Industry Newsletter

EXTENDED ONE WEEK - Outdoor Census is open until 7 Feb 2025 EXTENDED ONE WEEK - Outdoor Census is open until 7 Feb 2025

January 2025

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

As we step into the new year, we want to take a moment to thank you for your continued commitment to the outdoor industry and your engagement with Outdoors NSW & ACT.

In December, we highlighted the incredible momentum we are making in our sector, and the importance of capturing this growth through the industry census. Your participation ensures we have the data needed to advocate for the sector, shape policy, and unlock new opportunities.

Due to multiple requests from our members as they ease into 2025, we have extended the deadline for the Outdoors NSW & ACT Census by one week. This final and hard deadline is now Friday, 7 February 2025—no further extensions will be granted. If you haven’t already, ensure your organisation is counted by submitting your 2024 data and projected 2025 figures before the deadline.

Your input is crucial in strengthening our collective voice and demonstrating the true impact of our industry. Let’s make 2025 a year of action, collaboration, and progress!

Submit your data today and help shape the future of the outdoor sector.

This newsletter contains important knowledge for anyone in the Outdoor Industry. Please take the time to read its content as we start to move into the new year.

Your in the Outdoors!

Lori Modde

More News

Click below for key topics

WATER NSW MEETING

Thank you to those who were able to attend a meeting on the 8th Jan with Water NSW. This was an important meeting to move forward with better processes and communication as we start the year together. These meetings will be held every 6 months now improving how we work together. Access to the meeting recording is in the members' portal.

2025 CALENDAR

Download the 2025 ONSWACT Calendar showing all the dates for Board Meetings, Committee Meetings, Events and other Outdoor Industry Events.

In 2025 we have a series of PD Sessions to enable opportunities to update your skills in various activities. They include: Single & Multi Pitch Abseil / Climbing, Easy to Intermediate Canyoning, Outdoor Education for teachers, Guides First Aid and Canoeing Skills.

All of these dates and details for training will be listed on our website in January https://outdoors.kartra.com/page/pdsessions

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Refresh your skills in: Abseiling, canoeing, canyoning, climbing for outdoor professionals and outdoor education for non-outdoor ed teachers.

Visit our website for all the details.

NSW BUDGET SUBMISSION 2025

Outdoors NSW & ACT have provided the industry with this template letter so you can add your name to our advocacy position for the 2025-2026 state budget. We are asking for transport subsidies for all outdoor education, as the rise of transport costs is not helping with cost of living pressures and increasing barriers to participation. Please send this letter with your details to your local NSW Parliament member.

OCA FEDERAL ELECTION POSITION

The new-look OCA were able to get together at NOEC and establish the Federal Election position. This paper is now available and a template of a letter is also available to download that any organisation can send to federal local members to support our position. Please join us in our federal advocacy.

OUTDOOR LEADER SHORTAGE

If you have a shortage of Outdoor Leaders then to be heard you need to complete the 2025 Occupation Shortage List Stakeholder Survey! This is an important tool to be recognised for our shortage, but you need to complete it.

Survey closes 7 Mar 2025

CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE

NEW CRIMINAL CHARGES FOR UNDERPAYING STAFF

From 1 January 2025, intentional underpayment of wages or entitlements can be a criminal offence. An employer may commit a criminal offence where they:

Were required to pay an amount:
- to an employee such as wages or paid leave entitlements
- on behalf of the employee, or for their benefit, such as superannuation or a salary sacrifice arrangement
Have intentionally done something that intentionally results in those amounts not being paid on or before the day they were due.

More information can be found here

FEE FREE TRAINEESHIPS IN NSW EXTENDED

The NSW Department of Education has confirmed a further extension of free apprenticeships and traineeships for students who commence their Smart and Skilled training up until 30 June 2025.

This assistance helps remove financial barriers for students and supports a strong pipeline of skilled workers to build the NSW economy.

Click here for more information.

FREE VACCINE FOR OUTDOOR WORKERS FOR Japanese Encephalitis Virus

Japanese encephalitis is a rare but serious illness caused by the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV). It is spread to humans by infected mosquitoes.

In NSW, a free Japanese encephalitis virus vaccination is available for people aged 2 months or older who regularly spend time outdoors placing them at risk of mosquito bites.

CALL FOR NEW COMMITTEE MEMBERS IN 2025

ONSWACT has 8 committees that help to inform, act and strategise areas of need for the Outdoor Industry. We always welcome new members to any of these committees and if you are interested in joining any of the below please send an email to ceo@outdoorsnswact.com.au with your expression of interest to join.

Incident Response
Outdoor Learning
Trail Bike
Mountain Bike
Outdoor Leaders
Climate Change
First Nations
Back Country

NEW LINKS FOR 2025 COMMITTEE MEETINGS & FORUMS

All ONSWACT members can now sign up for the new links for the Connect & Share Forums, Friday Happy Hours and Committee Meetings.

Go to your portal to register today.

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.

Connect & Share Summary for 2024

The Connect and Share forums ran nearly every Friday in 2024, with a massive 42 episodes, removing events and holiday periods. They have provided a rich tapestry of discussions throughout the year, encompassing a variety of themes crucial to our industry and guest speakers.

Here's a summary of the key topics covered:

Innovations in Outdoor Education: Exploring new methodologies and technologies enhancing learning experiences in outdoor settings.
Sustainability Practices: Sharing strategies for implementing eco-friendly practices within outdoor programs and operations.
Mental Health and Well-being: Addressing the importance of mental health for both participants and professionals in the outdoor sector.
Diversity and Inclusion: Discussing ways to make outdoor activities accessible and welcoming to diverse populations.
Risk Management and Safety: Evaluating best practices for ensuring safety in outdoor adventures and educational programs.
Policy and Advocacy: Understanding the impact of governmental policies on outdoor activities and how to advocate effectively for the industry.
Professional Development: Offering guidance on career advancement and skill development for outdoor professionals.
Community Engagement: Highlighting the role of community involvement in promoting outdoor activities and education.

These forums have served as a platform for knowledge exchange, fostering a collaborative environment that propels our industry forward.

Note: For the viewing each episode, go to Industry Events / Connect & Share Forums in your membership portal

What else you need to know...

"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." – Helen Keller "Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." – Helen Keller

CENSUS IS NOW OPEN

It is sooooo important that you complete the Outdoor Industry Census to help us understand the trends and challenges of the Outdoor Industry. Our advocacy relies on this data! So please nominate someone from your organisation TODAY to enter your data in before the 7 February 2025.

Click here to go to the Census Survey

HUMANABILITY & SaCSA LAUNCH WORKPLANS

Outdoors NSW & ACT works closely with Humanability and Service and Creative Skills Australia to help us fulfill our workforce needs now and in the future. Humanability has commenced the review of the Outdoor Leadership qualifications and there will be opportunities you can get involved in early 2025. You can download their workforce plans on the links below:

- Humanability

- SaCSA

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN 2025

Outdoors NSW & ACT has partnered with some of our members to provide some training opportunities for the industry in 2025. They include abseiling, canoeing, canyoning, climbing and outdoor education for non-outdoor ed teachers.

Visit our website for all the details.

JOINT LETTER TO OUTDOOR OPERATORS

The CEOs of Office of Sport, Cancer Institute of NSW, Sports Medicine Australia, Cancer Council NSW, Melanoma Institute & ONSWACT have combined forces in a joint letter to bring the Sport & Recreation together on the AIS Sun Safe position. Whilst we may not be able to look at all levels of protection, like elimination of the outdoors, it is important to review your administration, operational and PPE measures to protect your staff and attendees from skin cancer.

View the full letter to Outdoor Operators here.

WORKFORCE SHORTAGE SURVEY NOW OPEN

If you believe we have a workforce shortage in the Outdoor Industry outdoors, well now is the time to let the government know to get into the

Jobs and Skills Occupation Shortage List.

You have on-the-ground knowledge and experience of recruitment activity in your industry and your participation in this survey will improve the evidence we use to identify occupations in shortage.

The survey closes on Friday 7 March 2025 at 5pm (AEDT).

We encourage you to share this opportunity with your colleagues and business stakeholders, and relevant partners, to encourage them to participate and further grow our understanding. The more groups we have that participate, the more valuable the data set is.

WESTERN SYDNEY MOVING - RECRUITING

Western Sydney Moving has just been launched as a Charity, forging ahead on creating a difference in Western Sydney. Using a systems approach, WSYD Moving hopes to reduce obesity, diabetes and other chronic diseases in the community caused by inactivity.

They are calling for a Company Secretary / Director to support the organisation in a voluntary capacity. 2 hours per month is all you need to have to contribute to this amazing organisation. If you are intersted email Lori on ceo@outdoorsnswact.com.au.

DEFENCE ADVENTUROUS TRAINING TENDER UPDATE

While the proposed tender has been taken off scope for now, it is hoped that it will return in 2025. We will continue to work with the Department of Defence on opportunities for the industry.

PARTNERSHIP PROSPECTUS 2025

If you are interested in partnering with Outdoors NSW & ACT in 2025, get in touch as the 2025 Prospectus is now available and limited opportunities are available to get involved in some key strategic activities. Leverage our successes by coming on board and working together for a more resilient, sustainable and thriving industry.

Email contact@outdoorsnswact.com.au - 2025 Prospectus

EMPLOYMENT AWARD CHANGES - 1 JAN 2025

Some awards will have new definitions and minimum pay rates for entry-level classifications from 2025.

Minimum pay rates for some employees under affected awards may go up on the first full pay period on or after:1 January 2025. The following awards are affected:

Amusement Award
Australian Government Award
Fitness Award
Marine Tourism and Charter Vessels Award

Please review your awards to ensure you are compliant.

https://www.fairwork.gov.au/about-us/workplace-laws/award-changes/changes-to-entry-level-classifications-in-awards

WATER NSW & OUTDOOR OPERATOR FORUM - 8 JAN 2025

This was a productive meeting that had some actions to be taken post meeting by Water NSW and also Outdoors NSW & ACT to help path the way for improved processes when working with Water NSW. These meetings will be held 6 monthly to keep the progress of actions and communication lines open. Thank you to everyone who attended as you made this meeting a productive step towards improving our relationship with our Water NSW colleagues. The recording is in the Members Portal for members review.

NatCORR Weather Ready Workshops

These hands-on, in-person workshops provide professional development to enhance skills and preparedness, equipping outdoor professionals to make informed decisions in the face of increasingly severe and unpredictable weather conditions.

Workshops will be held in the following locations and dates from 9 am to 4:30 pm:

April 7, 2025 Brisbane
April 9, 2025 - Melbourne
April 14, 2025 - Hobart
April 16, 2025 - ACT
April 29, 2025 - Perth

BOOK YOUR PLACE

Outdoor Industry Summit

NatCORR Risk & Resilience Symposium

Be the first to get all the news on the event of the year. From 8-11 July, the industry will come together in Canberra for a culmination of topics that aim to inform, educate and involve our organisations in preparing for the future ahead.

8th July - Visit Birrigai Outdoor School, Outward Bound and Stromlo Park
9th July - NatCORR Risk & Resilience Symposium
10th & 11th July - Outdoor Industry Summit

JOIN THE MAILING LIST

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:

https://www.outdoorsnswact.org/membershiplevels

Want to stay up to date?

Don't wait for the end of month newsletter, get the opportunities as they are live

Non Members can now join Connect & Share Forums

What's new in the

Outdoors NSW & ACT Membership Portal

Click here to login and see what's been added for your use

Incident reports and articles, case studies and research, sub-committee activities and much more...

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