February has been a bustling month at Outdoors NSW & ACT, marked by significant strides in advocacy and strategic partnerships, essential for bolstering the backbone of our sector—our people and our standards.
One of our major advocacy efforts this month involved navigating the complexities of a new multi-enterprise agreement targeting independent schools. This agreement notably includes support for our outdoor education staff, recognising their vital role in our industry. Initially taken by surprise, we swiftly engaged with the Association of Independent Schools (AIS) to advocate for the needs of our sector. This dialogue is just the beginning, as we anticipate further developments and opportunities to shape future agreements to better reflect the dynamic nature of our work.
Another pressing issue has surfaced with TAFE NSW’s decision to discontinue offering our roping qualifications. This unfortunate move leaves a significant void in our training landscape, one that we are diligently working to address. The decision not only impacts our current training provisions but also poses broader implications for our industry's capability development. In response, we are challenging this decision while also exploring alternative pathways to ensure that these crucial skills continue to be developed within our workforce.
In light of these challenges, we have launched a comprehensive survey to gather insights into your training and development needs. Your feedback is invaluable—it empowers us to advocate more effectively on your behalf and tailor our services to meet the evolving demands of our sector. I strongly encourage each of you to participate and help us shape a robust future for outdoor education and adventure activities.
Moreover, we are thrilled to announce that the review of the Australian Adventure Activity Standards (AAAS) is officially underway, with Dr. David Marsden stepping in as the project lead reporting to the Outdoor Council of Australia. This review is critical as it runs parallel to the Vocational Education and Training (VET) review, ensuring that our standards are not only up-to-date but also aligned with the national training framework.
Additionally, there has been considerable chatter within our community about the use of helmets. To address this, we are dedicating a Connect and Share session on March 21st to discuss all things related to helmets. Join us to delve into the types of helmets currently on the market, their appropriate uses, and the latest innovations in helmet technology. This session is a must for anyone looking to enhance their understanding and implementation of safety practices in outdoor activities.
These are indeed challenging times, but they are also times of opportunity. With your continued support and active participation, we can navigate these changes together and continue to elevate the standards and recognition of our beloved outdoor sector.
Yours in the Outdoors!
