Orienteering Victoria 2023 Awards Announced

Orienteering Victoria’s annual award winners were announced at the AGM – congratulations!

SERVICE AWARD – Jim Russell, for organisation of the 2023 NOL weekend, the annual BendiGo ToDay weekend, Victoria’s NOL manager, and constant support with finishes, results displays, and Schools Championships

EVENT MANAGER OF THE YEAR – Peter Mousley, for organising the National Junior Development Camp in Beechworth

COACH OF THE YEAR – Roch Prendergast, for coaching of junior orienteers including JWOC representatives

PRESIDENT’S AWARD – Gary Buchan, for Ballarat series organisation, innovative ideas, and membership of OA’s Participation Committee

COURSE SETTER OF THE YEAR (FOREST) – Michael Loughnan, Bendigo Bush 12, Diamond Hill

COURSE SETTER OF THE YEAR (MTBO) – Sophie Van Gunsteren, You Yangs

COURSE SETTER OF THE YEAR (SPRINT) – Stuart Lawrie, Vic Sprint Champs and Mad Dash, Whitefriars College

COURSE SETTER OF THE YEAR (PARK STREET) – Ian Greenwood, Wed Summer Series, Chirnside Park

ROCKHOPPER AND LYREBIRD AWARDS FOR BEST JUNIORS – Callum White, Milla Key

Clubs were invited to nominate their members for VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR:

• Bayside Kangaroos – Martin Kozma
• Central Highlands – Sophie Taverna
• Dandenong Ranges – Debbie Dodd
• Eureka – executive team (Ian Chennell, BJ Johnson, Blake Gordon, Mark Valentine)
• Melbourne Forest Racers – Patrick Jaffe
• Nillumbik Emus – Don Fell
• Yarra Valley – Ruth Goddard

The new Board was elected:

• President – David Jaffe
• Vice Presidents – Wendy Taverna, Chris Norwood
• Secretary – Aislinn Prendergast
• Treasurer – Stephen Collins

Chris Norwood joins the Board, replacing Margi Freemantle, who has stepped down after many years of dedicated service and invaluable input.  Chris brings many years of experience as a top level Event Advisor and competitor, and his technical knowledge will be put to good use.  Thank you Margi, and welcome Chris!