AUGUST 2025 Wrap Up
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
August has reminded us that great opportunities often emerge when we dare to step off the familiar trail—and that’s precisely what your Outdoor NSW & ACT community has done this month. This adventurous spirit anchors not only our collective mindset but also the bold actions we're taking together to shape the future of this industry.
Here are just a few highlights:
- 🍃 Driving important advocacy wins: We’ve highlighted the issues of the e‑bike regulations in NSW and its affects on our industry.
- 🍃 Engaging in critical standards and policies: From the AAAS safety review to climbing standards and to parliamentary hearings, we are building a bigger voice for the industry and thank you to those that support and assist our work here. It does not go unnoticed.
- 🍃 Launching and supporting transformative initiatives: We’re excited to celebrate the start of the second Pinnacle Leadership Program, about to run our second Outdoor Learning Mini‑Conference and planning for an amazing 2026.
- 🍃 Looking ahead with purpose: Between the MTB Manifesto, Destination NSW’s 2035 Visitor Economy Strategy, and upcoming forums and courses, we’re building momentum with not only action but strategic connections will laying foundations for sustainable growth and enduring impact.
As we move into September, I invite each of you to ask: Will you lean into supporting your industry that supports you? Will you help shape the future of our industry—boldly, thoughtfully, and collectively?
Thank you for your energy, your insights, and your willingness to explore the unknown. Together, we turn the outdoors into a playground of possibilities—refreshing, challenging, and deeply rewarding.
Here’s to charting new paths.
Lori Modde
CEO
Outdoors NSW & ACT
Summary of Topics
included in this newsletter
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Outdoor Learning Mini Conference 27 September
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Pinnacle Leadership Program 2026
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Advocacy News and Update
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MTB Sector's Next Steps for Change
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Help Chart a Better Outdoor Course
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Outdoor Industry Events Coming Up
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.
NEW SECTION
Help Chart a Better Outdoor Course
Have your say on some of the most important policies, actions, standards that affect the Outdoor Industry
Are you involved in the AAAS Review?
The AAAS review continues and if you haven't been involved please jump into the engagement platform to ensure you have the opportunity to have your say on the changes that will affect your operations in the outdoors. As the go-to for many of the Worksafe agencies across the country, the AAAS is the tool that guides safety, sustainability and cultural inclusion in the outdoors. Being involved will help you understand the changes that will require compliance come July 2026.
https://outdoors.kartra.com/page/AAASReview
E-Bikes.... what you may not know
There is a huge focus on e-bikes across the country right now as the technology, the demand, and the infrastructure needed are moving a little quicker than government policy on the items. NSW in particular has taken some radical moves that have unintentionally disadvantaged our adventure tourism organisations, MTB clubs and retail businesses. Outdoors NSW & ACT has been at the forefront of advocacy on this issue and has brought in support from the NSW Tourism Association, Caravan & Camping Industry Association of NSW as well as the Canberra Region Tourism Industry Council which covers 3 NSW local government areas.
if you HIRE OR CONDUCT TOURS on E-Bikes then we need your input…. This is helping us to get consideration for our industry in new legislation that will render many of our e-bikes illegal!
Https://outdoors.kartra.com/page/EBIKESNSW
PLEASE COMPLETE ASAP
In addition, the NSW government is contemplating stopping e-bikes from being able to be taken on all public transport. If this affects you, then please complete this survey by 3 September!
https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/changes-using-e-micromobility-public-transport
Skills and Workforce Shortages
The federal government is once again collecting crucial data on workforce shortages that will dictate which industries get support for workforce attraction. If you are struggling to find the right skills and staff, then you NEED TO COMPLETE THIS SURVEY!
https://www.jobsandskills.gov.au/consultations/2025-core-skills-occupations-list-csol-consultations
Complete before 26 September 2025.
ACT Sport & Recreation Barriers
The ACT government are looking into the barriers for residents to get into sport and recreation... a great opportunity to highlight the ways we can get more out the act community into recreation opportunities.
The Committee will examine access and barriers to community sport participation in the ACT across a
range of areas such as:
• implementation of the ACT Government’s Sport and Recreation Strategy 2023-2028;
• the range, management, location and quality of sporting facilities;
• government initiatives, funding and policies to support community sports; and
• opportunities to improve participation rates for under-represented demographics.
Artificial Climbing Australian Standard Review
There are 2 standards under review:
- Artificial climbing structures and challenge courses, Part 2.1: Flying foxes and challenge ropes courses - Construction and safety requirements
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Artificial climbing structures and challenge courses, Part 2.2: Flying foxes and challenge ropes courses - Operation requirements
You need to register for the Standards website to provide your feedback. You can do so here https://comment.standards.org.au
Please ensure you do so before 29 September 2025.
Is a NSW Fishing Peak Body needed?
Key fishing representatives have developed a proposed model for a new NSW peak body, outlining proposed governance arrangements including board composition, tenure limits, membership types, selection processes, and initial remuneration, along with key focus areas for the body. The NSW government is now asking for community feedback on this peak body formation. If you are conducting fishing activities, then this might be a good opportunity to have your say on what it should look like and what gaps it needs to fill.
https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/peak-body-rec-fishing
Complete before 1 October 2025.
Professional Development needs…
As Outdoors NSW & ACT builds its calendar of professional development opportunities for 2026, we ask our industry what do you need? What gaps need filling when it comes to the skills of your team?
Topics already factored in to our calendar include:
- Facilitation skills
- Child safe standards
- Roping Refreshers
what else do you need?
Email Tintin on training@outdoorsnswact.com.au
DATES FOR THE DIARY
OUTDOOR INDUSTRY EVENTS
What's coming up that you need to know about?
TRAIN THE TRAINER - 10 & 11 September
TRAIN THE TRAINER - Facilitate with Intent Course - 10 & 11 September 2025, this course provides hands-on practical skills to ensure your facilitation gets the most from your participants.
OUTDOOR CAREERS - 10 October
Its often misunderstood about the opportunities that the outdoor industry can give career seekers, so in Outdoors October, ONSWACT has invited key industry stakeholders to showcase more about the industry to careers advisers and career seekers in a one-hour webinar. All employers are welcome to join and if you would like to present, please let us know by emailing ceo@outdoorsnswact.com.au
10th October
12pm - 1pm
VIA Teams
SEA OTTER SUMMIT - 21-23 October
Share your #WildIdeas at the Global Outdoor Industry Leaders Summit - Coming downunder for the first time to Batemans Bay, NSW, 21-23 October 2025 . The Sea Otter Australia Summit (SOAS) is an integrated conference exploring trade, tourism and talent (attraction) through the outdoor economy.
SOA Summit (SOAS) will have a composition of international, national and NSW speakers with attendance from North America and Europe to foster new networks, collaboration and knowledge-sharing on the Outdoor Economy. For details on topics, speakers, partners and ticket options go to -https://www.linkedin.com/company/sea-otter-australia-summit or www.seaotter.au/summit
LEAD TOP ROPE COURSE - 10-14 November
This course will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to establish systems and lead clients during top rope climbing sessions.
It is suitable for those with existing outdoor leadership qualifications who wish to add another specialist area to their repertoire, or for people considering an entry point into a rewarding outdoor career.
For more information go to https://kcc.nsw.edu.au/courses/lead-top-rope-climbing/
OUTDOOR LEARNING EVENT - 27 & 28 September
The Outdoor Learning Mini-Conference brings teachers, educators and facilitators together to share skills about getting our students outdoors more often. This day-and-a-half event will cover all areas of outdoor learning that you may not have thought about before. Also, take part in a cultural burn if you can come on the Friday afternoon before. For all the details go to https://outdoors.kartra.com/page/olminiconference
OUTDOOR HEALTH FORUM - 17-19 October
Outdoor Health Australia is the national body for diverse evidence-informed nature-based health and well-being practices.
This year’s National Forum is held on Bundalung country. The three-day event includes nine featured presenters and over 50 workshops spanning theories and practices designed to inspire and challenge us.
Date: Friday 17 Oct to 5pm Sunday 19 Oct 2025
Location: On the coast - Lake Ainsworth Sport & Recreation Centre, Lennox Head, NSW
Register now: www.outdoorhealthforum.com.au
Whether you’re actively involved in this field, or an interested observer, come join this professional development opportunity where diversity thrives and is welcomed!
ONSWACT AGM - 27 October
Join us for another year of celebration of what has been accomplished and what is in the plans for 2026. Also, members are asked to endorse who they want as directors on the board of ONSWACT. Nominations are open until 10 September.
Click here to nominate: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2025ONSWACTDirector
SINGLE PITCH ABSEIL COURSE - 13-29 January
Single Pitch Abseiling (Elective Group A) – Cert IV in Outdoor Leadership
This course delivers high-quality training designed for those who want the skills to guide well and not just a qualification.
Combining eLearning both before and during the course with 10 days of face-to-face training on iconic Blue Mountains rock this course holds up by itsself or as an elective group for a full Cert IV. Build the confidence, knowledge, and technical expertise to become a skilled guide in single-pitch abseiling activities.
Information from August
🌟 Pinnacle Leadership Program 2026
And they're off and learning...
The first session of the 2026 graduating class of the Pinnacle Leadership Program, with mentors and participants, was held this month. The second cohort will graduate in July 2026 once they have completed their 9-module program.
A huge thanks to the support from the NSW Government that enabled this program to be run for 3 years, and to Paddy Pallin for coming on as our Strategic Partner.
📢 Speakers announced for the Outdoor Learning Mini Conference
All our fabulous speakers have now been announced for the Outdoor Learning Mini Conference to be held at the amazing Birrigai Outdoor School in Canberra. This day-and-a-half event will be hands-on, practical and a great opportunity to connect with like minds in outdoor learning.
Friday 26 September
Get involved in a cultural burn at Birrigai (optional and weather permitting)
Optional accommodation and dinner available
Saturday 27 September
Full day schedule of workshops
Optional accommodation and dinner available
Sunday 28 September
Concludes at 12pm with a lunch before participants can start their journey home.
All attendees receive a gift from Equipped Outdoors.
A massive thanks to Emergency Australia, Gadhungal Marring & Officeworks for their support with this event. Attendees have the opportunity to win a $200 gift voucher from Officeworks.
For all the information head to https://outdoors.kartra.com/page/olminiconference
🚵♂️ MTB What's next...
The release of the MTB Merimbula Manifesto, a bold and strategic call to action for the future of mountain biking in NSW and the ACT, has already created lots of conversations with over 200 downloads.
Developed through the participation of stakeholders at the MTB Symposium in October 2024, the Manifesto identifies key barriers and enablers for mountain biking as a recreation, sport, education and tourism driver, and provides a roadmap for how government, land managers, industry, and communities can work together to unlock its full potential.
Those who have downloaded the manifesto will soon receive a survey that will help to determine the priorities and actions that will make the most difference. We will also be able to understand stakeholder involvement and what's needed to influence the outcomes.
Download the Manifesto and get involved in a brighter MTB future.
🚳 Advocacy Update
Outdoors NSW & ACT presented at the Game and Feral Animal Hunting Bill inquiry at the NSW Parliament in August, as well as increasing advocacy on e-bike legislation, training needs and public land access.
Our advocacy has been successful in delaying the implementation of the e-bike regulation from 1 August 2025 to 1 February 2026, and we are now in discussions with Fair Trading on the needs of our industry when it comes to the implementation of this new regulation. A meeting with the minister's office in early September will define what the outcome is, and we will update our members accordingly. Please note the legislation as it currently stands could make redundant all existing e-bike fleets in organisations in NSW and render them 'unsaleable'. If you haven't already, please complete the survey https://outdoors.kartra.com/page/EBIKESNSW if you hire e-bikes or conduct e-bike tours.
Advocacy continues on the impact of TAFE NSW removing the roping units from the Outdoor Leadership qualification. The training sector as well as qualified businesses have been able to assist industry in running some crucial training opportunities.
Proactive conversations around the AAAS Review have led to land managers taking a closer look at how the AAAS assists them and their policies around access. I thank them for their engagement in this important process and look forward to more conversations and actions.
📅 What else happened in August
🍃 Destination NSW released its 2035 Visitor Economy Strategy, highlighting the main pillars of action. These include:
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Make it easy for more people to visit
- grow aviation capacity by 8.5 million seats, unlocking 40,000+ new accommodation rooms and expanding the tourism workforce.
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Focus on attracting visitors
- elevate the NSW and Sydney brands through bold storytelling and data-led marketing, showcasing Sydney as a destination beyond well-known postcards.
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Drive growth through events
- lock in a nation-leading calendar of major sport, culture and business events to draw visitors year-round.
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Focus on experiences
- deliver immersive, high-quality and culturally rich visitor offerings across metro and regional NSW that highlight our stunning landscapes and world-leading produce.
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Leverage data and insights
- improve access to real-time data and consumer insights to enable agile decision-making across the sector.
To understand more about how this impacts our industry, listen to the Connect & Share episode on 29 August from your membership portal.
🍃 Outdoors NSW & ACT together with Christian Venues Association attended the Associations Leaders Exchange, which ensures we are maximising the opportunities for our members. Lots of fabulous ideas and technology opportunities were discussed.
🍃 Outdoors NSW & ACT presented on the importance of Outdoor activities and the use of ISO Standard 4980:2023 at the Royal Life Saving Swimposium. An important tool for councils and land managers when it comes to providing more opportunities for connecting with the outdoors.
🍃 The latest McCrindle Research helps us to see where the opportunities are with marketing to our new demographics. This was shared with our Connect & Share participants on 22 August.
🍃 The 2024 - 2025 Census comparison was released and showed some continuing challenges in our workforce needs but highlighted our growth areas in our industry. This was shared at our Connect & Share on the 15th August.
🍃 Outdoors NSW & ACT attended some key Western Sydney events as we commence getting prepared for the Western Sydney International Airport and maximising visitation to our surrounding adventure tourism destinations.
🍃 Equipment Recalls - latest one being the CAMP carabiners
- Nimbus Lock (ref. 2927 green), (ref. 292702 violet), (ref. 292703 blue)
- Nimbus Lock 3 Pack (ref. 3434)
- Locker Draw KS (ref. 3436) which includes a Nimbus Lock carabiner
- Energy CR3 Pack (ref. 2961) which includes a Nimbus Lock carabiner (harnesses and belay devices are not included in this recall)
- Energy Nova Pack (ref. 2962) which includes a Nimbus Lock carabiner (harnesses and belay devices are not included in this recall)
🍃 The Cultural Awareness Program continues with another 20 graduates passing in August. If you haven't yet completed the Cultural Awareness training, you can do so at:
https://outdoors.kartra.com/page/culturalawareness
👨🏫 Nominations open for Director roles with ONSWACT
Members are invited to consider standing for the position of Director at the 2025 AGM of ONSWACT. Positions are for 3 years with the option of being considered for reappointed for a maximum 3 terms.
A person is eligible for appointment or election as a Director if he or she is a
📈 Professional Development Remaining for 2025
- Train the Trainer - Facilitate with Intent Course, 10 & 11 September 2025 -FULL
- Outdoor Learning Mini Conference, 26-28 September 2025
- Outdoor Health Forum, 17-19 October 2025
Lead Top Rope Climbing Course, 27 - 31 Oct OR 10-14 Nov 2025
- Outdoors NSW & ACT AGM, 27 October 2025
- Snorkelling Leadership Course, 5 - 7 Nov OR 6 - 8 Dec 2025
- Lead Single Pitch Abseil Course, 8-12 Dec 2025
- Friday Connect & Share Forums, every Friday at 10am
🏥 ONSWACT Medibank Private Corporate Offer
Another exciting moment at the 2025 Outdoor Industry Summit was the announcement of a new corporate partnership between Outdoors NSW & ACT and Medibank Private. This partnership delivers a special corporate health cover offer exclusively for ONSWACT members, aimed at supporting the well-being of those who live, work, and play in the outdoors.
This collaboration recognises the vital role outdoor professionals play in fostering healthy communities and environments. Medibank’s offer not only provides tailored health insurance options, but also reinforces the value of maintaining good physical and mental health for those working in dynamic, often physically demanding, outdoor roles. It’s a partnership that reflects our shared commitment to health, sustainability, and supporting those who support others.
Members, check your recent emails from ONSWACT for the details to get your discount today.
👩💼 Looking for Work? Or Looking for Employees?
The ONSWACT Job portal has had a surge of new jobs posted, so keep an eye out for the opportunities available or advertise ones available - https://outdoor-work-australia.jobboardly.com/
In addition, we are approached by people wanting to enter the industry or find work in the outdoors where positions advertised may not suit their skills. So a new option has been added to our website to capture those people's details, skills and experience and share with our members - https://outdoors.kartra.com/page/workwanted
You can find these people's contacts under Member Resources/Looking for work on the ONSWACT Member Portal.
🏆 2026 Outdoor Industry Awards
ONSWACT will be opening its awards in early 2026, inviting submissions from members. This will incorporate the Outdoor Education awards, which will also enable state and territory winners to go through to the National Outdoor Education Awards, which will be announced in September 2026 in Cairns at the National Outdoor Education Conference. Watch our newsletters for all the information and start gathering evidence of your work conducted in 2025, so your submission will be easier.
Outdoor Learning
Mini Conference
BIRRIGAI OUTDOOR SCHOOL
Tidbinbilla, ACT
27 & 28 September 2025
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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:
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