Be recognised for your acheivements
Entries close 10 May 2026
Scroll below for more information on the categories and how to enter the Outdoor Education Awards.
Emerging Outdoor Professional
Recognises an emerging leader within the broader Outdoor Industry.
This includes recreation, adventure tourism, therapy, events or supporting organisations — who is making a positive impact early in their career. *Education professionals apply through OEA - see below.
Outstanding Contribution to the Outdoor Industry
Recognises an individual who has made a significant and lasting contribution to the Outdoor Industry.
This award honours leadership, vision and impact that strengthens the broader Outdoor Industry ecosystem across NSW & ACT.
Outdoor Organisation of the Year
4 categories include:
- Education
- Adventure Tourism
- Therapy
- Recreation
Recognises an organisation demonstrating excellence and impact within the industry.
Adventure Event of the Year
Awarded to a standout adventure event delivering excellence in planning, participation, experience and contribution to the Outdoor Industry.
Open to all events that encourage people to get active and outdoors.
Outdoor Play Award
Highlights an initiative, program or organisation that promotes outdoor play and connection to nature.
There is no limit to age group participation.
Supporting Organisation of the Year
Recognises an organisation that plays a vital support role for the Outdoor Industry through advocacy, partnerships, services or resources.
Overall Outdoor Organisation of the Year*
The pinnacle award celebrating outstanding achievement and leadership across one or more Outdoor Industry sectors.
Industry's Choice Award*
A peer-voted award recognising an organisation or initiative that has earned the respect and recognition of the Outdoor Industry.
Outdoor Education Australia Award Categories
If you wish to enter the Outdoor Education Australia categories, you must do so via the Outdoor Education Australia Awards website. This enables you to enter not just the NSW / ACT awards but possibly become a finalist at the National Outdoor Education Awards to be presented at NOEC (September 2026).
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You must be a member of one of the OEA members to enter (e.g Outdoors NSW & ACT)
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These categories also close on 10 May 2026
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Submissions will be judged at state level first, then national.
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All state / territory winner will be finalists at national level.
Emerging Outdoor Education Practitioner
Outdoor
Education Practitioner
Service to Outdoor Education
Award
Here's how to
Enter the Awards
Outdoors NSW & ACT Members pay nothing
Individual Categories
2026 Outdoor Industry Awards (NSW & ACT)
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Emerging Outdoor Professional
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Outstanding Contribution to the Outdoor Industry
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Recognise individual achievements in the industry
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ONSWACT MEMBERS PAY $0 — Discount Code in the Members Portal
$29
To enter
Organisation Categories
2026 Outdoor Industry Awards (NSW & ACT)
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Organisation of the Year - Recreation, Adventure Tourism, Therapy or Supporting Services
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Adventure Event of the Year
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Outdoor Play Award
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ONSWACT MEMBERS PAY $0 — Discount Code in the Members Portal
$59
To enter
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27 February 2026
Awards Open for Applications
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10 May 2026
Awards Close for Submissions
Entries need to be in by Midday (12pm) 10 May 2026
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13 - 31 May 2026
Judging Period
Submissions are judged by a panel of Outdoor Industry Professionals
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15 May - 15 June 2026
People's Choice Voting Opens
The public are invited to vote for their favourite entry
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9 June 2026
Judges Deliberation Day
A must attend event for all judges (virtual)
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16 July 2026
Awards Evening
Cocktail evening from 6pm in Jervis Bay, NSW
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