Geocache of the Year 18/19

It is time to farewell 2019 and welcome in the new caching year! Did you achieve your geocaching goals for 2019? If you are thinking what to aim for over the next 12 months we have a suggestion... find as many GOTM winners as possible! With this in mind where to start?

Well, why not with our 2018/19 Geocache of the Year We're delighted to officially announce the winner of the GCNSW "Geocache of the Year" for 2018/19! This is the eighth year of this prestigious award and the winner was chosen by members of the NSW geocaching community as the pick of the bunch from "Geocache of the Month" winners of the 2018/19 Geo-year that runs from AGM to AGM (Sep to Aug). This cache pulls on the heart strings of why we all love Geocaching, it was a very close race for the GOTY, but this one came out on top.

Originally the Geocache of the Month for February 2019, the traditional cache Clybucca Memorial (GC4QX9K). Placed by Coongoola, it was nominated back in July 2018, by Seemyshell. Clybucca Memorial Garden

Hidden in October 2013, this great little cache is not only a pleasure to find, but the history behind the placement is a credit to Coongoola. The memorial is a site of tragedy. Back in 1989, a terrible bus accident occurred which claimed the lives of 35 people and injured 41 others. This memorial was developed to honour those lives that were lost. Now, here comes the geocaching goodness - Coongoola visited the site in 2013 and noticed that the memorial had not been maintained. The lawns were seriously overgrown and weeds littered the gardens. Coongoola did not want this memorial to be lost so returned with not only a cool cache but lots of gardening equipment and tools. They went on to clean up the whole memorial - the lawns, the weeds, the environment - and by placing the cache ensured the memorial would receive plenty of visitors.

Since 2013 there have been 193 finders with 49 awarding a favourite point. Geocaching is not just about containers or smileys but sometimes it brings us to places that make us think and reflect or discover important stories that shouldn't be forgotten. A very deserving winner of Geocache of the Year, and a big Congratulations to Coongoola. Who will receive the award for Geocache of the Year in 2019/2020? ...that is up to you!

First things first, get nominating. The first winners for the 19/20 year have already been chosen but more will be selected until August 2020. Each month we call for your input as to great caches around our state and the committee will choose one to be recognised that month. They don't have to be epic hikes or mind-bending puzzles, they just have to be great caching experiences. Then at the AGM we will list off the 12 winners, and towards the end of the year call for your votes as to the best of the bunch! The 2019/20 Winner will be announced at the GCNSW Christmas Party. Head to the Geocaching NSW forum and start nominating for next month or keep an eye on our social media streams. Thanks to all those who nominated caches and voted last year... here's to the winners, and a great 2020 discovering top spots around NSW geocaching!