July 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
I am incredibly privileged to work alongside such amazing individuals in our industry. The success of our recent Outdoor Industry MasterClass and Outdoor Learning Mini Conference, held in Port Macquarie this month, is a testament to the dedication and passion we all share. These events provided an invaluable platform for us to connect, share knowledge, and inspire one another to continue the remarkable you do.
A special moment was when our MasterClass participants formed a '40' in honour of our 40th year—what a memorable moment! (see image below)
With an outstanding rating of 4.8 stars out of 5, we are excited to announce that we will be holding the Outdoor Learning Mini Conference again. For those who attended, the event portal now houses all the images from the event.
We love bringing these opportunities to our members and are already looking forward to our next big event in Merimbula NSW. The MTB Symposium promises to be an unmissable gathering where anyone who's anyone in mountain biking will converge.
See you there!
Lori Modde
2024 MasterClass Attendees, 19 July 2024, Port Macquarie
Click below for key topic
** Breaking News ** OUTDOOR COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA FUNDING ANNOUNCED
Outdoor Council of Australia (OCA), the national peak body for the outdoor industry, is pleased to advise it has been successful in receiving funding from state and territory governments for the timely review of the Australian Adventure Activity Standard (Aust. AAS) and Good Practice Guides (GPG).
ARE YOU OFFERING TRAINEESHIPS IN 2025?
If you are recruiting traineeships in 2025, make sure to let us know so we can help you get the right candidates and also connect with the RTO's that can support your needs. https://outdoors.kartra.com/page/employment
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS FOR ONSWACT DIRECTORS
At this year's AGM, Outdoors NSW & ACT will be confirming 2025-2027 directors. To be eligible, you must be a full member. Applications are now open and closes 30th August. CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE
ACTIVITY SAFE PROGRAM STILL AVAILABLE
The Activity Safe Education Program is a great way to up-skill staff on the AAAS and also the other areas of risk that face outdoor organisations. All ONSWACT members get access to this program for no cost, with a value of over $820 per person, non-members pay $299 per person to access this great program. Access it today at https://www.affinityriskmanagement.com.au/
REGISTER TO ATTEND THE BACK COUNTRY SUMMIT
We invite all back country operators to be part of a Summit on 16 October, 9:30-12:30pm, hosted by the Back Country Committee to discuss the Snow Activities Discussion Paper. It will be held online and in person, and open to all stakeholders in the Alpine areas of NSW, ACT, VIC & TAS.
REGISTER HERE TO ATTEND
85 DAYS UNTIL THE MOUNTAIN BIKE SYMPOSIUM
We are very excited to announce the MTB Symposium will take place in Merimbula NSW, 25/26 October 2024!
To get your tickets go to https://outdoors.kartra.com/page/mtbsymposium
NATCORR's INCIDENT RESPONSE WORKSHOP
Tailored and practical professional development in critical incident response planning for outdoor professionals. Full day, in-person and hands-on workshop in Sydney 20 August 2024, Book here. $250pp.
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.
Who's offering traineeships in 2025?
Tell us your opportunities for employment in 2025 so we can help you build your capacity.
What happened in July?
Quote of the month from our Connect & Share Forums:
"Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things." – Robert Brault
STRIVE 4 SUSTAINABILITY
ASSOCIATIONS HUB PODCAST
Our very own CEO, Lori Modde, has won multiple awards for her contributions to the association sector, and she continues to give back by providing support to other associations. Her most recent interview with Association Hub Podcast helped others connect and engage with members better and the opportunities that come from committees.
OUTDOOR INDUSTRY MASTERCLASS
55 people converged on the Charles Sturt University campus to work on themselves and their activities in the Outdoors over 2 days. The feedback was overwhelming with all businesses taking away ideas and ways to improve what they are doing. The next MasterClass will be in 2026.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2024 CHAMPIONS
CONGRATULATIONS to the members of Outdoors NSW & ACT who achieved Champion Status in the 2023-2024 year. The awards were announced at the Outdoor Industry MasterClass. See image below for all those recognised. Well done on your involvement with ONSWACT and acheivement!
Also congratulations to Jack Fitzpatrick who was announced as achieving Gold Member status! Well done Jack! 
ACCESS & INCLUSION GUIDELINES RELEASED
Paul Nunnari, CEO of Inclusively Made and Paralympian from 1996-2004, released the Outdoors NSW & ACT Access and Inclusion Guidelines at the Outdoor Industry MasterClass. These guidelines are a great tool for all outdoor industry participants in ensuring they are more inclusive. All ONSWACT members can find the guidelines under Member Resources in their portal. This easy to use framework provides 7 pillars to instigate change for the better.
DESTINATION CANBERRA CONFERENCE
We attended the Destination Canberra Conference to ensure the voice of nature and adventure tourism was present. There was a series of presenters highlighting the growing need for sustainable and inclusive practices. Overall, it was a great opportunity to network with the industry and highlighted the importance of integrating nature and adventure tourism into the Canberra offering. Austrade recently released a report on the growth of our sector, 47% over a 9 year period, growth that can not be ignored. We hope to continue working with Visit Canberra on the opportunities that ACT Parks and other ACT nature playgrounds provide visitors that can be guided by our industry in a safe and sustainable manner.
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION ATTENDS MINI CONFERENCE
Among the great panelists that discussed the barriers to getting kids outdoors at the Outdoor Learning Mini Conference were 3 senior staff from the NSW Department of Education. Totally impressed by the work of The Nature School and the discussions of the day, the attendees emphasised how supportive they are of getting kids outdoors and hoping to work closer with the sector to do just that. Also attending the panel was Liz King, from Cancer Council of NSW and Michelle Nolland, from Parks & Leisure Australia NSW/ACT, who also supported the ways in which children increase their connection with nature and reminded us of some of the areas we need to consider.
Outdoors NSW & ACT Limited is calling for nominations for the position of
Director
At the 2024 AGM, positions will be voted on by members.
If you want to be involved in progressing the best industry in Australia, then nominate today.
Entries will be accepted until 5pm, Friday 30 August 2024
More Important News
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Back Country Summit - 16 October
The creation of the Snow Activities Discussion Paper by the Outdoors NSW & ACT Back Country Committee has instigated the review of practices in the back country areas of the Alpine regions. The paper released in June is available for all activity providers to read and apply to their activities should they wish to. The Back Country Summit is aimed to discuss the paper and gain feedback from industry on any changes before being recommended to include in the AAAS framework.
To register to attend this event, click here.
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MTB Symposium - 25 & 26 October
Outdoors NSW & ACT is facilitating the first MTB Symposium for all stakeholders in mountain biking. Extending over 2 full days to be held in
MERIMBULA, NSW. Register to attend at https://outdoors.kartra.com/page/mtbsymposium
If you would like to exhibit at the event, please get in touch events@outdoorsnswact.com.au
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REMINDER: New ATO Laws Commenced 1 July 2024
Not-for-profit requirements have changed when it comes to income tax. Those that are companies limited by guarantee or incorporated entities now need to ensure they complete the required forms for the ATO to continue self-assessment at year end June 2024.
The changes require non-charitable NFPs with an active Australian business number (ABN) to lodge an annual NFP self-review return to self-assess their eligibility for income tax exemption. Members can watch the Connect & Share recording on the topic for more information.
In addition changes to Contracting and the increase of the minimum wage also commence 1 July 2024.
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Major Changes to Casual Employment
Labor’s new laws that change the definition and workplace rights of casual employees kick off on 26 August. The changes present a host of new challenges for already stretched small and medium businesses. Read more about the change here.
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Adventurous Journeys
The Duke of Edinburgh International Award requires its participants to progress to achieve Bronze, Silver & Gold levels. As part of the opportunity for schools and individuals is to connect with adventurous journey providers. Outdoors NSW & ACT hosts a page specific to those members who offer this service. Click here to view our website!
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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:
Journal of Outdoor & Environmental Education.
An international journal of the outdoor profession produced by Outdoor Education Australia and supported by the Outdoor Council of Australia, it continues the Australian Journal of Outdoor Education (AJOE). The journal aims to discuss research concerning outdoor and environmental education. All ONSWACT members get access to JOEE at no extra cost.
Read more about the journal overview below:
The Journal of Outdoor & Environmental Education has created this page to promote the articles published and collections curated through the journal. Please share widely and check back for calls for Special Issue submissions and new article releases.
Want to promote your activities & jobs to new audiences?
Check out our public-facing Facebook pages! We share both outdoor career opportunities and outdoor experiences with our members that you can get involved in today.
Check out both of these pages below to see what is current in the outdoors:
Industry Events
ONSWACT Members are invited to take part in the many industry forums where they can ensure they are kept informed and have an opportunity to provide their own insights and ideas that generate discussion.
ALL options are FREE to ONSWACT Members, just let us know which ones you would like to come along too.
Email us at contact@outdoorsnswact.com.au
FRIDAY CONNECT & SHARE FORUMS
SENIOR LEADER FORUMS
OUTDOOR EDUCATION FORUMS
OUTDOOR RTO & VET FORUMS
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Outdoors NSW & ACT Membership Portal
Click here to login and see what's been added for your use
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