the clubs.

Results: 51 Entries | Results | Splits | Routegadget | Splitalyzer | Attackpoint Splits Long | Attackpoint Splits Short

View Night Championships in a larger map

Warmup Event

Important Update

This event takes place BEFORE daylight savings is in effect. If you plan to use the 6pm mass start it is suggested you bring a torch and wear bright clothing or reflective gear. You may of course start at anytime between the 2 mass starts but you will have to time yourself if that is the case.

Update 2: Newcastle Orienteering recommends that all comptetitors wear bright clothing or reflective gear throughout the season to enable drivers to see you especially if you are running near dusk. We also wish to remind competitors that listening to an ipod (or similar) while on course can be a distraction that may cause you to not hear an emergency warning or similar and as such are not allowed during these events for your safety.

Location: National Pk, Cnr Smith & Dumaresq St
Start Times:Mass starts at 5:15pm and 6pm
Map National Park
Setter: Malcolm Roberts
Organiser: Sam Howe

Warm Up Events

• Do not count toward Summer Street Series
• 30 minute score course
• Mass starts at 5:15pm and 6pm
• 1 minute planning time before the start
• Competitors do their own scoring

Setters Report

Well not really, Malcolm is still away in Tasmania, so the honor falls to me to do a little writeup about the event. So lets get the elephant in the room out of the way before anything else. Yes, there was a mistake made with the clue sheet that unfortunately wasn't detected until we cracked open the bag they had come in only seconds before giving them out. It turned out the only possible answers on sheet were the actual answers - Whoops. But the 49 competitors, new and old, had a bit of a laugh and proceeded to have a run regardless. So now that that's out of the way I'd like to welcome all our new competitors who had a run with us today and for them next week we will introduce the second part of the warmup series - a complete clue sheet. See it was all a cunning plan to slowly ease you into the sport (should have opened with that really i guess oh well). Honourable mentions from the night were Stuart Kurtz for highest score for the 30min score course and Sharon Burgess for the best score for 45min (and of course being the only competitor in that class, very sly I must say).

So hopefully we will see you all (and Malcolm) next Wednesday at Waratah Rail (Mayfield), when we shall also have an extra hour of daylight to run in.

Shane (Web guy)

RESULTS 9:15 PM 03-10-2012 | Routegadget

Important Update: Due to the continueing wet weather BOSS 5 has had to be cancelled as the map is either muddy quagmire or under water and is not safe for riders in its current condition. Due to a very full upcoming calendar it is not possible to reschedule this event. There will be an update later on overall results from this BOSS series.

Course Setter: Greg Bacon
Start Times: 8:00am – 9:00am
Directions: Head south from Holmsville on Appletree road, park on the right adjacent to Holmesville Soccer Ground.

View Barnsley BOSS in a larger map

Course Setter: Denis Lyons
*Update*Start Times: 7:45am – 9:15am (Final start will be enforced at this event a train will pass through the event area just after last potential starter (ie9:15) finishes)
Directions: Head west from the centre of Kurri Kurri on Lang St towards the hospital. Turn left at the T junction and park on Hospital Road.

26 Entries Results | Routegadget

View Pelaw Main BOSS in a larger map

Course Setter: Sam Howe
Start Times: 8:00am – 9:00am
Directions: Turn east off Freemans Drive either: (1) 6.7km north of the junction with Newport Rd at Cooranbong OR, (2) 5km south of the Freemans Waterhole roundabout and then follow the "O-Signs".

Results | Series Totals | Routegadget (Ignore the DNF everyone got its a glitch)

View Hawkemount - BOSS in a larger map

Course Setter: Shane Jenkins
Start Times: 8:00am – 9:00am
Directions: From West Wallsend proceed west along Carrington Street and then Railway Street. Turn right into O’Donelltown Road and follow signs.

Important: This event uses Sportident, which will be available to hire on the day. 

Format: This will be the standard BOSS format with a twist. The course is divided over 2 maps, which will be on one page, and competitors will be required to move between maps when they have either completed the first one or whenever they choose to. However, once you switch maps there will be no going back to the first map to get any missed controls. 

The transition controls will be opposite the start and finish so you will need to return to the start (indicated by the start symbol on the map) once you have completed or done enough of the first map which is called 'The Mad Dash'. Once you have punched the transition control you may then proceed to the next transition control which is located opposite the finish (indicated by the finish symbol on the map). There is a five minute time limit to complete the transition. You then need to return to the finish when you are ready to finish and then proceed back to the registration area to download your results. In the event that you do not wish to head to the second map a finish control will be located at the download desk. 

Note: Remember to stop your timer/stopwatch/gps during the transition as this time does not count towards your 75mins.

55 entries Results | Series Totals | Routegadget

View BOSS 2 in a larger map

Course Setter: Justin Stafford
Start Times: 8:00am – 9:00am
Directions: Head west from the Glendale crossroads, turn right after 500 metres at the lights into Frederick St. Start is at end of Frederick st, park in the surrounding streets

From the Setter : Justin Stafford

Brush Creek is always a challenging place.  It is difficult navigationally because of the large spider web of constantly changing tracks.  It is difficult technically, because the majority of tracks are rutted and twisted due to motorbike activity.  It is demanding physically due to the hilly nature of the area.  Combine that with hot weather and I am stoked that, aside from control placement a little high, most riders enjoyed themselves and had a good ride!

I do feel for the plethora of riders who suffered breakages – tubes, tires, chains and even derailleur hangers…

I was also excited to be the setter for the first official Newcastle event to use the SI gear (the DuO is a NSW event).  This allowed for some interesting analysis, highlights including:

• Every control was visited, with a reasonable spread – a good result in my books.
• The most popular was 186 with all but two of the 41 riders punching – I assume due to the fact that it was an easy “enroute” control.
• The least popular was 187 and 188 with only 4 visits – I guess this makes sense as they were a challenge to get to and of lower value.
• Surprising to me was the large number of visits to 181 (top middle) and the low number of visits to the 2 and 3 point controls in the SE corner.

I have put together a visualisation showing the relative number of visitors to each control.

Thanks to Andrew, Geoff and Cheryle for their support with the event, and to Nicole, Tim, Steve and Sallyanne for control collection.

Results | Routegadget

Important Update - Venue Change

Venue: Myuna Bay Foreshore (Southern end of dirt road on the eastern side of Myuna Bay Sport and Recreation Camp). Limited parking on the dirt road is available. Alternatively please park in the designated areas for the park. 

Map: “Whitesheads Lagoon” – 1:10,000
Courses:

• Draw for Partner "Moderate": for orienteers able to complete "Moderate" (was Orange) standard navigation.
• Draw for Partner "Easy": for younger or less experienced orienteers able to complete "Easy" (was Green) standard navigation. This years "partners" event will be a mass start consisting of score and line course components.
• Partners will be drawn from a hat and their respective times combined for an overall figure.

Times:please arrive around 9:30 for registration. The draw will be approximately. 9:45 with a mass start for all Moderate competitors at around10:00 am. Easy course competitors will start approximately. 5 minutes later.

Entries: Enter on the day,Moderate and Easy courses will be available between 10:05 and 10:45 am only.

Important: Please contact Geoff Peel to register your interest. There may be some opportunity to enter the Draw on the day but we prefer you to pre-enter where possible.

Facilities: Toilets, tables, tap
Course Planner: Denis Lyons
Course Organiser: Geoff Peel This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 49 680 977

Following this event will be club presentations from 12.00pm at Myuna Bay Park - Bring a picnic lunch

View Oct 21st - Eraring (includes presentations) in a larger map

RESULTS 6:15 pm | Routegadget (long) | Routegadget (short) | Photos (captioned)

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The NSW Schools Team has been competing during the week in very warm conditions at the Australian Schools Championships at Maryborough, Queensland.

Josh Blatchford ran a hot time in the senior boys category to become the resident Australian champion. It was a thrilling result with Josh edging out Lachlan Dow of the ACT by all of one second!! The senior boys team of Josh Blatchford, Alex Massey, Rob Bennett and Tom Carter were placed 3rd overall in the event.

The junior girls relay team of Michele Dawson, Nicola Blatchford and Alinta Merrotsy ran a sensational race to be placed 3rd in the relays. This this is a great result as the team is young and can back up again next year!

The junior boys relay event was voided after some teams were allocated incorrect maps.

The whole of the team is running well and there are some great results being posted in the schools and general events by the team. The results can be accessed on the event website.

Tony Hill

World Masters 2009

Friday, 28 September 2007

Course Setters and Event Controllers Expression of Interest

The World Masters Orienteering 2009 Organising Committee would like to invite orienteer’s from New South Wales who are interested in being Course Setters and/or Controllers for the events to be held as part of the World Masters Orienteering Championships 2009 to complete an expression of interest.

The WMOC 2009 will include a Sprint Qualification and Sprint Final, both to be held in Sydney ( Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th October) and two Long Qualifications (Wednesday 14th October and Thursday 15th October) and a Long Final (Saturday 17th October). The Long Distance events will be held North West of Lithgow.

If you are interested in being a Course Setter and/or Controller for these events please send an Expression of Interest to

Nick Dent email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. By the 23rd October

Expression of Interest should include

1. Preferred event.

2. Preference for Course Setter or Controller.

3. Outline of course setting and/or controlling experience in the last 10 years.