Welcome 2026
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
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
I’m filled with immense pride and gratitude for what the outdoors community achieved together last year. It’s been a year of strong collaboration, strategic progress and impactful advocacy — all driven by our members, partners and passionate outdoor professionals across NSW and the ACT.
We finished the year on a particularly high note with a significant advocacy win on e-bikes, protecting our recreation and tourism organisations from a potential disaster and ensuring this important opportunity to get communities outdoors continues to be available. And we continue to advocate for the government's response to an increase in rider compliance with these devices for the safety of pedestrians.
In 2025 we also:
Celebrated another milestone year at our Annual General Meeting, recognising leadership and life-long service in the sector.
Progressed key sector development initiatives and launched our 2025–2028 Strategic Plan to guide our collective efforts toward even greater impact.
Amplified industry voice in government policy settings, forums and consultations that shape outdoor access, tourism and education.
Celebrated member success stories, awards and achievements across adventure tourism, outdoor education and nature-based recreation.
Continued our unwavering support for equity, sector capability and professional development.
We reflect on the resilience and innovation of our community — from grassroots operators, educators and guides to peak bodies, local government and advocacy partners, that exemplifies what we stand for.
For a full recap of our 2025 highlights, insights and thought leadership, our website is the perfect place to explore the year that was: www.outdoorsnswact.org/blog
Thank you for your ongoing support, passion and commitment to strengthening the outdoors for all.
Here’s to building on this momentum in 2026!
Lori Modde
CEO
Outdoors NSW & ACT
Summary of Topics
included in this newsletter below
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Advocacy Win on Hire Business exemption from NSW E-Bike Legislation
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OUTDOOR CENSUS calls for your data to help advocacy outcomes!
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MTB Manifesto Survey STILL OPEN - Have your say!
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Dates set for ONSWACT Key Events
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2026 Outdoor Industry Awards
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2026 Outdoor Learning Conference
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2026 Training Calendar
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New Links for Connect & Shares for 2026
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.
Quick Reference Links ⬇️
ENTER YOUR DATA INTO THE
2026 Outdoor Industry Census
If you are an owner or senior manager of an outdoor organisation, operation or supporting organisation we need you to complete the Census by
31 January 2026. This information will assist advocacy efforts in 2026 and beyond.
Get up to speed on the
OUTDOOR INDUSTRY NEWS
ADVOCACY WIN
NSW Fair Trading has confirmed that anye-micromobility vehicle purchased before 1 February 2026 and used exclusively for hire, lease or rent will be exempt from the testing, certification and marking requirements that were initially set to apply universally.
This exemption covers:
E-bikes
E-bike batteries
Electric scooters
Self-balancing scooters
Electric skateboards
E-micromobility batteries
To be eligible, fleets must be:
used entirely for hire/rental/lease purposes
purchased before 1 February 2026
be compliant with the relevant product standards set out in the NSW Gazette
The exemption is automatic, meaning businesses do not need to apply. However, Fair Trading may request proof of purchase and compliance when required. For more information go to www.outdoorsnswact.org/blog
2026 & 2027 PARTNER PROSPECTUS AVAILABLE
The Outdoors NSW & ACT Prospectus for 2026–2027 is now available for potential, current, and past partners to explore. It highlights the many ways to get involved in our growing calendar of events, from the Outdoor Industry MasterClass, Industry Awards and the Outdoor Learning Mini Conference.
We invite you to review the Prospectus to identify the partnership opportunities that align with your organisation’s goals and values. Whether you’re seeking visibility, collaboration, or direct impact within the outdoor, tourism, or education communities, now is the perfect time to secure your involvement before key opportunities are filled.
Email ceo@outdoorsnswact.com.au to receive your copy.
2026 ONLINE FORUMS FOR INDUSTRY
Don’t forget to secure your spot for the 2026 Connect & Share and Happy Hour events! These are fantastic weekly online opportunities to network, collaborate, and celebrate with industry peers — and you won’t want to miss out. Head over to the registration page in your membership portal to grab the links and join any Friday you can: https://outdoors.kartra.com/page/2026IndustryEvents
HAVE YOU DONE OUR CULTURAL TRAINING
Build inclusion, understanding and confidence in the outdoors!
The Outdoors NSW & ACT Cultural Awareness Program is a practical and engaging online training designed to help outdoor professionals, educators and enthusiasts deepen their cultural competence across key community groups — including Indian, Chinese, Muslim, LGBTIQ+ and Aboriginal cultures. With five interactive modules, informative videos and quizzes, participants earn a Certificate of Completion that equips them to create more respectful, welcoming and culturally inclusive outdoor experiences.
Complete at your own pace in around 1.5 hours — all for just $65 (+GST).
Start making your outdoor programs more inclusive today!
DATES FOR 2026 - KEY ONSWACT EVENTS
The Outdoor Industry MasterClass on 15–16 July 2026, an immersive professional development experience focused on the businesses within the outdoor industry. Through expert-led sessions, practical workshops and peer networking, the MasterClass empowers participants to grow their capacity and organisations results.
Following the MasterClass, the Outdoor Industry Awards on 16 July 2026 will celebrate and recognise outstanding achievement across the sector. This flagship awards program highlights excellence in outdoor education, recreation, adventure tourism and related fields, providing a platform for organisations and individuals to benchmark their impact and be acknowledged for their contribution to the industry’s growth and sustainability.
Rounding out the week, the Outdoor Learning Mini Conference on 17–18 July 2026 offers a dedicated forum for educators, facilitators and outdoor learning advocates to share ideas, deepen practice and explore evidence-based approaches for bringing learning into nature. The Mini Conference features practical sessions, panel discussions and opportunities for professional growth that are tailored to those working to integrate outdoor experiences into formal and informal educational settings.
Together, these events create a vibrant and impactful week that supports career development, fosters community, and amplifies the value of outdoor engagement across NSW and the ACT.
OUTDOOR INDUSTRY MASTERCLASS 2026
The Outdoor Industry MasterClass on 15–16 July 2026, an immersive professional development experience focused on the businesses within the outdoor industry. Through expert-led sessions, practical workshops and peer networking, the MasterClass empowers participants to grow their capacity and organisations results.
Tickets will go on sale in March - partnership opportunities are open now!
NSW ACT OUTDOOR INDUSTRY AWARDS
Following the MasterClass, the Outdoor Industry Awards on 16 July 2026 will celebrate and recognise outstanding achievement across the sector. This flagship awards program highlights excellence in outdoor education, recreation, adventure tourism and related fields, providing a platform for organisations and individuals to benchmark their impact and be acknowledged for their contribution to the industry’s growth and sustainability.
Applications will open in February 2026
Partnership opportunities are open now.
The 3rd OUTDOOR LEARNING CONFERENCE
The Outdoor Learning Mini Conference on 17–18 July 2026 offers a dedicated forum for educators, facilitators and outdoor learning advocates to share ideas, deepen practice and explore evidence-based approaches for bringing learning into nature. The Mini Conference features practical sessions, panel discussions and opportunities for professional growth that are tailored to those working to integrate outdoor experiences into formal and informal educational settings. This year it will be held in Jervis Bay, NSW.
Help Chart a Better Outdoor Course
Have your say on some of the most important policies, actions, standards that affect the Outdoor Industry
Outdoor Industry Census NOW OPEN!
Open now! Calling all organisation owners / senior managers of outdoor industry businesses, organisations or supporting organisations (including schools or education institutions that invest in Outdoor Education). We need your support in completing our 2026 Outdoor industry Census!
If you are in Outdoor Recreation - Outdoor Education - Adventure Tourism or Nature Therapy (or supporting organisations) we need you to spend 10minutes completing our most important tool when it comes to advocating for industry needs in 2026 and beyond. The 2024 & 2025 Census has proved its impact time and time again and the importance of ongoing data comparisons is incredibly important to understand the trends of existing challenges and opportunities vs new emerging ones.
PLEASE COMPLETE the Outdoor Census by 31 January 2026, no matter where you are based in Australia and how much you are involved, the data will sort out where you can help the industry with your information.
Thank you in advance for your important contribution.
MTB Manifesto next steps
The 2024 MTB Symposium (25/26 October 2024) brought our sector into one room to openly explore challenges, opportunities and future directions. From that energy came the MTB Manifesto—a sector-led roadmap shaped through consultation with trail builders, clubs, operators, councils, land managers, tourism bodies and industry leaders.
As we look ahead to 2026 and beyond, we want to hear directly from those closest to the trails—you.
• What should be the top priorities for mountain biking?
• Where should we focus our advocacy, partnerships and sector development efforts?
• What matters most to you on the ground?
We’ve prepared a short survey to capture your insights. It will take just a few minutes and will guide our next steps as we continue championing the MTB community.
Please share your thoughts before 31 January 2026:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MTBManifesto
If you haven't yet read the MTB Manifesto, please start there.... https://outdoors.kartra.com/page/MTBManifesto
Are you involved in the AAAS Review?
The AAAS review continues and if you haven't been involved, please jump onto 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
Land Access Concerns
If you have concerns around access to a public land area for your groups, please get in contact with ONSWACT, as in the last few months we have circumvented several issues as we advocate on your behalf. ONSWACT also meets with our land and water manager partners every two months to discuss how we can all work better together. Attendees of our July Summit heard from our land managers about their challenges and the open collaboration we have with them as they understand the need to get more people outdoors more often for their health and well-being.
Lori Modde, CEO of Outdoors NSW & ACT, representing the NSW Outdoor Industry at the Parliamentary Hearing for Access to Public Lands Inquiry in December 2025 together with ONSWACT member, Vanessa Mills from the Australian Climbing Association of NSW.
Professional Development options in 2026…
See below link for all the Professional Development opportunities in 2026. So far we have over 80 opportunities for you and your staff to upskill, prepare and grow the capacity of your organisation and the industry. The booking portal IS NOW OPEN, so book your place in any of these opportunities. Members receive special rates for all opportunities.
ONSWACT in December
👩💼 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.
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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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