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Outdoor Census is open until 31 Jan 2025Outdoor Census is open until 31 Jan 2025

 

 

 

40 Years in 2024

December 2024

Outdoor News

This monthly newsletter is shared with the broader outdoor industry, members and non-members of Outdoor NSW & ACT in the Outdoor Industry. To receive more regular and informative news, become a member today.

From the CEO's Desk

As we close the chapter on an incredibly productive and rewarding year, I want to take a moment to reflect on a recent highlight of 2024 that was only in the last few weeks: the National Outdoor Education Conference (NOEC).

 

I extend my heartfelt thanks and congratulations to the coordinating team of Outdoor Education Australia and Outdoors Victoria, for delivering such a great event. Connecting with colleagues from across the industry was truly inspiring, reminding us all of the importance of collaboration and the shared passion we have for the outdoors.

 

It was also a fabulous opportunity to connect with the whole membership of the Outdoor Council of Australia and establish our Federal Election position to support the Outdoor Industry. We are pleased to release this today to our industry and to all federal member candidates. See the links within and download your copy and also a template of a letter that supports the position that you can send to your local members and candidates.

 

After such a busy year, it’s energising to see the determination across our broader community to tackle the challenges and opportunities ahead. I feel recharged and ready to take on 2025, armed with the insights and inspiration we’ve shared throughout the year.

 

This newsletter is jam-packed with key information from the past month, along with important knowledge for anyone in the Outdoor Industry. Please take the time to read its content as we prepare to move into a new year with clarity and purpose.

 

Thank you for being a vital part of this community, and I wish you all a safe and joyful holiday season. Here's to continuing to make an impact together in 2025!

 

Your in the Outdoors!

Lori Modde

The attendees of NOEC 2024 at Federation University, Gippsland Victoria 💚💙

More News

Click below for key topics

 

A GIFT TO ONSWACT MEMBERS  

In the spirit of the season and with a vision for the future, we have chosen to forego traditional Christmas cards again this year and, like last year, we have planted a tree in their honour. This gesture symbolises our shared commitment to preserving and nurturing the environments where future generations will recreate, learn, explore, and improve their health.

 

We hope this small act reflects the values we hold dear and the positive impact we aim to make together. 

2025 CALENDAR

Download the 2025 ONSWACT Calendar showing all the dates for Board Meetings, Committee Meetings, Events and other Outdoor Industry Events. 

 

In 2025 we have a series of PD Sessions to enable opportunities to update your skills in various activities. They include: Single & Multi Pitch Abseil / Climbing, Easy to Intermediate Canyoning, Outdoor Education for teachers, Guides First Aid and Canoeing Skills.

All of these dates and details for training will be listed on our website in January https://outdoors.kartra.com/page/pdsessions 

NSW BUDGET SUBMISSION 2025

Outdoors NSW & ACT have provided the industry with this template letter so you can add your name to our advocacy position for the 2025-2026 state budget. We are asking for transport subsidies for all outdoor education, as the rise of transport costs is not helping with cost of living pressures and increasing barriers to participation. Please send this letter with your details to your local NSW Parliament member.

OCA FEDERAL ELECTION POSITION

The new-look OCA were able to get together at NOEC and establish the Federal Election position. This paper is now available and a template of a letter is also available to download that any organisation can send to federal local members to support our position. Please join us in our federal advocacy.

OUTDOOR LEADER SHORTAGE

If you have a shortage of Outdoor Leaders then to be heard you need to complete the 2025 Occupation Shortage List Stakeholder Survey! This is an important tool to be recognised for our shortage, but you need to complete it.

Survey closes 7 Mar 2025

CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE

 

OUTDOOR WORK PORTAL

All ONSWACT members can list their jobs on the Jobs Portal at no cost. You can contact us today to list your roles! This new portal gives you the ease to manage your own listings for any jobs you have coming up! https://www.outdoorsnswact.org/work-in-the-outdoors - Launched October 2024.

 

WATER NSW MEETING

8th January 12pm - 1pm

Online

Join Outdoors NSW & ACT and Water NSW in an open discussion about how processes can be improved for mutual stakeholder benefit. Register here to attend.

 

GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY FAMIL PROGRAM

The opening of Western Sydney Airport is two years away (and it’s going to go fast). BMT and ONSWACT is partnering with Blue Mountains, Penrith and Hawkesbury City Councils to help get your business ready.
 
Over 18 months we will be delivering a series of trade famils to help connect your business to potential customers so you can make the most of the new airport and leverage the visitors landing on our doorstep.
 
The famils will be tailored to suit different types of market segments, from luxury to self drive, adventure to wellness, inbound tours to business events, education and everything in between.
 
We want you to be part of the program!
 
To express your interest, we have put together a survey, that will take about four minutes to complete.

Link to the survey:https://forms.office.com/r/HyhVV5HvaV

 

NEW CRIMINAL CHARGES FOR UNDERPAYING STAFF

From 1 January 2025, intentional underpayment of wages or entitlements can be a criminal offence. An employer may commit a criminal offence where they:

  • Were required to pay an amount:
    • to an employee such as wages or paid leave entitlements
    • on behalf of the employee, or for their benefit, such as superannuation or a salary sacrifice arrangement
  • Have intentionally done something that intentionally results in those amounts not being paid on or before the day they were due.

More information can be found here

FEE FREE TRAINEESHIPS IN NSW EXTENDED

The NSW Department of Education has confirmed a further extension of free apprenticeships and traineeships for students who commence their Smart and Skilled training up until 30 June 2025.  

This assistance helps remove financial barriers for students and supports a strong pipeline of skilled workers to build the NSW economy. 

Click here for more information.

 

FREE VACCINE FOR OUTDOOR WORKERS FOR Japanese Encephalitis Virus

Japanese encephalitis is a rare but serious illness caused by the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV). It is spread to humans by infected mosquitoes.

 

In NSW, a free Japanese encephalitis virus vaccination is available for people aged 2 months or older who regularly spend time outdoors placing them at risk of mosquito bites.

CALL FOR NEW COMMITTEE MEMBERS IN 2025

ONSWACT has 8 committees that help to inform, act and strategise areas of need for the Outdoor Industry. We always welcome new members to any of these committees and if you are interested in joining any of the below please send an email to ceo@outdoorsnswact.com.au with your expression of interest to join. 

  • Incident Response
  • Outdoor Learning
  • Trail Bike
  • Mountain Bike 
  • Outdoor Leaders
  • Climate Change
  • First Nations
  • Back Country

NEW LINKS FOR 2025 COMMITTEE MEETINGS & FORUMS

All ONSWACT members can now sign up for the new links for the Connect & Share Forums, Friday Happy Hours and Committee Meetings. 

Go to your portal to register today.

Membership Options for

Non-Members:

You can now pay by the month for your membership to help with cash flow and if you are not a member yet, you can commence a 7-day trial period and access the membership portal before paying to join. This enables you to see if you can benefit from your Outdoors NSW & ACT Membership.

Connect & Share Summary for 2024

The Connect and Share forums ran nearly every Friday in 2024, with a massive 42 episodes, removing events and holiday periods. They have provided a rich tapestry of discussions throughout the year, encompassing a variety of themes crucial to our industry and guest speakers.

Here's a summary of the key topics covered:

  1. Innovations in Outdoor Education: Exploring new methodologies and technologies enhancing learning experiences in outdoor settings.

  2. Sustainability Practices: Sharing strategies for implementing eco-friendly practices within outdoor programs and operations.

  3. Mental Health and Well-being: Addressing the importance of mental health for both participants and professionals in the outdoor sector.

  4. Diversity and Inclusion: Discussing ways to make outdoor activities accessible and welcoming to diverse populations.

  5. Risk Management and Safety: Evaluating best practices for ensuring safety in outdoor adventures and educational programs.

  6. Policy and Advocacy: Understanding the impact of governmental policies on outdoor activities and how to advocate effectively for the industry.

  7. Professional Development: Offering guidance on career advancement and skill development for outdoor professionals.

  8. Community Engagement: Highlighting the role of community involvement in promoting outdoor activities and education.

These forums have served as a platform for knowledge exchange, fostering a collaborative environment that propels our industry forward.

Note: For the viewing each episode, go to Industry Events / Connect & Share Forums in your membership portal

What else you need to know...

"Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success." — Henry Ford"Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success." — Henry Ford

CENSUS IS NOW OPEN

It is sooooo important that you complete the Outdoor Industry Census to help us understand the trends and challenges of the Outdoor Industry. Our advocacy relies on this data! So please nominate someone from your organisation TODAY to enter your data in before the 31 January 2025.

 

Click here to go to the Census Survey

HUMANABILITY & SaCSA LAUNCH WORKPLANS

Outdoors NSW & ACT works closely with Humanability and Service and Creative Skills Australia to help us fulfill our workforce needs now and in the future. Humanability has commenced the review of the Outdoor Leadership qualifications and there will be opportunities you can get involved in early 2025. You can download their workforce plans on the links below:

 - Humanability

 - SaCSA

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN 2025

Outdoors NSW & ACT has partnered with some of our members to provide some training opportunities for the industry in 2025. They include abseiling, canoeing, canyoning, climbing and outdoor education for non-outdoor ed teachers.

Visit our website for all the details.

JOINT LETTER TO OUTDOOR OPERATORS

The CEOs of Office of Sport, Cancer Institute of NSW, Sports Medicine Australia, Cancer Council NSW, Melanoma Institute & ONSWACT have combined forces in a joint letter to bring the Sport & Recreation together on the AIS Sun Safe position. Whilst we may not be able to look at all levels of protection, like elimination of the outdoors, it is important to review your administration, operational and PPE measures to protect your staff and attendees from skin cancer.

View the full letter to Outdoor Operators here.

WORKFORCE SHORTAGE SURVEY NOW OPEN

If you believe we have a workforce shortage in the Outdoor Industry outdoors, well now is the time to let the government know to get into the

Jobs and Skills Occupation Shortage List. 

You have on-the-ground knowledge and experience of recruitment activity in your industry and your participation in this survey will improve the evidence we use to identify occupations in shortage.

Register now to get involved.

The survey closes on Friday 7 March 2025 at 5pm (AEDT).

 

We encourage you to share this opportunity with your colleagues and business stakeholders, and relevant partners, to encourage them to participate and further grow our understanding. The more groups we have that participate, the more valuable the data set is.

 

WESTERN SYDNEY MOVING - RECRUITING

Western Sydney Moving has just been launched as a Charity, forging ahead on creating a difference in Western Sydney. Using a systems approach, WSYD Moving hopes to reduce obesity, diabetes and other chronic diseases in the community caused by inactivity. 

They are calling for a Company Secretary / Director to support the organisation in a voluntary capacity. 2 hours per month is all you need to have to contribute to this amazing organisation. If you are intersted email Lori on ceo@outdoorsnswact.com.au.

DEFENCE ADVENTUROUS TRAINING TENDER UPDATE

While the proposed tender has been taken off scope for now, it is hoped that it will return in 2025. We will continue to work with the Department of Defence on opportunities for the industry. 

ONSWACT CHRISTMAS CLOSURE DATES 

The ONSWACT office will be shut between 24 Dec - 31 Dec, but Lori is available on mobile during this time for emergency reasons. Lori will be having annual leave from 10-29 January inclusive. During this time, use 1300 964 246  to contact the team for any emergency needs.

 

Our 2025 Connect & Share Forums resume 14th February. This is later than usual due to a Board Strategic Planning Day on 7th Feb.

PARTNERSHIP PROSPECTUS 2025

If you are interested in partnering with Outdoors NSW & ACT in 2025, get in touch as the 2025 Prospectus is now available and limited opportunities are available to get involved in some key strategic activities. Leverage our successes by coming on board and working together for a more resilient, sustainable and thriving industry. 

Email contact@outdoorsnswact.com.au - 2025 Prospectus

EMPLOYMENT AWARD CHANGES - 1 JAN 2025

Some awards will have new definitions and minimum pay rates for entry-level classifications from 2025. 

 

Minimum pay rates for some employees under affected awards may go up on the first full pay period on or after:1 January 2025. The following awards are affected: 

  • Amusement Award
  • Australian Government Award
  • Fitness Award
  • Marine Tourism and Charter Vessels Award

Please review your awards to ensure you are compliant. 

https://www.fairwork.gov.au/about-us/workplace-laws/award-changes/changes-to-entry-level-classifications-in-awards

 

WATER NSW & OUTDOOR OPERATOR FORUM - 8 JAN 2025

Join us on online on January 8th at 12pm as Outdoors NSW & ACT hosts a pivotal meeting with Water NSW. We'll be discussing collaborative efforts to streamline access processes for outdoor operators utilising lands and waters managed by Water NSW. This meeting marks an important step forward, thanks to Water NSW's commitment to this dialogue. Your participation is valuable as we work together to enhance outdoor experiences across our regions.

REGISTER HERE 

    Skills IQ Tourism ITAB

    Outdoors presenting on AAAS and Insurance

    Letter to Outdoor Providers

    Working together with stakeholders to reduce melanomas

    NOEC 2024

    Part of the NSW ACT contingent at NOEC 2024

    Previous Next

    NatCORR Weather Ready Workshops

    These hands-on, in-person workshops provide professional development to enhance skills and preparedness, equipping outdoor professionals to make informed decisions in the face of increasingly severe and unpredictable weather conditions. 

    Workshops will be held in the following locations and dates from 9 am to 4:30 pm:

    • April 7, 2025 Brisbane
    • April 9, 2025 - Melbourne
    • April 14, 2025 - Hobart
    • April 16, 2025 - ACT
    • April 29, 2025 - Perth

     

    BOOK YOUR PLACE

    Outdoor Industry Summit

    & 

    NatCORR Risk & Resilience Symposium

    Be the first to get all the news on the event of the year. From 8-11 July, the industry will come together in Canberra for a culmination of topics that aim to inform, educate and involve our organisations in preparing for the future ahead.

     

    • 8th July - Visit Birrigai Outdoor School, Outward Bound and Stromlo Park
    • 9th July - NatCORR Risk & Resilience Symposium
    • 10th & 11th July - Outdoor Industry Summit
    JOIN THE MAILING LIST
    • Resources for Members

      Everything you need to know about the psychosocial hazards, new IR laws, legislation that impacts our industry and more are available on the member's portal. Members can login into the membership portal to access over 350 different resources available for your use. We add to this portal every week with content.

       

      You can also search for all the topics presented at the Connect & Share forums last year. Members can access it via this link:

      https://outdoors.kartra.com/portal/login/index.

      Or non-members can join us here and you will get immediate access to the portal:  

      https://www.outdoorsnswact.org/membershiplevels

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