Join an Orienteering Club
In Western Australia, orienteering clubs are divisions of the state group (OAWA). A major function of the clubs is to spread the work of organising orienteering events. The clubs are also pleasant and convenient geographical groups for learning more about orienteering -- and for related social activities...
Although you can enjoy orienteering alone, early contact with your club is warmly recommended; you will find that the experience and encouragement of other members is very helpful. A good place to meet your fellow club members is near your club's banner at any event in the bush, towards lunch time.
The state clubs are listed below. Which club is for you?
BTW: You are allowed to change clubs -- once per year -- but this is not encouraged. Most people prefer to stay with their friends even if they move home to another club's area.
Club Activities
Orienteering relies entirely on people sharing the many jobs, with most of these being easy to learn and pleasant to do. Everyone benefits from this sharing of the workload. As a club member your help will always be welcome.
In the summer each club elects its Convenor and Standing Committee representatives. Club members then prepare rosters of volunteers for the main duties for the next season.
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During the year the Convenor oversees all club activities including membership. The Convenor also represents the Club at OAWA Council meetings.
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Technical, Coaching, Mapping, Schools, Promotion and Publications reps (representatives) work in their areas with their Club members. These representatives form OAWA's Standing Committees.
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The Technical representative (or Tech Rep) additionally arranges volunteers for jobs at events assigned to the club by OAWA, particularly for the setting of courses and for event administration.
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The Social organiser is responsible for the club's various informal occasions.
The appropriate rep in your club will be glad to hear your questions and ideas about these activities. If they are not the best person to help you, they will be happy to help you find someone who is. Club News columns appear in our regular newsletter.
"Bibbulmun Orienteers": Said to be named after the traditional landowners -- the Bibbulmun people -- in the club's centre, Kalamunda and the hills area.
"Kulgun Orienteers": Kulgun in aboriginal dialect means best path and 225 is the compass bearing from the City centre to their area, south west of Perth.
"LOST" is found in the central suburbs. Rumours that the name means something... are hotly denied.
"South West Orienteering Trekkers": Based in Bunbury, SWOT have their own arrangements and events but are affiliated to OAWA.
"Wullundigong Orienteers of the West": in the north and west of Perth. Wullundigong is an aboriginal word for little men of the forest, but neither height nor gender prevent membership.