Vicki Wilmott, Illawarra Kareelah Orienteers
Vicki was introduced to orienteering in 1984 by her boss at the time, Margaret Duguid. Several events later, including The Boyd near Kanangra Walls, a Long O at Belanglo and Stockton Sand Dunes Vicki joined the Illawarra Orienteering club. Vicki has been fortunate to do orienteering in other countries with highlights being many events in Norway, a couple of O-Ringens in Sweden, the terrain around Jicin (when it was in the old Czechoslovakia), World Masters in Denmark and more recently the Scottish 6 Day. Hockey commitments for both herself and her daughter saw orienteering take a back seat for some years. Returning to orienteering on a much more regular basis brought new challenges - rebuilding navigation confidence and a new format, Sprint Orienteering.
Through orienteering Vicki has made many friends both here in Australia and overseas. It is always great to catch up with these friends and even more so when you think finding them at very large events such as the World Masters would be impossible.
A little known fact is that Vicki was born and raised in Broken Hill until her family moved to Wollongong. She has worked as a pharmacist at Wollongong Hospital since 1978, eventually specialising in oncology/haematology pharmacy. She is currently on LSL but intends to retire in late July. Other interests include gardening, book reading and spending time with the grandchildren.
Vicki became Secretary after the ONSW President asked if she would be willing to do it as no-one was coming forward to do it. She is still finding her way but hopes it all becomes easier over time.
