Congratulations to Bush n Beach secretary and NSW junior squad manager Helen O'Callaghan who has won the ONSW President's Award for 2021.
Helen put her hand up at the 2013 meeting to establish the club, and has not brought down it since. She also brought with her husband Tony and her four sons, all of whom have represented NSW at schools level.
When ‘newbies’ turn up to an event, Helen goes out of her way to ensure that they are welcome, that it doesn't matter if they have never orienteered before. She explains the process and the map, and ensures they all (whether they be 7 or 70 years old) understand the concepts.
Then, when all are feeling fully prepared, she sends them off with a smile and a "Have fun" farewell. She is also inspiring. Even when she broke her ankle, Helen was always there at the registration tent offering her advice and assistance.
She is very passionate about getting juniors involved in orienteering. She has held a number of introductory courses, training and events for juniors at schools and over the school holidays (using the Active Kids vouchers). Helen has almost single-handedly contacted schools and offered her services and expertise.
Helen is considered the consummate secretary. Agendas are well prepared, and her minutes are always accurate. She is a motivator and is highly organised. Helen has always done her best to promote the club, and the sport. Not all her ideas have worked (but then, who in promotion can claim 100% success?) yet setbacks do not deter her. There's always another idea to explore.
ONSW Junior Squad
In 2020 Helen was appointed manager of the NSW Junior Squad and she set about doing the job with gusto, developing many initiatives. She has initiated and developed many things for the Juniors including Zoom coaching sessions and an online competition for the juniors to keep them motivated during COVID-19 lockdowns. This included organising a shirt for all NSW juniors to make them feel part of a team and a week-long camp at Easter involving juniors and their families with many fun activities and interesting speakers.
State Orienteering Events
When it came to hosting and organising larger events, such as QB3 and the Easter 3-Days (in conjunction with NTOC), again it was Helen at the forefront. She took these events on with enthusiasm and the events ran like clockwork.
You can see the list of previous winners here.
