Member of Nillumbik Emus Orienteering Club and Orienteering Victoria
Orienteering Foot, Mountain Bike, Rogaining
Mapping, Course setting, Event organisation, Sporting Schools Orienteering
Members of Carols in the Park, Diamond Creek organising committee
We have a very busy month coming up. Please add these dates to your diary.
Our club is organising the MelbushO at Woodlands-Gellibrand Hill on Sept 13. Warwick Davis is course setting, Christine Prentice is the organiser, and Don Fell is responsible for IT for this event. Double Header: There will be a MTBO event at Woodlands in the afternoon run by Yarra Valley. Contact Christine if you can help.
We are also organising the Victorian Orienteering Championships on Sept 20 at Metcalfe near Kyneton on a new map. Carolyn Layton is course setting; Ron Frederick is organiser. We are looking for volunteers to assist setting up on the day before the event. Ron would appreciate few helpers the day before with set up, but being a Championship we need as many as possible on the day. You will be able to compete as well. Contact Ron if you can lend a hand.
Eureka Orienteers’ Two-Person Relay Tipperary Springs, Daylesford. Eureka is holding 2-person relay event on the day before our event. Gary Buchanan is looking forward to some general assistance before/and after you compete. Gary has assisted NE on occasions, and it would be nice to return the favour.
The Australian Mountain Bike Orienteering Champs comes to Victoria in October this year. Nillumbik Emus is running the Middle Distance Champs at Creswick on October 10. I have booked a 3 bedroom house in Ballarat for our stay from Thursday Oct 8 -11 and anyone who would like to join Helen and me are most welcome to stay with us. Details Spacious 3BR Home Ballarat Excellent for Families and Groups, Ballarat (updated prices 2026). So far, Laurie Niven, Ron Frederick, Nick Somes and Geoff Armstrong have offered to lend a hand. Contact Helen or Rob know if you can volunteer to help on the day before days.
Orienteering Australia recommends that all users log in to their Eventor account and review their profile settings, especially for emergency contact details, and ensure that all details are correct. At the same time, if members have not yet done so, they might like to complete their diversity data profile.
OV have sent an email to remind clubs of the Child Safety policy.Part of that policy requires that anyone in contact with children possess a valid working with children check (WWCC). As the champs will have children participating, all the volunteers will need a valid working with children check. This means that we need to know if your club volunteers have a current WWCC.
Congratulations to Geoff Armstrong on setting a most successful event at Lake Eppalock.Thank you to the team led by organiser Ron Frederick for assisting with the event.
Picture taken at the assembly area.
Our club is organising MelbushO at Woodlands-Gellibrand Hill on Sept 13. Warwick Davis is course setting, Christine Prentice is the organiser, and Don Fell is responsible for IT for this event.
We are also organising the Victorian Orienteering Championships on Sept 20 at Metcalfe near Kyneton on a new map. Carolyn Layton is course setting, Ron Frederick is organiser, Blair Trewin Adviser and Rob Edmonds IT
Nillumbik Emus is running the Middle Distance Champs on our new ‘Djuwang Baring’ map (formerly St Georges Lake), Creswick on October 10. The Victorian government provided the funding to develop the mountain bike trails in the surrounding forest, initially for the Commonwealth Games and now used by recreational riders with the trail head at Hammon Park.
All Victorian clubs are combining to conduct the events in this Carnival. We are hoping to attract an international field, and organisers think we may attract 160 – 200 riders.
Please let co-organisers Helen or Rob Edmonds know if you can volunteer to help on the day or on some of the days. Rob Edmonds is the course setter. Andrew Slattery is producing the map. Tim Hatley and Kathy Liley are course advisers.
So far, Laurie Niven, Ron Frederick and Nick Somes have offered to lend a hand.
Welcome back to 2026. The Summer Series is in full swing. The Thursday Northern Series concludes on March 12 at the Ruffey Lake Park, with an end of year BBQ and presentations. Welcome to Laurel Johnson as our new club secretary. Thank you to Rex Niven for carrying out the role of Club Secretary for such a long stint.
Melbourne Summer Series Park Street Championships, Tuesday Feb 24 Entry Details Course planner: Stuart McWilliam; Organising club: Nillumbik Emus Start location: Delahey Recreation Reserve, Copperfield Drive, Delahey
Bike-O 75 #2, You Yangs – Saturday, February 14 Enter Now Course Setter: Andrew Turner Organisers: Rob and Helen Edmonds This is a 75 minute Maprun score event with innovations in scoring. Starts from 6pm – 6:30. Volunteers welcome to assist to put out and collect control flags and assist with admin.
Maxi Hepburn Diggings Sunday, March 22 Enter Now Course Setter: Rob Edmonds Course Advisers: Derek Morris and Helen Edmonds Catering Organiser: Lauris Stirling Organisers: Helen and Rob Edmonds Trailer: Ron Frederick This is a score event with the option of 90 minutes or 3 hours. Go solo or with a partner(s). Starts from 10am. This event has a great assembly area in the picturesque surrounds of the Hepburn Springs Mineral Complex. Volunteers to help with admin, catering and control collection. Online Entry Deadline 19th March
Club Website: If you would like to follow our club website https://emuorienteers.com/, please shoot me an email. You can also register on our club’s private Nillumbik Emus Facebook GroupFurther News The president of OV, David Jaffe mentioned in a recent OV Weekly Bulletin that the coming OV Council meeting will be held at Heathcote on Sun 22 Feb. He said: “We hope that meeting will have a strategy focus and … each club might like to bring “one thing” that they plan to do differently to increase participation in 2026 so that it can be a sharing of ideas! Ron Frederick has indicated that he is able to attend. If you have any ideas, please let Laurel Johnson and Ron Frederick know if you would like to attend. The Bush Hagaby will be run on the Argyle map at Heathcote that morning.
OA Merit Badges: Badges were awarded to Geoff Armstrong, M70 Silver – Mark Baxter, M65 Bronze – John Carberry M60 Bronze – Helen Edmonds, W70 Bronze – Ron Frederick, M75 Silver – Ben Greenhalgh, M14 Bronze – Izzy Greenhalgh, W16 Gold – Xander Greenhalgh, M16 Gold – Eofy Greenhan, M10 Gold – Opus Greenhan, M12 Gold – Victoria Greenhan, Gold – Carolyn Layton, W50 Silver – Joshua Layton, M14 Gold – Matthew Layton, M16 Gold – Jayden Styk, M16 Gold
The badges have arrived for all the juniors. Please get in touch with Christine Prentice to arrange collection of your badge.
Vic Schools O – Sprint Champs – March 30 – RMIT Bundoora! Entries are opened on Eventor. There is also an entry form for schools, they don’t need to go via Eventor. Entry is open for students in Years 3 – 12.
Membership Renewal Login to Eventor go to My pages … My memberships and hit the Renew button in the bottom right hand corner and follow prompts. Orienteering Victoria’s membership fee are $40 for adults and $8 for Juniors. Please get in touch if you need further help.
We had a busy period over March and April. Helen and I stayed in Quarry Hill, Bendigo, for the Easter Carnival attended by over 800. Events took place at Psalm Singing Gully – Inglewood, The Granites north of Wedderburn and Poverty Reef – Tarnagulla. Our club was heavily involved in setting up Day 1 of the Easter Carnival with Laurie Niven playing a key organisational role.
A highlight was the Dragon Festival in Bendigo on Sunday afternoon.
It was back to the roughly the same area for the Vic Champs events over the ANZAC weekend. We stayed at in Dunolly with the sprint double held at Dunolly, the Middle at Wehla Hill and the Long at Mt Korong. The weather was wet for the sprints on Friday, but it was back to warm, sunny conditions for the weekend.
Mt Korong with Ron Frederick, Rex and Laurie Niven.
Helen determinedly navigates through the rocks.
Congratulations to Matthew Layton and Xander Greenhalgh who managed an impressive 3700 points to take the win in this year’s CBDgaine. With a record attendance and 199 teams, this year’s CBD event was an amazing way to start the year. Starting from the beautiful Treasury Gardens and taking in many of Melbourne’s parks, buildings and laneways, there was plenty to see and do for the new and experienced rogainer alike.
The weather was extremely warm for the first 3 bush events our club organised this year. The March 9 State Series event at Borhoney Ghurk near Meridith was tough for the old stagers. The Layton Family did a great job in trying conditions in setting the courses. There were 107 entries. Laurie Niven expertly organised the event and NE volunteers. Rex, Laurie, Carolyn and Josh Layton, Rob and Helen camped out with several other orienteers and a group who kept us awake past midnight with whip cracking.
A fortnight later, The Maxi was held at Tunnel Hill near Castlemaine Derek Morris set a challenging course which was well received. Lauris Stirling again excelled with the catering. Ron, Derek, Helen and Rob camped on site. There were 97 entries with 22 newcomers.
The catering team at the Maxi.
On a sad note, Ron Wescott a long-time Orienteer and someone involved with NEV and over decades passed away before the Maxi. His contributions were considerable and well-remembered. His funeral was attended by many who knew him from orienteering circles and the other groups he and his wife Cheryl Taylor were involved with in the Castlemaine area.
Ron and Cheryl
Margaret Badminton’s a member of EMU’s, a forerunner of Nillumbik Emus, also died recently. She helped raise money to purchase the green equipment trailer.
On April 6, the Mt Beckworth event run by the Eureka club had 127 entries with 19 NE members making the trip. Leigh Greenhalgh was a winner on C5 and Johua Layton on C3.
The following weekend, The Vic MTBO champs at Castlemaine (Short and Middle events) and Muckleford Diggings (Long) near Maldon, where I was the course setter. We stayed at Whispering Gums Motel in Newstead and joined with other MTBO riders at the Five Flags Hotel in Campbells Creek for dinner on Saturday night. The arena for the Long was the Ruggles Paddock on Mia Mia Road. Again, the weather was very warm.
In between Easter and ANZAC Helen, Dion Keech and I ran a coaching session for 90 female students from Lowther Hall at Brimbank Park. Students from Whitefriars College also took part in a training session at Westerfolds in early May.
We head into late Autumn and Winter with less pressure on organising events. August 3 MelBushO 6 – Jells Park, Wheelers Hill
Keep an eye out for the popular Park & Street events being held in the evenings and weekends including an Enduro at Yarra Bend.
The Victorian Secondary Schools’ Orienteering Champs are being held on Friday May 16th at Woodlands. Let me know if you have some time to volunteer. Several club juniors are vying for selection in the Victorian Schools team to compete at the Australian Carnival to be held in Queensland in late September.
Park & Street
The park and street championships were held on the Stirling Hill map in Mitcham. Nillumbik Emus were well represented in participation and results. Congratulations to all of our medal-winners – some of whom did very well in pretty tough fields. And well-done to all who participated. Gold: Aeon Greenhan (Junior), Opus Greenhan (Sub-Junior) Victoria Greenhan (Womens Open) Rachel Johnson (Womens Senior) Dave Stillwell (Mens Open PW) Jim Taylor (Mens Ultravet) Silver: Rick Bailes (Mens Ultravet) Mark Hammond (Mens Supervet PW) Bronze: Greg Bower (Mens Supervet) Katherine Turner (Womens Open) Congratulations to Eofy Greenhan who during December 2024 completed his 100th park and street orienteering event.
Welcome back to 2025. The Summer Series events have been a great success. The Thursday Northern Series concludes on the 6th March at the Ruffey Lake Park, Victoria St Playground with end of year BBQ and Presentations. The last event in the Wednesday Series is on the 26th March.
A big shout out to the organisers of Northern Series – Schon and Geoff Hudson, Ewen and Jenelle Templeton, Tina Smith and Lauris Stirling.
Congratulations to members who placed first in the StreetO Champs. All the winners’ names have been placed on the “Honour board”
Mens ultravet running – Jim Taylor
Womens open running – Victoria Greenhan
Womens veteran running – Rachel Johnson
Junior boys/girls – Aeon Greenhan
Sub junior boys/girls – Opus Greenhan
Mens Power open walking – Dave Stillwell
There will be a lot of orienteering action in Victoria is in the first half of the year. This edition covers major events and includes a busy time for Nillumbik Emus.
The attendees at the AGM were all members of the committee and more like a face-to-face committee meeting. Our committee meetings are all done online. Thank you to all members of the committee for putting their hands up to serve the club this year. Rex Niven expressed a desire to step down. If you wish to take over this role sometime this year, please contact Rex.
Upcoming Events: AGM coming Sunday at Westerfolds Park. Please contact me if you wish me to send the details again.
This Monday and Thursday, Year 7 and 8 students Northside Christian School are coming to Westerfolds Park to orienteer using the permanent course controls. There will be up to 50 students each time. Time: 10 am to 2:30; Assembly Area: Car Park 2
On Friday, about 50 Year 5 & 6 students from St Anthony’s PS in Alphington will be orienteering at Fairfield Park and Yarra Bend Park on a newly minted map. The event kicks off at 10am with a 2 hour score event beginning at 10:45am.
If you would like to assist on any of these days, please contact Rob Edmonds on 0408 467 258 or email. Helen Edmonds will be working with me.
Last Friday, the Victorian Primary School Champs were held at Brimbank Park. It was great to see many NE members volunteering Anna Greenhalgh, Ron Frederick, Helen and Rob Edmonds, Peter Maloney, Carolyn and Matt Layton put in a big effort to ensure a very successful day.
Club members competing included Eofy Greenhan and Opus Greenhan 2nd, Josh Layton 2nd and Ben Greenhalgh 4th. Also taking part were prospective members, Ron Frederick’s grandson, Xavier, and youngsters Nina and Patrick Morgan.
Helen and Rob ran a corporate event for the Good Sport Almighty on our updated Yarra Bend map. The start was from Coffee Supreme in Abbotsford. Over 30 very keen participants tackled the 90 minute score course. Their was a great vibe and the proprietors put on a healthy spread with great coffee.
Victorian Sprint Champs was run at Tarneit College. Several NE members took part.
Congratulations and best wishes to Matt Layton on his selection in the Australian team to compete in the Oceania Champs in NZ in late January.
Sue Healy stepping forward to receive a medal at the Victorian Champs at Spring Gully near Castlemaine with fellow club member Joyce Rowlands also on the winners podium. Ron Frederick is making the presentations. Fiona Fell and Geoff Armstrong in the shelter and Bruce Arthur, OV President at the time, looking on.
“Sue died on 1 March at her Aged Facility at Ashfield. She was 93 and had suffered from cancer for the previous year. Fortunately she did not have much, if any, pain and died peacefully.
Sue began orienteering in late 1974, introduced to the sport by her sister, Pella Rye. Pella was visiting Sue in Wollongong from England (Pella had been orienteering for some years in England). Sue formed Orienteers of Wollongong (the predecessor of Illawarra Orienteers) in early 1974 and organized several events for OW in 1975.
She then moved to Melbourne (late 1975) to work at the Victorian State Library (she became Victorian Head Librarian before her retirement in 1993). Sue competed in most major Australian events from 1975 to 2020 as well as in New Zealand and Europe. Sue was President of the VOA (Victorian Orienteering Association) in the early 80s and won the World Masters Sprint Championship (W85) in 2017 in NZL. She moved to Sydney in 2018 and joined Uringa Orienteers.
Sue had a very active and varied life. Born in England in 1930, she lived the first 25 years of her life near Wem except for boarding school and University (London University) where she obtained a BA in French, Spanish and Librianship. She was the leader of a UNESCO team sent to reconstitute the library at Dunkirk in 1951 (she was the leader because she was the only team member who spoke fluent French – with a Marseille accent! due to working as an au pair there in 1949-50).
She lived in Kenya in 1955-57 (during the Mau Mau incursion!) and Sierra Leone in 1959. She moved to Australia (Canberra initially before moving to Wollongong) in 1960. In the mid 70s in Wollongong she stood for the Australian Parliament for the Australia Party and later the Australian Democrats. Sue spoke French and Spanish fluently and Italian, Greek and Swahili competently!
She has 2 children (both born in Kenya) – son, Richard and daughter, Margaret.
Sue will be missed, especially by me.”
Dave Lotty
Sue joined Rockhoppers OC when she moved to Melbourne and then Nillumbik Emus after the merger in 1995. Sue was a very active member until her move to Sydney in 2018. Sue was an inaugural recipient of the club’s Services to Orienteering Award in 2021.
Sue with brown top under the shelter next to Laurie Niven and Fiona Fell. Alice and Helen Edmonds in foreground.
Another year is coming to its frenetic conclusion. I would like to wish everyone and their families a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Welcome to new club member Alan Leenaerts. Alan is a returnee with interests in adventure racing, mountain biking and friends of Plenty Gorge.
AGM and Get Together: A pleasant afternoon was enjoyed by all. A highlight was Ron Frederick’s slides on his Alaska trip and Rob and Helen’s trip to Tassie in January which included the Oceania Orienteering Champs.
The annual Vin Maloney competition was held this year at the Victorian Orienteering Championships at Mt Alexander on Sept 3rd. The Vin Maloney Trophy was won by junior Matt Layton followed by Ron Frederick and Geoff Armstrong. The full report is in the link to all AGM reports on Dropbox.
There are interesting reports from our juniors who took part in the Australian Championship Carnival in Western Australia.
Dorothy Adrian was recognised for her contributions to the club and orienteering over many years in being given the Services to Orienteering Award. Dorothy was a former President and Vice-President of the club and a key helper in many events. We wish Dorothy a happy future at her retirement village.
The club committee remains the same in 2024 with Ron Frederick, President; Laurie Niven, Vice-President; Christine Westley, Treasurer; Rex Niven, Secretary; and committee members Don and Fiona Fell, Rob and Helen Edmonds, Schon Hudson, Carolyn Layton, Lauris Stirling and Ian Parry.
Congratulations! Several members qualified for OA Merit Badges in 2023.
Geoff Armstrong M70 Gold
Mark Baxter M60 Silver
John Carberry M60 Bronze
Leone Carberry W21 Bronze
Helen Edmonds W65 Silver
Robert Edmonds M70 Bronze
Fiona Fell W70 Bronze
Ron Frederick M75 Bronze
Izzy Greenhalgh W14 Silver
Xander Greenhalgh M14 Silver
Victoria Greenhan W35 Gold
Jitladda (Goy) Khamseenuan W21 Bronze
Carolyn Layton W45 Silver
Joshua Layton M12 Gold
Matthew Layton M14 Gold
Membership for 2024 can now be applied for or renewed. If you require assistance with renewing or taking out membership in Eventor, please contact our Membership Officer, Rob Edmonds.
Cost remains at $35 for adults and $6 for juniors under the age of 21.
Your membership entitles you to 4 copies per year of the “Australian Orienteer” magazine, in March, June, September and December. Please make sure you tick the correct box when choosing your Orienteering Victoria membership category. If you select POSTED, you will receive your copies by mail. If you select ONLINE, you can access the magazine via this link: https://orienteering.asn.au/index.php/magazine/
When renewing your membership, please check that your contact details are correct, particularly your email address, mobile phone number, and emergency contact. Note that you must include a PHONE NUMBER in the Emergency Contact box (not just “My Mum”). To review your details, log into Eventor, and click on “My Pages”. Check through the information in your profile and update as necessary.
We look forward to your continued support in 2024.
Social membership is an option for those who no longer take part in Orienteering Victoria sanctioned events. Contact Rob Edmonds if you wish to take up this option. Cost is $5.
Welcome to new club members Greg Bower, Kristian Ruuska, Jayden Styk, William Donnelly, Andrew and Lizzy Selby. The Selby family also have two youngsters who have been accompanying them at MelBushO events. We have picked up 9 new members this year and membership has grown to 68.
2023 VICTORIAN SCHOOLS ORIENTEERING TEAM ANNOUNCED
It’s great to see 4 of our juniors have been selected in Victorian Schools Orienteering team to be held at the Australian Orienteering Carnival in Western Australia, starting late September. The team will be away for 10 days. Congratulations to club members Xander, Matthew, Jayden and Izzy and coach Carolyn Layton and we wish them all a successful, adventurous and safe trip.
Members of the team are as follows:
Junior boys: Xander Greenhalgh, Matthew Layton, Jayden Styk
Junior girls: Izzy Greenhalgh, Angelina Kozma, Ella Maja Lang, Keely Williams
Senior Boys: Lucas Kent, Nicholas Mousley, Ash White
Seior Girls: Sophie Arthur, Maya Bennette, Milla Key
The team officials will be Bruce Arthur (Coach), Carolyn Layton (Coach) and Heather O’Donnell (Manager).
Our club will be supporting our members in fundraising for their trip.
Social: Christmas Dinner
Thank you Lauris Stirling for hosting the event and providing a wonderful meal. A great time was had by all.
Event Reports
Park and Street Orienteering – Contributor Lauris Stirling
As we enter the last two months of the winter season, I would like to take the chance to thank our volunteer course setters.
Our club was responsible for five Saturday afternoon events and six Wednesday night events.
All courses for his event can be accessed at Livelox
Christine Prentice set the courses and Laurie Niven was the organiser for this event. There were 103 entries including 18 from our club and many other members who assisted without competing.
CANDLEBARK PARK – MELBUSHO 9 July
“RECIPE FOR A GREAT EVENT” Contributor Ian Parry
Take a crisp, cool Melbourne morning; add a location with something to offer for every Class from Easy to Long-Hard, mix in 134 enthusiastic runners and warm with mid-morning sun … Marvellous!
After a run of wet weekends, the Sunday morning at Candlebark Park on July 16th could not have been better. Sunshine, only the slightest of breezes and no rain forecast. Some last-minute changes to the map in light of the rain saw grassland reclassified as marshy, and marshes reclassified as ponds.
Respondents to the post-Event Questionnaire gave the Event organisation and the Courses a resounding Very Good from two thirds of the Entrants.
The Entrants varied from some very enthusiastic high-performance runners to family groups new to Orienteering … and there was enough fun to go round for everybody.
There were more than 50 Entries on the day, many people just wanting to give the sport a go on a great morning for getting out in the open air. New software “OE2010” has been upgraded to “OE12” plus the skills of Rob Edmonds made this a less of a daunting task than it has been in the past.
CANDLEBARK PARK OFFERS A RANGE OF TERRAIN
For a metropolitan park Candlebark has a lot of things going for it. Easy to get to, no parking issues, toilets on site and a range of possibilities to set Courses to please all levels of runners.
Big obvious tracks
“Maybe it’s a track?” Tracks
“Get in there and find the Control” Woodland
And the always popular“Am I allowed to swim on this Leg?”
A huge round of applause for all the “Emus” who gave up their Sunday morning to help … Events like this do not happen by themselves.
All courses for his event can be accessed on Livelox. There were 134 entries including 15 from our club and 6 members who assisted without competing.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO RUN A MELBUSHO HARD-LONG COURSE?
The standard answer is, on average about an hour. But that is just if you are a runner…
Running a MelBushO actually takes weeks, and many, many hours of work.
From planning the Event, organising permissions, setting, checking and tweaking the courses, organising the trailer load of equipment, setting up the data equipment and networks and then, on the day, there is a small army of hard-workers who put out Controls; do the Registration of runners; man the Start and Finish Controls; provide advice to newcomers; do data entry; download the runners times… then at the end of the day, pick up the controls, dismantle shelters; upload times and splits to the Net … and then get to go home…
Add up all those hours and day and the answer is quite staggering!
Congratulations to Event Director Helen Edmonds; and Course Controller Laurie Niven for their crucial work … but mostly to ‘Team Emu’ … including newcomers … who made it all work on the day.
Helen Edmonds in hi-vis vest registering a competitor on Sunday Morning.
Event Controller Laurie Niven making sure the whole Event is going smoothly and running like clockwork.
On the right Rob E. is talking to the computers … and the computers are talking to each other …
Could anybody wonder if this was an NEV “Emu” Event? The Shelters are marvellous!
And not to forget the all-important competitors … hope they had fun and will come back for the next Event!
And last but not least …a before the Event picture of a very soggy but very happy little Course setter out the weekend before the Event
This was Ian’s first event as a course setter. Congratulations on a fine job, Ian.
He has also been working on our new event management software, OE12 V.12.1 the club bought recently.
Ian set up the app on NE’s computers and solved connectivity issues.
Coming Events:
These events are not far off, and the Nillumbik Emus team is heavily into planning for these two important events. You help will be greatly appreciated.
Ron Frederick is the organiser with Rex Niven course setting. The adviser is Tim Hatley.
As Champs are on the Saturday, we will also need a few people on the Friday arvo to set up the assembly area. There is free camping with flush toilets available at assembly area.
Please note that the Victorian Long Champs will be using the same start location on Sunday.
This picture was taken last year at the Australian Carnival event held at Mt Alexander, at the finish. Carolyn and Matt Layton in foreground. Carolyn competed in Europe including the Scottish 6 day.
Ron has just arrived home safely after his sojourn in North America, including Alaska. “We were very fortunate to see these humpback whales bubble net fishing. Seagulls waiting for scraps.”
Mt Denali (formerly known as Mt McKinley), is the highest peak in North America. Ron didn’t have time to climb it. According to Park Rangers only about 900 did so successfully this season.
Carolyn Layton organised Sunday’s MelbushO at Brimbank Park on April 30.
A big shout out to Matthew Layton who set the courses. He must be the youngest course setter we have had.
Carolyn thanked everyone who assisted in the running of such a successful event. The weather was beautiful, and the feedback has been positive. Special thanks to:
Laurie Niven for her behind the scenes mentoring and support to both Matt and me throughout the preparation process and for her dedication to the finish computer on the day!
Ron Frederick for rescuing the trailer early Sunday morning and finish tent support.
Geoff Armstrong for finish tent support and other bits and pieces that I’m sure I didn’t see.
David Prentice, Helen Edmonds and Lauris Stirling for running registration extremely efficiently. Schon Hudson for offering support!
Geoff Hudson for IT support at various crucial times
Jim Glaspole and Josie Yeatman were first on scene to help with set up.
Anna Greenhalgh, Izzy Greenhalgh, Benny Greenhalgh, Josh Layton, Helen Edmonds, Ron Frederick and Laurie Niven collected controls.
Peter Maloney for helping with pack up.
And in the background, there was always Warwick Davis (Tuckonie) who supplied the map and organised the printing, Rex Niven who started towing the trailer on Sunday morning and Robert Edmonds answering all the questions!’
Course 1
Our club also ran the Victorian Long Distance Mountain Bike Champs at Muckleford on April 23. (Report by organiser and course setter Rob Edmonds)
I would like to thank Helen Edmonds for her great support and Derek Morris for thoroughly checking the courses and the map.
There were 77 entries with 28 entries from New Zealand and interstate. A large contingent celebrated at the Five Flags Hotel, Campbell’s Creek on Saturday night after the Short and Middle Champs were run that day.
Our small team of helpers was kept on its toes. Geoff Armstrong, Ron Wescott, Cheryl Taylor and Derek Morris operated the start. Helen and David Prentice looked after Admin. Laurie Niven and Greg Tamblyn ran the finish.
Ron Frederick was waylaid due to COVID but had already checked the courses for the Saturday events.
Ron conducting te start and Derek at righty clearing SIAC sticksGeoff checking off start times.
The Maxi was run on March 19 at Mt Franklin Gorge
Derek Morris’s course was well received by 86 competitors. No one completed the course, but a few got close. Callum White was the overall winner of 3 the hour with 1490 points after losing 70 due to late penalties.
Mark Baxter won the 90 minute event with 700 points.
Phil Giddings finished 2nd in M60 class. Alice Edmonds and Jack Adhore were 2nd in Mixed 21 and David Prentice, Alex Zhou and Yiran Wang 4th.
Matthew Layton finished 1st in M15: 90 min; Laurel Johnson and Laurie Niven 1st in W60: 90 min; Carolyn & Josh Layton 2nd in Family: 90 min
Lauris provided a Stirling service with the catering and Martine Barrot was invaluable in admin and in assisting Lauris. Helen also provided tremendous support on admin and catering. Ron helped in setting up on Saturday in very warm conditions. Many members helped collect the controls after the event which was greatly appreciated.
Derek issuing final instructions at start
Ron Frederick received his OAM at Government House in early April.
Ron pictured with his 3 offspring – Andrew, Roslyn and Bruce
The featured image was taken on a Derby MTB trail.
Congratulations to Ron Frederick on being awarded an OAM in the Australia Day Honours.
Orienteering is heating up with Summer Series events finals not far off and bush events getting under way. The Maxi is a good event to get started.
Welcome to new club members Hamish Bassett and Bernadette Murray also, Laurel Johnson who is about to join.
Rex Niven has been in the Box Hill hospital for 8 days. We wish him a speedy recovery.
Dorothy Adrian today is keen to hear from anyone who can give her a ride to events.
Mark Baxter and Ron Frederick enjoyed the Christmas 5 Day in the Southern Highlands of NSW.
The Carberry’s – John, Leone and Goy and Rob and Helen Edmonds competed in the Oceania Series near St Helens in Tasmania in January.
Rob and Helen stayed on in Tassie for other adventures which included camping at Bruny Island, Mt Field NP and Cradle Mountain, lots of walking at places like Cradle Mountain, Blue Tiers, Cape Hauy, Labillardiere Peninsula, the Adventure Bay Sea cliffs, Tarn Shelf and Wineglass Bay, riding the Scottsdale to Billycock Hill Rail Trail, Maria Island, Derby and St Helens MTB Parks and MONA.
Camping at Pyengana for the Oceania ChampsGoy and Leone prepare for the Middle Distance Oceania Champs at the Argonaut, St HelensScottsdale to Billycock Hill Rail TrailHelen on Cradle Mountain with Barnes Bluff in backgroundAbove Halls Falls, Groom River, Beautiful place for a cool dip
Covering – The Carnival, upcoming events including the Maxi and the Club Relays
The Australian Championship Carnival is done and dusted. Congratulations to everyone who took part and assisted 0n a job well done, especially considering the weather we experienced in the last month.
Our club, led by Ron Frederick, organised the on the day running of the Australian Middle Distance Champs at Blackwood. And with the weather Gods smiling on us we had a glorious Spring Day.
The map was quite different for gold mining terrain and courses were very challenging. The left over workings form goldmining was very rocky ground. The scale of the map, 1:5000, was most appropriate for showing the intricate details of trenches and erosion gullies.
Well done to course setter (Neil Barr), mapper Fredrik Johansson and Event Advisor (Chris Norwood) and map printing by Jim Russell.
We had lots of club members assisting on the day and the days before which all made the event possible and smoothly run.
Finish Chute – Blackwood next to the Lerderderg River (photo by David Prentice)
The Maxi is being held on Sunday October 16 at Mt Franklin Gorge
Entries are now open for the teams or individual categories on Eventor. You can choose the 3 hour or 1.5 hour score events in either category. Expect to cover 5-10k in the 1.5 hour and 12-20k in the 3 hour.
We need helpers on the day to help with catering and control collection and packing up. Importantly, we would like a few helpers to assist Lauris Stirling with catering. Please contact Lauris laurisstirling@gmail.com or Rob Edmonds rob.edmonds@bigpond.com if you can assist.
Derek Morris, Rob Edmonds and Ron Frederick will be placing out controls on the 13th October.
We will set up arena on Saturday arvo’ and camp on site. Feel free to join us.
Club Relays October 23
This event is just calling for your participation. The event is near Heathcote (McIvor Highway).
The information flyer explains all event the details but the dates and start time have not been updated since the event was postponed in June.
Do not pay when entering as the club will pay entry fees in one block. The club treasurer will collect half your entry fee by EFT. The subsidy means that adults pay $10 and juniors $5.
Please contact Ron by email ronfrederick29@icloud.com or 0418 994 841 for an early start if you have an afternoon commitment. First leg runners start is at 10:30am.
Condolences: It is with great sorrow that we pass on our condolences to the Stirling and Edmonds Family for the passing of Ian Stirling and Daniel Edmonds in the past month.
Lincoln Erm sustained a painful injury at the Mt Alexander event last Tuesday. Lincoln slipped and cracked several ribs on a fallen log. He managed to reach first aid and return home with his wife. He will be out of action for a few weeks, and we wish him a speedy recovery.
Trophies for the Australian Champs Ron preparing for his run in the arena.Helen surveying the line at the loos
Our next event is the Spring Series at Crocodile Reservoir on our Evenmoore map. Carolyn Layton, fresh from setting her first MelBush event has planned her first bush event courses for this event.
Carolyn admiring the view from the footbridge over the Yarra near Candlebark Park
Ron Frederick is the key organiser on the day and is putting out the call for helpers. As usual, helpers are also encouraged to participate. Geoff Armstrong completed the course checking.
There is free camping at assembly area with basic facilities and it is always very sociable. We are looking for a few to also help on Saturday arvo.
The Australian Carnival begins on Grand Final day Saturday September 4 with the Victorian Middle Distance Champs and concludes on October 2 with the Relays.
Our club is involved in organising the Australian Middle Distance Champs on Sunday 25th September. As many club volunteers as possible are needed to help with this event which will be held at Blackwood. Consider booking local accommodation as some (but not all) will be required to be on the job early. You will be able to have a run as well so please enter. There are already more than 400 entries for this event and are expected to be more than double this number.
Entries are now open for whole Carnival and close on August 31. Program
Entries are also open for the Maxi which will be held on October 16 on the Mt Franklin Gorge map near Daylesford. Enter a team or go by yourself in this popular score event which has a mass start and a hash house at the finish, all included in the entry fee. Derek Morris is our course planner and Lauris Stirling will be organising the catering.
We welcome two new members from the Beard family. Jenny and her son, Isaac joined the club after attending a recent junior squad training weekend.
Two of our Juniors made the Victorian Schools team which will compete in the Australian Schools Competition at the Carnival in the Sprint, Long and Relay events. Congratulations to Izzy Greenhalgh (Junior Girls) and Matthew Layton (Junior Boys) for their selection in the State team. Our club will be sponsoring Izzy and Matthew, and other eligible club juniors taking part in the schools’ section of the Carnival.
The number of members attending recent events has been impressive. 16 members took part in Sunday’s event at Eppalock, 16 attended the Melbush event near Kangaroo Ground the week before and 17 made the trip to Deadman’s Flat, Fryerstown, the week before that.
The August Council Meeting for Orienteering Victoria will be held at 7.30pm on Friday, August 26, via Zoom. Would anyone like to attend on behalf of the club? Please contact the club secretary Rex Niven fortytroutelectronics@optusnet.com.au if you are willing and able to attend.
Vin Maloney Trophy day – August 21 MelbushO at Hawkestowe Park, South Morang
The annual Vin Maloney Trophy competition will be held at the MelbushO Hawkestowe event on August 21, 2022.
No special entry is required – just enter the event as per Eventor entry. NE members will be included in the Vin Maloney competition.
Please pre-enter online so that Don Fell has more time to prepare for the day.
This is a Melbush competition with the winner being the NE member with the fastest age adjusted speed (lowest km rate).
The competition is open to any club member who completes their course which shall be of “Hard” standard for 16+ age groups, and Medium for younger age groups.
Age groups are as per the Victorian Championships.
Handicaps will be published at the event and will be based this year on WMA tables (as also used by Parkrun). There may be an additional adjustment for course length so that someone running Course 3 does not have an advantage over someone the same age running Course 1.
Don Fell is testing the handicaps against past years’ results to compare with previous years’ handicaps which were based on results from Victorian orienteering State Series events.
To be held on the outskirts of Melbourne NE suburbs this event has been selected because of its proximity to most club member residences and the organisation is by another club, meaning no NE members will miss the run due to having to help at the event.
This post gives members some information about bush events organised by Nillumbik Emus in 2026
All events are listed on Eventor including Bush, Park/Street and Mountain Bike events.
Saturday Feb 14 You Yangs MTBO Andrew Turner course setter and Rob Edmonds organiser
Sunday March 22 Hepburn Diggings MAXI Rob and Helen Edmonds organisers and Course Setters. Derek Morris Course checking and Lauris Stirling leading the catering team.
Sunday June 7 Vic Series 5 – Eppalock South Ron Frederick is the organiser with Geoff Armstrong course setting. Ron’s contact details: President@emuorienteers.com
Sunday Sept 20 Vic Long Champs – Metcalfe C Carolyn Layton course setter
Saturday Oct 10 Australian MTBO Middle Champs – Djuwang Baring, Creswick Rob and Helen Edmonds organisers and Course Setters. Tim Hatley Course Adviser We will also need a few people on the Friday arvo to set up the assembly area.
Martine at the finish of the Waterford Valley event with her fluffy emu
Martine was invited to write a few comments about her experience and tell us a little more about herself. Congratulations Martine on a superb job.
“Along with my partner Andrew Johnston we started orienteering mid-2018. By late December 2018 we started going to Monday night StreetO regularly and quickly became hooked, at the same time we also discovered Geoff’s (Hudson) Suburban Adventure Racing series which we also love.
Through the Autumn/ Winter series in 2019 we decided to do both Monday and Wednesday nights as by this stage we were both well and truly addicted to the sport. Andrew has also taken me Rogaining on some 6 and 12 hour events, and we have done a couple of Metrogaines as well. When Lauris Stirling put the call out for course setters towards the end of the Winter series we both thought we’d have a go at setting a course each, and after an OCAD training course with Geoff, I started setting my very first course using the Waterford Gully map in Rowville. With no experience in course setting I didn’t really have too much of a plan.
My goal was to keep the controls as consistently spaced as I could and to use as much of the map as I could by going out to all corners of the map without being too long in distance. From there I just focused on trying to have route choices in every possible direction, I tried to make it so that as a runner there was not an immediately obvious drop of controls for course A, then being a power walker myself making sure there was enough options for those wanting to walk short and long distances. I feel I was very fortunate the event I chose to course set lent itself to providing multiple options, with winding streets going off in all different directions, with a few parks providing cut throughs and the basin through the middle providing ways to link as well. I was so nervous on the night as to what people would think, everyone was so complimentary, and now to have won the award on my very first attempt I’m a bit shocked, it’s certainly a confidence boost to do more course setting in the future.”
Edited by Robert Edmonds The full edition of the newsletter can be viewed by clicking on the link above.
MT LOFTY AUTUMN BUSH SERIES #2 Sunday 15th April 2018
A great new area, to the West of Redesdale. It was discovered by Rex Niven and mapped by Alex Tarr. The weather was most unpleasant on the Saturday, when we were setting up. However, on the event day, we only had a very small amount of rain, with patches of sunshine.
The event was a great success with over 150 participants thanks in particular to Course setter Rex Niven, Event adviser Russell Bulman and organiser Ron Frederick. The IT team of Geoff Hudson, Rob Edmonds and Don Fell overcame the usual hurdles running new software and the registration team, headed by Laurie Niven handled matters smoothly at the rego tent.
Ron and Rob towed the toilets and club trailer. Rex and Laurie, Ron and Russell, Helen and Rob camped out at the event site and enjoyed dinner at the Redesdale pub over a bottle of Red Dog Shiraz or was that dead dog. That’s how we felt when we settled in for an early night. Another 14 NE members who helped with parking, start, finish, control collection and general pack up.
The area is generally runnable spur gully with isolated rock and some thicker bush in the South, well away from the shorter courses. Rex negotiated with an adjoining land owner to use one of her paddocks for parking. Most participants gave favourable feedback. It was suggested that the area would be suitable for School groups and/ or relays, as it is relatively small and surrounded by open farm land.
A great new area, West of Redesdale. Discovered by Rex Niven and mapped by Alex Tarr.
The event was a great success thanks in particular to : Course setter Rex Niven
Event adviser Russell Bulman and Organiser Ron Frederick.
IT team : Geoff Hudson, Rob Edmonds and Don Fell.
Registration team, headed by Laurie Niven.
Toilet and trailer towers Ron and Rob.
Another 10 or so NE members who helped with parking, pre start, finish, control collection and general pack up.
The area is generally runnable, spur gully with isolated rock and some thicker bush in the South, well away from the shorter courses.
Weather unpleasant on the Saturday, when we were setting up. However, on the event day, we only had a very small amount of rain, with patches of sunshine.
Rex negotiated with an adjoining land owner to use one of her paddocks for parking.
Most participants gave favourable feedback. It was suggested that the area would be suitable for school groups and/or relays, as it is relatively small and surrounded by open farm land.
Edited by Robert Edmonds The full edition with pictures can be viewed by clicking on the link above.
Badge Scheme
The Orienteering Australia Badge Scheme recognises the achievements of a consistent orienteering standard relative to one’s age-group peers. The standard attained is recognised through a Gold, Silver or Bronze Badge. The year in which the badge qualification is achieved, and the orienteer’s age-group are included on the badge. Orienteers qualify for an OA Merit Badge by earning three credits at specific events within a two year period. The two year period commences on the date of the event at which the first credit is earned.
Gold Credits are awarded to finishers in E and A Classes whose times are within the Winners time x 1.25.
Silver Credits are awarded to finishers in E, A and AS Classes whose times are within the Winners time x 1.50.
Bronze Credits are awarded to finishers in E, A, AS and B classes whose times are within the Winners time x 2.00.
The events at which badge credits may be earned are:
Australian Long Distance, Middle Distance and Sprint Orienteering Championships;
Australian 3-Days; Long Distance Orienteering Championships of ACT, NSW, Queensland, SA, Tasmania, Victoria and WA;
Nominated Orienteering Australia controlled badge events; and any other special event or Orienteering Australia controlled event as approved by Orienteering Australia.
Edited by Robert Edmonds The full edition with pictures can be viewed by clicking on the link above.
AGM Park and Street Fixtures MTBO Summer Series Sprint Carnival MTBO Carnival New Map Bush Fixtures Rogaining Strategy Day Easter Carnival Membership
Featured image was taken at the Map of Tower Hill Game Reserve near Warrnambool.
Lead Story
Welcome to two new members – Peter Hill and Judy Hill from Castlemaine. Peter joins M70 this year and has a very strong cycling and MTBO background. He is no slouch on foot either. Judy joins W70 this year and likes to get out on her bike as well as helping at events. The Hills join Ron Wescott and Cheryl Taylor as our Castlemaine members. Previous members who lived in Castlemaine were Janet Fitzwater and Arthur Thurlow and Jill King from Harcourt.
Peter managed to finish the Cadel Evens ride on Australia Day weekend. He covered 115 km with 1000 metres of climb. The weather was perfect, moist for the first 2 hrs and warm the next 2. Approximately 4000 riders took part. Anyone who watched the professionals racing on Sunday in extreme heat realised what a heck of a climb the riders had up Challumbra Hill. Andrew Innes, an erstwhile member of NE also finished the public race.
An enjoyable afternoon was had by all at the AGM. Ron gave a talk on his overseas travels to South America – Peru, Ecuador, Chile and the Galapagos Islands with Rob Stephenson. Highlights included the Inca stonework, not just at Machu Picchu and the constant and varied wild life of the Galápagos Islands was not far behind.
Ron also visited Iceland which he thoroughly recommends if you have a platinum credit card. Spectacular scenery! It wasn’t particularly cold in the Northern summer. He also made another great trip organised by John Bailes through the VNPA with day walks in the Lakes District, Bath, Balmoral, Whitby and Brighton areas.
Rob and Helen Edmonds shared some pictures of their trip on the Coast to Coast walk and their visit to Ireland, Scotland and England.
The new committee was elected with few changes. Ian Parry joined the committee; Ron Frederick retains the Presidency; Schon Hudson – Treasurer; Rex Niven – Secretary; Rob Edmonds Membership and Newsletter; Lauris – StreetO Coordinator; Dorothy Adrian, Geoff Hudson, Don Fell, Fiona Fell and Joyce Rowlands.
PS Ron Frederick was a real New Age Traveller. With Prue Dobbin, he visited Tassie to practice orienteering navigation in sand dune country, in preparation for NZ. For the first time, the Australian Easter 3 Day Orienteering competition was held in the North Island of NZ. Ron hired a small campervan with Tim Dent and enjoyed a few day walks, including the Tongariro Crossing in great weather.
Awards: Geoff Armstrong won the Vin Maloney Trophy for 2017.
Rogaining featured on ABC Radio on January 17. Here is the link to the podcastunder the title ‘The bluffer’s guide to rogaining’ – an interview with Neil Phillips.
Also, Catalyst Series 18 The Secret To Making Better Decisions; Featuring a Score Orienteering Event. DOCUMENTARY
From the science of making choices to the solving power of algorithms, Mathematician Lily Serna looks at how the logic of mathematics can help you make better, smarter decisions. #ABCcatalyst
Edited by Robert Edmonds The full edition of the newsletter can be viewed by clicking on the link above.
Fixtures scheduled for 2018 Nillumbik Emus (not Park & StreetO)
A lot of planning goes into scheduling the Orienteering fixtures each year. Nillumbik Emus plays a very significant part in running events on the OV program. Laurie Niven has also been working hard on behalf of OV, as Fixtures Convener, to put together a cohesive program for next year. It will be greatly appreciated if you can put your hand up to organise or course set one of these events next year.
Feb-25 MTBO summer75 series Woodlands, Tullamarine Apr-15 Vic Autumn Series Mt Lofty, Redesdale (new area) Apr-29 MelBush 2 Hawkestowe Park, Plenty Gorge July-15 MelBush 6 Woodlands, Tullamarine July-29 Vic MTBO Series You Yangs, Geelong Sept-16 Vic Long Champs Crocodile Reservoir, Castlemaine Oct-28 Maxi Lal Lal, Ballan
Edited by Robert EdmondsThe entire PDF edition can be reached by clicking on the link above
Off the Map
Congratulations to Joyce Rowlands on reaching her 85th birthday which she celebrated in style at York on Lilydale last Saturday.
Congratulations and best wishes to Rob Fell on his new role with Orienteering Victoria. Rob is moving into the role of Promotions and Development Officer, a role held by Peta Whitford for many years.
Many members have ventured overseas. Phil Giddings completed an epic ride of the west coast of Norway.
Dorothy Adrian is just back from walking the Camino Trail (41 days).
Ian and Lauris Stirling visited the USA. Lauris and Ian headed up to the Maxi on the day after they arrived back where Lauris organised the catering.
Rob and Helen Edmonds walked and part rode the Coast to Coast trail in their trip through Ireland and the UK.
The much-travelled Ron Frederick visited South America and the Galapagos Islands.
Geoff and Schon completed their annual European sojourn with some orienteering in the Jura in France.
Don and Fiona visited Northumbria and Sweden earlier in the year and will be heading off to Paris for some canal barging and orienteering.
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