Victorians Feature in Annual Orienteering Australia Awards

The 2024 Orienteering Australia Hall of Fame inductees were announced at Easter, and the following Victorians were recognised for their achievements and service:

OA Hall of Fame Athlete Division:
Natasha Key
Natasha Key has had outstanding success at both national and international level in elite and Masters level orienteering throughout her career. Natasha holds the most Australian national titles for an individual female orienteer. She has represented Australia at 10 World Championships, achieving a career-high 10th place, 4 top-20 results and a 7th place relay result. Natasha has also represented Australia at 17 World Cup races, with two 17th-place finishes. Natasha has continued to have success at the Masters level with 12 podium placings at the World Masters Championships, including 8 wins.

OA Hall of Fame General Division:
Blake Gordon
Blake Gordon has played a key role in introducing and developing mountain bike orienteering (MTBO) in Australia, and in establishing Australia’s place as one of the leading MTBO nations at the international level. His contributions to MTBO included chairing the OFA MTBO Committee from 1997 to 2011, organising the first Australian MTBO Championships, managing the Australian team at the inaugural World Championships in MTBO in France, and being Event Director for the second World MTBO Championships held in Victoria in 2004. That event established Australia’s reputation as one of the leading nations in international MTBO competition.

Michael Hubbert
Mike Hubbert’s contribution to Australian orienteering goes back to August 1969 when he was the event secretary for the event at Upper Beaconsfield, Victoria, that led to the permanent establishment of orienteering in Australia. In 1970, he was one of a small group that established the Victorian Orienteering Association and the Orienteering Federation of Australia, and was OFA Secretary from 1975 to 1981. He initiated and helped develop Australia’s successful bid for the 1985 World Orienteering Championships. Mike was Editor of the Australian Orienteer from 2004 to 2023, and was a major contributor to Park Street orienteering in Victoria.

Share this

Other news

  • Vic Series, Joyces Creek Sandon, Sunday August 31

    The next Vic Series is at Irishtown on Sunday 31 August. Get your entry in!

    Read article
  • MelBushO at Yarra Flats Park, Sunday 24 August

    The next MelbushO is at Yarra Flats on Sunday August 24. Enter online now.

    Read article
  • Vic Series 7, Sunday August 17, Nuggety Range, Maldon – Diamonds Are Forever

    Diamonds are forever! Vic Series 7 sees the first Australian use of a diamond forking system. This is your chance to try this fantastic new format

    Read article

From parks and streets to bush and forest - there is an adventure for you.

Join Today