Vale Michael Hubbert

We’re incredibly saddened to announce the passing of Michael Hubbert this weekend. Orienteering Victoria extends its deepest sympathies to Joy, Liz, and the family. Mike was still actively participating in Park Street events, most recently at Latrobe Uni on Saturday August 12.

For those unable to attend the funeral service, you can watch it via this link:
https://www.belindajanevideo.com/client-video/michael-hubbert/

Bayside Kangaroos has set up a Tribute page at https://bkorienteering.org.au/michael-hubbert/
If you wish to leave a comment, please do.  Comments will be approved as soon as possible.
If you wish to add some photos, send them to webmaster@bkv.org.au and they will be added to the site as well.

Mike was remembered by family and friends at Safety Beach on Sunday August 28, on a map and course he had prepared.  Overlooking Hidden Harbour Marina, we had a short commemoration, with a wreath laid, and one minute of applause.  Mike was announced as the winner of the 2023 Park Street Course Setter of the Year, and this prestigious annual award will now be named in his honour.  Click here to see photos of Mike, photos from this special event, and a small selection of the many courses Mike set in recent years.

Mike was, of course, instrumental in establishing, developing, promoting, and championing orienteering in Victoria, and was involved since the very beginning.  The fact that his picture is on the cover of OVs Fifty Year History says it all. He was one of 33 competitors at the first orienteering event in Victoria, at Beaconsfield, on 23 August 1969 – almost exactly 54 years ago; he placed 8th, and began a life long love affair with this new sport.  As an athlete and cross country runner, coming from the Richmond Harriers, watching Mike float across the terrain was glorious.  In recent years, problems hips and knees slowed down the pace, but never dampened the enthusiasm.

Mike never lost his passion for orienteering in all its forms, and was incredibly proud of his participation record over more than five decades.  The Millennium Club tally will show Mike with a total of 2524 Park Street events since 1 January 2000; of course the record is far higher than that.  Mike was the inaugural Hall of Famer, inducted to that status earlier in 2023.

Mike was best known as the long-standing editor of the Australian Orienteer magazine, a job he handed over to Hania Lada recently.  He was also a keen traveller and an excellent travel companion; many of us have fond memories of trips interstate and overseas with Mike and Joy.  Mike was passionate about sport of all sorts, and loved volunteering at the Australian Museum of Sport at the MCG.

Often called upon to present awards to others, Mike was himself honoured with the Silva Award for Services to Orienteering in 2022.  He was a member of Bayside Kangaroos – formerly Red Roos – and wore his club tops – old and new – with great pride.  Most recently, Mike was keenly involved with the Mornington Peninsula Sunday Series, preparing over a dozen maps, setting many courses which were always great fun, and always there helping Mel at the events.

Everyone who knew Mike will know that he was always smiling and laughing.  There was always a cheeky twinkle in his eye, and plenty of quick witted jokes to share with his friends.  Mike loved orienteering wholeheartedly, and we loved Mike.  We’ll miss him sorely.