Geocaching Queensland - Launch Remarks

(The following is a transcript of Robert (Peppa)'s comments during the 'Queensland - What's Next...' events held on 30 Dec 2025)

Hey everyone and welcome!

I have some opening remarks, and then I'm happy to take questions.

It's great to have so many of you here tonight – geocachers from all over Queensland, catching up, swapping stories and sharing a few laughs. Whether you've been caching for years or still chasing your first hundred finds, you're all part of what makes this community so awesome.

Over the years we've had some incredible adventures together – muddy hikes, tricky puzzles, sneaky hides and those unforgettable moments when we come together at events. And as our community keeps growing, a few of us have been thinking about how we can make Queensland caching even better – more connected, more supported, and more fun.

Tonight's not just about celebrating what we already have, it's also about looking ahead to something new that's been quietly in the works. Something built by Queenslanders, for Queensland cachers.

It's still early days, but tonight you get the very first glimpse of what's next... It's my absolute pleasure to announce the launch of Geocaching Queensland Inc.

Geocaching Queensland has been created by Queenslanders, for Queenslanders – a volunteer run group with one simple goal: to support and strengthen the geocaching community right across the Sunshine State. Whether it's helping local events get off the ground, sharing resources, recognising community contributions, or just finding more ways to connect and have fun – this group is here to make it happen.

And of course, no new adventure starts without a great team. I'm proud to introduce the inaugural management committee who've stepped up to help lead Geocaching Queensland through it's first year:

President: From Brisbane - Myself – Robert Craig – Peppa

Vice President: From Townsville - Mark Burgess – Burgo78

Secretary: From Brisbane – Wendy McAlister – TMZ59

Treasurer: From Brisbane – Bruce Anderson – AreWeThereYet?

And your Committee:

From Mackay – Geoff Kitchin – Alphag_25

From Brisbane – Mick Jordan – Chamad

From Toowoomba – Liesl Cornell – Davinells

From Brisbane – Sheridan Davis – JACSTeam

From Cairns – Dave O'Laughlin - DAT87

Each of us brings a huge amount of passion, experience, energy and most importantly, a genuine love for geocaching and the people who make this community what it is.

Here's a taste of what we've been doing so far:

• Representing our states interests to other state based caching associations,

• Creating a website for the Association that represents our mission and values,

• Looking at the 2026 Calendar, and how your association can add value and interest to your caching experience throughout the year,

• Establishing guidelines for Community Based Intervention for Caches of Significance, and

• Exploring opportunities for a Mega Event, under the Associations name in Queensland.

Further to that last point, at this moment in time, all we are prepared to say is we are looking at the second half of 2027, and somewhere North of Brisbane. We want the community to be engaged with this project, and as soon as possible, dates and venues will be made public.

I can announce tonight, that there will be a fee to join the association, and it will consist of a once off joining fee of $10, followed by an annual Membership Fee of $10 per year. These monies ensure that the association remains solvent. Your Paid Membership means you have voting rights at an Annual General Meeting of the association and future benefits as yet to be determined.

We don't claim to be the holders of all the answers, and have certainly don't have a monopoly on the best ideas in relation to caching in Queensland, but it is our sincere hope that this new venture will be able to improve not only the experience of caching in Queensland, but will be open and transparent, and therefore survive and grow into the future.

I am personally excited about the opportunities this new Association means for Queensland, and some of the ideas that your Management Committee has already generated.

I'm happy to take questions now, but understand at this point in time I may not have answers for you, but will take any necessary questions back to the Management Committee for discussion.

QUESTION TIME

Finally I would like to announce that our Website has gone live as of this evening and can be found at www.geocachingqueensland.com.au

Thank you for joining us, and good night.