Event report: Bush 6

This middle distance event tested even the most experienced competitors, with a well-set course across some technically demanding terrain. Between the tight navigation and physical challenges, it was a rewarding day of racing that showcased the very best of WA orienteering.

What a fun map at a great time of the year! Thank goodness it was relatively dry, it only rained down on the plain as we drove up. With only limited areas of remaining green, the courses were mostly open and fast to move through. A few rocks, including damp rock surfaces (mostly mapped!) and steep sided watercourses would have slowed you briefly.

It was great to see some new faces. Two groups came back for a second course, this time running. A few families as groups and most competitors in the Hard navigation courses had a good variety of people with 95 starters.

Thanks to the Mt Billy Team:
Craig Dufty - Controller / mapper. Made himself available when I was, updated map and collected controls.
Carol Brownlie, Organiser - all the things I didn't even know about. A pity she was not able to attend on the day.
Towers: Toilet - Ken Brownlie; Caravan - Peter Gillon, even though he is not a WOW member
Taping and control placement (only in limited areas to protect their competing), Ken and Archie.
Map preparation and support, Sten. Thank you for when I couldn't get OCAD to work.
SI brick preparation, Mark Lommers.
Computer operator, Melinda Richards.
Instructors, Helen and Ken Post.
Control collectors: Archie (went back to the far ones), Peter Komyshan, Brian Austin, Russel Wade, Ken Post, Dan Grieg. Thanks to Nigel Wade for offering to collect too, you're welcome to join WOW any time.
... and last but not least, the setter of these fantastic courses, Tom Brownlie!

Livelox will show how some people went to 141, number 6 on H2. The various routes on the H1 in the middle of the course are nice to see.

Results are in Eventor, and some competitors' route choices in Livelox.

A huge thank you to the Orienteering WA community for raising an amazing $4,828.50 to support Kate Braid as she gets ready to compete at the Junior World Orienteering Championships in Italy!

It’s been fantastic to see everyone pitch in—whether through direct donations, baking for cake stalls, running the raffle or creating artwork. Big shoutout to Richard and Nicole, BO and WOW club members, and Tash for their awesome volunteering efforts.

Kate’s done WA proud already by making it to the world stage, and we know she’ll give it her all in Italy.
Best of luck, Kate—we’re all behind you!

Photo: (above) Rachel starting, by Sue Dowling; (below) Kate's send off, by Liisa Hirvonen.