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Outdoors NSW ACT

March 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 I reflect on my five-year journey with Outdoors NSW & ACT, it's remarkable to consider both how far we've come and the vast potential that lies ahead. Together, we have navigated challenges, celebrated milestones, and continuously strived towards a more vibrant and inclusive outdoor community. Yet, there remains much to accomplish, and I am ever inspired by the relentless dedication and innovative spirit of our members.

 

This inspiration has been particularly palpable in our recent strategic meetings, where I've had the privilege of hearing about your incredible initiatives and the impact you are making. It's clear that our community is bustling with activities that not only foster growth but also significantly contribute to the fabric of our industry. As your CEO, I am committed to amplifying your work and supporting you in every way possible. We are here to empower you to excel at what you do best.

 

Looking ahead, we have an exciting few months. Our focus is not only on the everyday triumphs but also on significant upcoming events like our Outdoor Industry Summit and the much-anticipated awards ceremony. This period is crucial for members aiming to enhance their professional development points via our portal and gain recognition in our awards program. Additionally, we will be celebrating the achievements of the latest graduates from our Pinnacle Leadership Program.

 

March has been a bustling month, and there is a wealth of updates included below. So, grab a cuppa, and see what is relevant to you making the most of the opportunities in the outdoors.

Lori Modde

More News

Click below for key topics

 

PDHPE Syllabus PASS Comments Close 7/4

NESA invites feedback on the 7–10 draft syllabuses PASS Elective.

View the Curriculum and complete the survey here. Surveys will close on Monday 7 April 2025

OCA Update

The OCA had their second Member Forum in March to ensure the work done at the federal level is in line with members needs. A reminder to all that the Federal Election position can be foudn on their website and we encourage all to download the template of a letter to send to your federal local members and candidates in this election! This will ensure we amplify our voice and need federally.

2025 Outdoor Industry Summit

TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE!

This year Outdoors NSW & ACT has partnered with NATCORR to bring you a 3.5 day event that will bring all the key topics together for the sustainability of our organisations.

 

During 8-11 July 2025 we will converge on Canberra to have discussions that count.

8th July is a familiarisation of some of the key outdoor facilities in the ACT, followed by the NATCORR Symposium on the 9th July and then the ONSWACT Summit on 10th & 11th July. Attend one day or all.

 

BOOK TODAY as tickets are limited 

https://outdoors.kartra.com/page/2025Summit

Members.... Don't forget to use your discount code to save up to $150.

 

More info below.

Special Member Offer at the Outdoor Industry Summit

Courtesy of our new partner, Medibank Private, skin checks will be offered for free to all ONSWACT members attending the Outdoor Industry Summit. 

A huge thank you to the team at Medibank for providing this invaluable opportunity. 

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.

Skills IQ Industry Forum

AIS Volunteering Webinar where ONSWACT presented

Insurance Discussion with Treasury

OCA Member Forum #2

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TICKETS ON SALE

Outdoor Industry Summit

Featuring the NatCORR Outdoor Risk & Resilience Symposium

$295 per day *

REGISTER HERE

* Members rate is $245 per day

New Information from March...

"When we harness the spirit of collaboration, every challenge becomes an opportunity to learn and grow together." — Tim Flannery"When we harness the spirit of collaboration, every challenge becomes an opportunity to learn and grow together." — Tim Flannery

🖐 ACTIVITY KNOWLEDGE EXPERTS NEEDED

HumanAbility are seeking volunteers to join a subject matter expert (SME) pool to provide input on the content of various qualification units. SMEs will have extensive experience in leading, running or teaching outdoor recreation and have a strong understanding of good practice. 

 

Please use this Expression of Interest form if you would like to nominate as an expert on core units or any of the other subjects.

🧗‍♂️ DESTINATION NSW EXPERIENCE WORKSHOPS

These FREE workshops will assist businesses in fine tuning their experience to be relevant to today's visitors. They are available around the state and registrations are open via the Destination NSW website as we get closer to the dates; 

  • Jindabyne, 2 April 2025
  • Maitland, 13 May 2025
  • Lismore, 15 May 2025
  • Shellharbour, 21 May 2025
  • Coonamble, 3 June 2025
  • Orange, 5 June 2025
  • Virtual workshop - Zoom, 26 June 2025

👨‍🏫 UPDATED UNITS IN THE SIS TRAINING PACKAGE

Sport, Fitness & Recreation Training Package has had some minor updates and is now complete and published on the National Training Register.

 

The update replaces superseded units across 13 qualifications and 9 skill sets to ensure they are current, aligned to industry needs and provides learners and employers with up-to-date training options.
 
RTOs have 12 months to transition to the new units with superseded training products still deliverable during this period. The Companion Volume Implementation Guide has also been updated.
 
For further information:
https://humanability.com.au/projects/sis-superseded-units-.aspx

👩‍💼 LOOKING FOR WORK, A NEW ADDITION TO THE MEMBERS PORTAL

From time to time, Outdoors NSW & ACT is approached by people wanting to enter the industry or find work in the Outdoors. 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.

🗓 APPLY TO PRESENT AT THE OUTDOOR LEARNING MINI CONFERENCE

This year's Outdoor Learning Mini Conference follows the successful Port Macquarie event in 2024.

Brought to you by the ONSWACT Outdoor Learning Committee, this event is hands-on and practical. Only those willing to share practice are encouraged to apply. 

The event will be held 26-28 September in Canberra, at Birrigai Outdoor School. 

Apply to present by completing this form. 

📊 WHY JOIN IN ONSWACT IN 2025

Join now and get your membership price back in discounts to attend the Outdoor Industry Summit. Individuals can join for $125, and get $150 back on your ticket to the Summit! Now that's a great deal! For Small businesses ($500 membership) you can register 5 people for the Summit saving $750. 

  • Supporting your peak body in advocacy for your industry
  • Gain access to information and resources
  • Meeting with ONSWACT to discuss your strategy / your needs
  • Businesses and events are promoted
  • Businesses are considered for optional opportunities
  • Free job listings on Outdoors Job Board
  • Promotion of the industry & careers
  • Membership discounts on events / conferences
  • Access to Connect & Share Forums
  • Access to JOEE Articles & New Research

Join today at https://www.outdoorsnswact.org/membershiplevels

    Reminders

    In Case You Missed It...

    From our previous newsletters, reminding you about what is happening

    Professional Development Opportunities

    See what's on offer for our industry brought to you by ONSWACT, Abseiling, canoeing, outdoor education for non-outdoor educators and lots more...

    Workplace Laws have changed

    From 26 February 2025, eligible casuals can provide written notice to their employer to change to full-time or part-time employment under the new employee choice pathway. An employer can only refuse the notice for certain reasons. We have new templates available to help you meet the new rules.

     

    More information can be found here

    Connect & Share's discuss big issues

    The March Connect & Share episodes are in the members portal and covered some big topics. If you havent yet registered for the 2025 events, register to get the links via the members portal or non-members can subscribe to the Connect & Shares 2025 via this link.  

    https://outdoors.kartra.com/page/2025industryevents

    View the recordings of:

    - 14th MARCH - Destination NSW presented on its FREE services

    - 21st MARCH - Helmets Helmets and Helmets....

    - 28th MARCH - Outcomes from Skills IQ Industry Forum and Destination Australia conference.

    Skin Cancer Action for Outdoor Workers

    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.

    Job Classifications have changed

    ANZSCO, Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations, was a joint system used by both Australia and New Zealand to categorise occupations, but it has been replaced by OSCA (Occupation Standard Classification for Australia) as Australia now has its own tailored occupation classification system to better reflect its unique labor market needs, while maintaining comparability with New Zealand's classification. A majority of our workforce will now fit under one area - 4624 Sports Coaches and Outdoor Adventure Guides thanks to the advocacy that took place in 2023-2024.

    Outdoor worker risks- JEV

    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.

    Top Tour Guide Award now closed for 2025

    Each year the NSW Tourism Association holds the NSW Tourism Awards and it includes the top tour guide award. Well done to those who got their submission in and good luck with the program.

    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

    Training and Professional Development

    Outdoors NSW & ACT (ONSWACT) is thrilled to announce a series of Professional Development Sessions for 2025, designed in partnership with leading operators in the field. These sessions are an incredible opportunity for both staff and individuals to gain or enhance skills in abseiling, climbing, first aid, canoeing, and outdoor education.

     

    Whether you're looking to start a career in outdoor activities or aiming to elevate your current skills, these sessions cover a wide range of essentials taught by industry experts. Our comprehensive training programs are tailored to empower participants with the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to excel in the great outdoors.

     

    Sessions are scheduled throughout the year, providing flexible opportunities to fit your busy schedule. Don’t miss out on the chance to advance your abilities and join a community passionate about outdoor pursuits.

     

    Register now and take the first step towards mastering your outdoor skills with ONSWACT!

     

    More Information

    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
    • 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

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