Data is crucial when supporting an industry and its needs, and the instigation of the Outdoor Census has given us an opportunity to now examine not only to what extent we impact and are impacted, but now the trends as we continue to run the Census each year. Here is the media release on its findings. Members can download the report from their portal. 

https://www.outdoorsnswact.org/post/significant-growth-and-challenges-revealed-in-2024-outdoor-industry-census 

ONSWACT Member, Riding for the Disabled NSW, celebrated the Horse's Birthday by acknowledging their volunteers, their horses and their impacts! They are a perfect example of how outdoor therapy can change lives. Well done to Nicole and the team for your massive achievements, and we were privileged to celebrate with you. 

Our CEO, Lori Modde, was a guest speaker at the Travel24 Conference, talking about the next big thing! Joined together with AAT Kings, Australian Council of Tour Operators and Wendy Wu Tours, Lori discussed the rise of outdoor experiences and nature connections.

The Journal of Outdoor and Environmental Education's newest issue has been released; 

Vol 27 Issue 2 August 2024. All papers are available to members of ONSWACT. 

https://link.springer.com/journal/42322/volumes-and-issues/27-2

The access code is in your members portal.

At this month's RTO & VET forum, we heard about the Army's plans to outsource adventurous training, the process and timeline. This is a great opportunity for the industry to work closer with Defence.

The effectiveness of NSW’s VET system is of national importance, accounting for around a third of the nation’s government-funded training activity. The review released in recent weeks highlighted 3 focus areas for the government: 

1. We need to transform the system - NSW Government as the steward of the VET system – driving consistent performance and accountability, fostering collaboration and innovation.
2. We need to better integrate the system with students at its centre - NSW students must be provided with quality pathways that meet their aspirations and build critical skills, knowledge and capabilities.
3. We need to underpin the system through a world-class VET teaching workforce and robust infrastructure - We need to prioritise investment in our teaching workforce through a focus on reducing unnecessary administrative workload, supporting quality teaching and providing opportunities to upskill.

Outdoors NSW & ACT will be watching how this evolves and ensuring we are at the discussion table on how the outdoor industry can benefit from this new focus.

The final round of consultation will close in a week on the ANZSCO CODE review, where the outdoor industry has been advocating for significant change to ensure we are seen as the industry that we are in size, and skill level. Previously, 21 codes could be used for our workers, and the ABS recommendations are now much more favourable for our industry to be noticed for the size we are. Outdoors NSW & ACT would like to thank the Australian Bureau of Statistics for their engagement on this project. https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/classifications/consultation-draft-australian-and-new-zealand-standard-classification-occupations-anzsco/latest-release