Industry Newsletter

APRIL 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

April has been a month that reminded us just how quickly the environment around our industry can shift — and why staying connected, informed and proactive has never mattered more.

Across our recent Connect & Share conversations and podcast episodes, a few themes came through loud and clear: rising costs and volatile fuel supply, increasing compliance expectations, and the ongoing pressure on operators to adapt in real time. With nationwide fuel challenges, investigations into supply chains, and continued scrutiny on pricing and transparency, the message is clear — operators are navigating a landscape where cost, regulation and accountability are tightening all at once.

But what stood out most in April wasn’t just the challenges — it was the capability of our industry to respond. We’ve seen operators lean into stronger systems, sharpen their understanding of compliance, and step up into leadership roles within their own businesses and communities. Conversations around workforce capability, leadership development and business sustainability are no longer “nice to have” — they are essential. And this is exactly why our July events in Jervis Bay matter more than ever.

The 2026 MasterClass (15–16 July) is designed for those ready to work on their business — not just in it — tackling the disruptors, opportunities and strategic decisions that will define the next two years. On the evening of 16 July, the Outdoor Industry Awards will recognise the organisations and individuals who are not just keeping up, but leading the way. And then 17–18 July, the Outdoor Learning Conference brings educators and facilitators together to strengthen practice, share ideas, and ensure our sector continues to deliver meaningful outcomes for participants.

The tone has been set— this is a year of change, of challenge, and of opportunity. July is where we come together as an industry to make sense of it, build capability, and move forward stronger.

Lori Modde

CEO

Outdoors NSW & ACT

Read all the insights below

Summary of Topics

included in this newsletter

10 DAYS LEFT TO GET YOUR AWARD SUBMISSIONS IN
EMPLOYMENT GUIDANCE FOR THE OUTDOOR INDUSTRY NOW AVAILABLE
MASTERCLASS TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE
OUTDOOR LEARNING CONFERENCE PROGRAM RELEASED
OCA WELCOMES NEW MEMBER - SNOW RESORTS AUSTRALIA

Catch up on past Connect & Shares in your Membership Portal Catch up on past Connect & Shares in your Membership Portal

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.

Australian Fuel Supply Security

CURRENT LEVEL - Level 2:

Keeping Australia Moving

National Cabinet has agreed to a National Fuel Security Plan, a four-stage escalation framework. Australia is currently operating at Level 2 of this framework, with further stages to be engaged should the situation progress.

Situation: Fuel supply continues to operate effectively, but localised supply disruptions are occurring.

Key Takeaway: The government is taking precautionary actions to shore up fuel supply. Australians are advised to only buy the fuel they need and make voluntary choices to use less fuel.

Commonwealth Actions: • Bilateral engagement with key trading partners to shore up domestic supply. • Underwrite additional fuel cargos and other vital strategic reserves as needed. • Monitor, report and share data and information, including the status of fuel imports. • Divert supply to the domestic market through changes to fuel standards. • Manage reserves under the Minimum Stockholding Obligation and deliver equity in jurisdictional allocations.

State and Territory Actions: • Use relevant legislative provisions to ensure timely data and information from industry and distributors. • Consider regulatory reforms to improve freight efficiency. • Monitor and report fuel station supply, including diesel availability. • Monitor economic impacts on certain industries.

Get up to speed on the

OUTDOOR INDUSTRY NEWS

ADVOCACY UPDATE

This month, Outdoors NSW & ACT continued to advocate strongly on the issues affecting outdoor providers across NSW and the ACT, with a particular focus on the rising pressure of fuel, business sustainability, access, compliance and the practical realities of delivering outdoor experiences in regional and remote locations.

Through our ongoing engagement with government, industry partners and the broader outdoor network, we have been highlighting that these pressures are not isolated business concerns — whilst prices seem to be stabilising we are keeping a close eye on how the situation is affecting school camps, adventure tourism, outdoor education, community recreation, staff travel, visitor participation and regional economies.

Our advocacy continues to focus on ensuring the Outdoor Industry is recognised as an essential contributor to wellbeing, education, tourism, regional development and community connection, while pushing for practical policy responses that reflect how our sector actually operates on the ground.

OUTDOOR INDUSTRY MASTERCLASS 15/16 JULY

The 2026 Outdoor Industry MasterClass is designed for owners, senior managers and decision-makers from small-to-medium outdoor industry organisations who are ready to step back from the day-to-day and spend time working on the business.

Held in Jervis Bay on 15–16 July 2026, the MasterClass will explore the key issues shaping business sustainability, growth and resilience over the next two years, including changing markets, workforce pressures, compliance, partnerships and future opportunities across the Outdoor Industry.

Topics include ....

Marketing in 2026 | ESafety | Automation & AI | Sustainbility in Business

With dedicated streams for Tourism or Education, including content from Destination NSW and the Duke of Edinburgh International Award, the program will bring operators together for practical learning, strategic conversations and peer connection, finishing with a shared MasterClass Recap to turn ideas into action.

https://outdoors.kartra.com/page/2026MasterClass

OUTDOOR INDUSTRY AWARDS NSW & ACT CLOSE 10 MAY

The Outdoor Industry Awards for NSW & ACT are about more than trophies — they’re about recognising the people, programs and businesses who are quietly lifting standards, creating impact and shaping the future of our industry.

If you’ve invested in sustainability, strengthened your team, built community partnerships, championed inclusion, or simply worked incredibly hard to deliver quality outdoor experiences — this is your moment to be acknowledged. Entering is also a powerful way to reflect on your achievements and benchmark your growth.

And importantly, ONSWACT members enter for free — another practical benefit of being part of our community. We genuinely encourage you to take a look and consider putting your name forward.

The timeline is below:

27 Feb - Applications Open
10 May - Applications Close
May - Judging
June - Announcement of Finalists
16 July - Awards Evening
Outdoor Education Awards go to nationals for judging
NOEC 26 - Awarding of National Outdoor Education Awards

Go to https://outdoors.kartra.com/page/2026AwardsInformation for all the details and to download the questions.

OUTDOOR LEARNING CONFERENCE 17/18 JULY

The 2026 Outdoor Learning Conference will bring together educators, facilitators, carers, program leaders and outdoor learning practitioners for two days of connection, inspiration and practical professional development in beautiful Jervis Bay.

Held on 17–18 July 2026 at Trinity Grammar School’s Woollamia Campus, the conference will explore how outdoor learning can strengthen wellbeing, confidence, curriculum connection and meaningful engagement for children and young people across preschool, primary, secondary and tertiary settings. With a mix of keynote presentations, hands-on sessions, shared practice and networking, this is an opportunity to learn from others, celebrate the value of learning beyond the classroom, and continue building a stronger outdoor learning community across NSW and the ACT.

https://outdoors.kartra.com/survey/OLMC2026

EMPLOYMENT GUIDANCE FOR THE OUTDOOR INDUSTRY

The new Employment Guidance for the Outdoor Industry has now been released, providing a practical resource to help outdoor businesses and organisations better understand their employment obligations and responsibilities. Developed with the realities of our industry in mind, the guide recognises that outdoor work often does not fit neatly into standard employment settings. From awards and classifications through to contracts, casual engagement, contractor arrangements and workplace expectations, this resource is designed to help employers and workers navigate an area that can often feel complex and unclear.
 
Importantly, this guidance is about strengthening confidence, reducing risk and supporting better practice across the Outdoor Industry. Whether you operate in outdoor education, outdoor recreation or adventure tourism, having a clearer understanding of employment arrangements is critical to building sustainable workplaces and a stronger sector overall. We encourage members to download the guide, review it with their teams and use it as a starting point for good conversations and improved compliance across their organisation.
 
Members can download it here

LOCAL GOVERNMENT TRAIL BIKE GUIDANCE

Outdoors NSW & ACT is preparing to release a new Local Government Toolkit for Understanding and Facilitating Trail Bike Riding, developed in consultation with our Trail Bike Committee to support councils across NSW.

The toolkit has been designed to help local government move from reactive enforcement toward proactive, risk-aware governance by providing a practical framework for assessing, planning and managing trail bike riding where appropriate.

It recognises that trail bike riding is already occurring in many communities, particularly in regional and peri-urban areas, and that well-managed opportunities can help reduce illegal or informal riding, support youth engagement, protect sensitive environments, strengthen local visitor economies and create clearer pathways for collaboration between councils, rider groups, clubs and communities.

The pending release (26 May) of this resource marks an important step in helping local government take a more balanced, evidence-based and community-minded approach to managed trail bike riding.

SNORKELLING GPG

As part of the ongoing review of the Australian Adventure Activity Standard and Good Practice Guides, OCA is calling for input from operators, educators, guides and organisations who deliver or use snorkelling activities.

Snorkelling is an important part of Australia’s outdoor and adventure tourism landscape, and we are keen to ensure the guidance reflects real-world practice, current risk management approaches and the needs of providers working in different environments. If your organisation delivers snorkelling, supports snorkelling programs, or has practical experience in managing snorkelling activities, we encourage you to get involved and help inform the review. Email Lori on ceo@outdoorsnswact.com.au

SNOW RESORTS AUSTRALIA JOINS OCA

The Outdoor Council of Australia (OCA) is pleased to welcome Snow Resorts Australia as a member, strengthening the national voice for the Outdoor Industry and bringing an important alpine perspective into shared conversations about access, workforce development, risk management, sustainability and participation.

Alpine resorts play a significant role across outdoor recreation, outdoor education and adventure tourism, supporting regional visitor economies, school and community experiences, employment pathways and year-round outdoor participation. Snow Resorts Australia joining OCA reflects a shared commitment to a safer, stronger and more connected Outdoor Industry, and creates new opportunities for collaboration across the broader national outdoor network.

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

AUSTRALIAN STANDARD SET FOR OUTDOORS

The Outdoor Industry Standards Set is now available through Standards Australia, bringing together 35 Australian and international standards relevant to outdoor industry use in one curated online subscription. Developed by Standards Australia in partnership with the Outdoor Council of Australia to make it easier for operators, educators, land managers and support services to find the standards that sit behind safe, sustainable and well-governed outdoor participation, the set covers areas connected to risk management, adventure activities, equipment, facilities, emergency planning and broader operational practice.

The public subscription price is $721.86, with ONSWACT members eligible for a 10% discount, reducing the price to $649.67. This is a practical resource for organisations wanting clearer access to the standards referenced across outdoor recreation, outdoor education and adventure tourism, and another example of how sector collaboration is helping strengthen the foundations of the Outdoor Industry.

https://store.standards.org.au/curated-subscription/outdoor-industries

PINNACLE LEADERSHIP PROGRAM #3 NOW OPEN

Applications are now open for the next cohort of the Pinnacle Leadership Program, supporting women in the Outdoor Industry to strengthen their confidence, leadership capability and professional networks. The program is designed for emerging and established leaders who are ready to step forward with greater clarity, purpose and influence, while being part of a supportive cohort that understands the unique opportunities and challenges of working across outdoor education, outdoor recreation, adventure tourism and aligned sectors.

With the next program commencing in August 2026, this is a valuable opportunity for women who are ready to invest in their own leadership journey and help shape the future of the Outdoor Industry.

https://outdoors.kartra.com/page/pinnacleleadershipprogram

ATO & OTHER ESSENTIAL COMPLIANCE FOR BUSINESSES

From 1 July 2026, outdoor businesses will need to prepare for Payday Super, meaning superannuation contributions will generally need to be paid at the same time as employee wages rather than quarterly, so payroll systems, cash flow and clearing-house arrangements should be reviewed now; the ATO also notes the Small Business Superannuation Clearing House will not be available for payments on or after 1 July 2026.

From 1 October 2026, debit and credit card surcharges on eftpos, Mastercard and Visa payments are expected to be removed under RBA reforms, so operators should review booking platforms, POS systems, online ticketing and displayed pricing to ensure card costs are built transparently into prices rather than added at checkout.

The $20,000 instant asset write-off also remains relevant for eligible small businesses, allowing businesses with aggregated turnover under $10 million to immediately deduct the business-use portion of eligible assets costing less than $20,000 that are first used or installed ready for use in the 2025–26 income year. For outdoor operators, this may assist with planning purchases such as equipment, technology, safety gear, trailers, storage, tools or operational upgrades, but timing, eligibility and tax treatment should be confirmed with an accountant.

AMSA MARINE ORDER CHANGES

This has been discussed in more than one Connect & Share forum and is important for operators using small commercial kayaks and canoes. The changes relate to craft that is human powered.

You can find the changes on the AMSA website or watch the recordings from our April Connect & Share Forums.

BALD ROCK NATIONAL PARK CHANGES

The Bald Rock and Boonoo Boonoo National Parks Plan of Management draft amendment is currently on public exhibition, with submissions open until 5pm on 5 June 2026.

The proposed amendment updates the existing 2002 Plan of Management to recognise the native title determination and Indigenous Land Use Agreement with the Western Bundjalung People, while also adding strategies to support improved visitor experiences in the parks.

For outdoor recreation stakeholders, the key message is that recreation remains supported where it is compatible with conservation and cultural values; however, future recreation development may involve stronger assessment, consultation, signage, designated trails and licence conditions.

Operators and park users are encouraged to review the proposed changes and provide feedback through the NSW Government consultation page or directly via the NPWS public consultation page.

Consultation page and submission form:
NPWS — Bald Rock and Boonoo Boonoo national parks draft amendment

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Our professional development sessions at Outdoors NSW & ACT are designed to strengthen your team's skills, broaden their knowledge and connect you with practical tools you can use straight away. Hard skills and soft skills, canoeing, abseiling, leadership, facilitation and more...

They’re delivered by experienced practitioners and focused on real-world application — whether you’re building your career or up-skilling your team. You can explore the full 2026 PD program and register here: https://outdoors.kartra.com/page/2026PDSessions — there’s something for everyone, at every stage of their professional journey.

Also if you need something 'bespoke' for your organisation get in touch and we can help coordinate it for you.

training@outdoorsnswact.com.au

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. More information on these will be released very soon.

TOUR GUIDE COURSE REVIEW

SaCSA is seeking industry experts and stakeholders to join the Technical Committee for the Review of Travel and Tourism Qualifications.

They are inviting Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from individuals with experience in the Travel, Tourism and Guiding sectors to help ensure qualifications remain relevant and aligned with industry needs.

As a Technical Committee member, your expertise in either training or industry practice will be instrumental in shaping the direction and quality of this project. Your input will help ensure the training products are fit-for-purpose, industry-relevant, and aligned with sector needs.

We are seeking individuals who:

Have knowledge and industry experience OR;
Have a deep understanding of the Vocational Education and Training sector
Able to commit to a minimum of three meetings over the 18-month project duration.

Your expertise will help ensure the Travel, Tourism and Guiding qualifications continue to support a skilled and future-ready workforce.

You can view the project details, including the Technical Committee, on our website.

Apply to Technical Committee

AAAS KEY CHANGES DISCUSSION

The AAAS Review is in its final stage of reviewing industry feedback for the writing of the draft AAAS. The proposed refinements will influence how capability and risk are understood across our sector for years to come. These include clearer articulation of Knowledge, Skills and Experience (KSE) — shifting the focus toward demonstrated capability rather than a single prescribed pathway — a tighter and more consistent definition of “dependency” to better guide supervision and leader responsibility, and the inclusion of Benefit-Risk Assessment principles to more accurately reflect how we balance positive developmental outcomes with managed risk in outdoor settings.

Thank you to everyone that completed the survey and is now helping to shape the outcomes to make this a better tool for industry.

DRAFTS will be ready for final industry feedback from 30 June 2026, for the finals to be released in September 2026.

Join the monthly updates - go to www.outdoorcouncilustralia.com/AAAS

JOBS AND SKILLS AUSTRALIA NEW DATASET

The Jobs and Skills Australia Training Pathways Dataset is a useful tool for understanding how vocational education and training connects to occupations across Australia, including the pathways linked to outdoor leadership qualifications.

It helps show how qualifications such as the Certificate III in Outdoor Leadership connect to recognised occupations, workforce planning and future skills needs. As we continue advocating for stronger training pathways, better workforce recognition and inclusion on relevant skills shortage lists, tools like this help provide the evidence needed to demonstrate where outdoor qualifications lead and why they matter.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW

RESOURCES FOR NATURE-BASED OPERATORS

The Destination NSW Nature-Based Tourism support under the NSW First Program highlights the strength of nature and outdoor experiences across this state and offers insights, tools and guidance for visitor economy businesses to create, develop and promote high-quality nature-based offerings. NSW’s natural landscape — from national parks to forests, coastlines and wildlife attractions — is a major drawcard, and nature-based tourism is a key driver of visitation and regional prosperity.

The resources provide practical tips and considerations on building memorable, immersive experiences that connect visitors with the environment, along with best-practice examples and marketing guidance tailored for tourism operators looking to grow their nature-focused products. https://www.destinationnsw.com.au/destination-nsw-business-support/nsw-first-program/nature-based-tourism

Farewell

Mulga Bicycle Tours

After nine wonderful years sharing cycling journeys and connecting people with place, Mulga Bicycle Tours has announced it is closing as the team steps into retirement.

We want to acknowledge and thank Mulga for their contribution to the Outdoor Industry and to the many riders, visitors and communities who have been part of their story over the years.

It is always bittersweet to see a valued operator close their doors, but we wish the Mark & Denise every happiness and adventure in this next chapter.

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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