Location

WOW’s location is north west of the city. It’s area is roughly north of Hale Rd and Green St, continuing east to Great Northern Hwy.

Operation

WOW is and always has been a ‘family’ club with members from age 6yo - 85yo+ competeing. WOW is one of the largest clubs but many members are social orienteers only.

For this year, WOW is involved in setting about 1/3 of the winter bush events. Usually we have 2 main setters and an organiser, who assembles a team for the day. These people require on the day help from volunteer club members with tasks such as helping newcomers, admin in the caravan, collecting controls after the event, packing the trailer, digging toilet holes, erecting shelters etc.

The setting club members also provide cakes or slices for the cake stall, profits from which go towards the juniors' fund to assist them with interstate travel for competition.

WOW usually participates in any 2 day weekend events on the programme. Accommodation is bulk booked by the convenor, or camping at the event site is arranged. Meals are often shared, especially pre dinner drinks and nibbles.

Social

About every 4 – 6 weeks throughout the year, WOW members gather for a variety of social events which may be Xmas in July, progressive dinner, cheese tasting, bowling, botanic golf, afternoon tea in a park, bbq’s in summer, interspersed with the occasional weekend camp over or stay over in cabins for a 2 day weekend event.

Weather Policy

Events are NEVER cancelled, so come prepared with gear for all weathers and spares for changing. There are many stories emanating from the effects of weather on our activities – including bogged cars, soggy unreadable maps, discarded clothes at control sites etc. Come along and experience the fun!

Promotion

This is done in the main, by the association promo officer but some local events are promoted with articles printed in local papers and brochures stocked in local libraries and running stores. You can help by notifying your convenor if you're at your local and can't see any orienteering brochures.

Coaching / Mentoring

Training sessions are done at association level but each new member can access a club coach or mentor if required. This is available for juniors and adults and is organised through the club coach.

The annual ladies camp is NOT TO BE MISSED!! Lots of training ( for beginner to experienced level navigation), lots of conviviality, some partaking of red wine and lots of fun with orienteering games. There is also at least one junior camp annually, usually in the July school holidays.

Inter Club Competition

There are annual interclub relays, usually run in July. Competition is over all navigation levels from E to H navigation, so almost everyone can be part of the action. Club points can also be accrued by members’ performances at Badge events throughout the year, including the State Championships.

WOW members on State Orienteering Committee

Association Positions

Excerpts from The Australian Orienteer:

- November 1995