BUSH HISTORY By Tina Price.
In 1981 Gerry Wilson (The new National Fitness Officer in Bundaberg) ran an O Course through the local catholic high school/s. Gerry was from the UK and was passionate about orienteering.He seemed to know all the interstate orienteers as well as Brisbane members though I don't remember how long he had been in Australia or where else he had worked.
Heran information/film evening for the general public and then public events in Queens Park. The first committee was made up of Peter Barnes(President - High Schools Teacher from the Christian Bros College, his daughter Monica was secretary/treasurer( student), the Pharr girls(also Students)were responsible for publicity and newsletter. The only other members I can remember were Derek and Vaughn Carter.
Trev, I and the boys (Cam3.5yrs & Tim 18mts) went along to one of the first events, after Ihad been to a film night and decided that Trev would enjoy the competition & that the kids and I would enjoy thewalk. I went along to the next club meeting and ended up the treasurer though nobody knewanything about me.
The club had lots of early success with the juniors - Monica Barnes, Louise Barnes, Danny Castelli, Kurt Warhurst, Chris Norris, Kylie Waters , Melissa Boylan are some of the ones I remember as being State ranked.Cam went toCanberra as a member of the Qld team when hewas 12. - Not to forget Marty and Gavin Cole,Tim, Trent Morrow ---- and the tradition continues with the Sullivans. Kylie was probably the most dedicated of all - I think she may have been selected in the Aust students team but I;m not sure of that. My big thrill, asthe person who introduced her to orienteering at Branyan school, was to see her win the Women;s W21 Elite at the Qld champs at Kullogum.
The club worked on B&W maps for several years - The first coloured maps wereGregory and Cordalba used for the state champs in 1984.
The first Club chanpions were Trev and Joce Wilson (Gerry's wife) Of the juniors I remember only David Wilson winning the senior boys.
I also remember 70 members being at a AGM. - probably in about the clubs second or third year ------- unbelievable!
