
Outdoors NSW & ACT in partnership with stakeholders brings you
Professional Development Sessions
Various development and educational opportunities will be brought to the industry to encourage currency and ongoing compliance with the AAAS and best practice.
All attendees earn 25 ONSWACT Professional Development points per course attended.
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No upcoming events this month. Updates will be posted as they become available.
DECEMBER
No upcoming events this month. Updates will be posted as they become available.

WHATS ON OFFER IN 2026
Note: ONSWACT members receive a discount on every course
Find your discount code in the Members Portal by clicking on the link below and apply on check-out.
To book your preferred 2026 training courses, click on the + to reveal all the links you need...
2026 Training Courses
Advanced Abseil Rescue
https://outdoors.kartra.com/checkout/advancedabseilrescue2026
Bushwalking Skills Development in the Duke of Ed Framework (Bronze, Silver & Gold)
https://outdoors.kartra.com/checkout/bushwalkingskills2026
Canoe Skills in Moving Water
https://outdoors.kartra.com/checkout/canoeskillsmovingwater2026
Facilitate with Intent
https://outdoors.kartra.com/checkout/facilitatewithintent2026
Group Management in Challenging Conditions & Advanced Rescue Techniques
https://outdoors.kartra.com/checkout/canoegroupmgmtadvanced2026
Outdoor Ed for Non–Outdoor Ed Teachers
https://outdoors.kartra.com/checkout/outdooredforteachers2026
Remote Area First Aid
https://outdoors.kartra.com/checkout/remotefirstaid2026
Wilderness First Aid
Wilderness First Aid Refresher
https://outdoors.kartra.com/checkout/WFArefresher2026
Single Pitch Abseil Refresher
https://outdoors.kartra.com/checkout/singlepitchabseil2026
Solo Paddling & Advanced Paddling Techniques
https://outdoors.kartra.com/checkout/solopaddling2026
Top Rope Climbing Training
https://outdoors.kartra.com/checkout/topropeclimbing2026
Registrations now open.
ABSEILING
Single Pitch Abseil Guide Refresher - 2026 VARIOUS DATES
Duration: 1-day
Minimum 3pax, Maximum 6pax to run
Available dates in 2026:
27 January
02 February
09 February
13 April
20 April
13 July
20 July
05 October
12 October
Cost:
Non Members: $437 + gst per person
ONSWACT Members: $380 + gst per person
NOTE: ONSWACT members, you have a discount code in your member portal to use at checkout to avail the member price.
Location: Blue Mountains
More information below
Conducted by BLUE MOUNTAINS CLIMBING SCHOOL
Advanced Abseil Rescue - 2026 VARIOUS DATES
Duration: 1-day
Minimum 3pax, Maximum 6pax to run
Available dates in 2026:
29 January
04 February
11 February
15 April
22 Arpil
15 July
22 July
07 October
14 October
Cost:
Non Members: $437 + gst per person
ONSWACT Members: $380 + gst per person
NOTE: ONSWACT members, you have a discount code in your member portal to use at checkout to avail the member price.
Location: Blue Mountains
More information below
Conducted by BLUE MOUNTAINS CLIMBING SCHOOL
CLIMBING
Top Rope Climbing Training - 2026 VARIOUS DATES
Duration: 1-day
Minimum 3pax, Maximum 6pax to run
Available dates in 2026:
28 January
03 February
10 February
14 April
21 Arpil
14 July
21 July
06 October
13 October
Cost:
Non Members: $437 + gst per person
ONSWACT Members: $380 + gst per person
NOTE: ONSWACT members, you have a discount code in your member portal to use at checkout to avail the member price.
Location: Blue Mountains
More information below
Conducted by BLUE MOUNTAINS CLIMBING SCHOOL
CANOEING
Solo Paddling and Advanced Paddling Techniques - 2026 VARIOUS DATES
Duration: 2-days
Minimum 6pax, Maximum 24pax to run
Available dates in 2026:
27 - 28 January
05 - 06 February
12 - 13 February
13- 14 April
27 - 28 April
22 - 23 June
10 -11 August
21 - 22 September
05 - 06 October
Cost:
Non Members: $750 + gst per person
ONSWACT Members: $652 + gst per person
NOTE: ONSWACT members, you have a discount code in your member portal to use at checkout to avail the member price.
Location: Kangaroo Valley
More information below
Conducted by VALLEY OUTDOORS AND PADDLE & PORTAGE CANOES
Group Management in Challenging Conditions and Advanced Rescue Techniques - 2026 VARIOUS DATES
Duration: 3-days
Minimum 6, Maximum 24 to run
Available dates in 2026:
29 - 31 January
02 - 04 February
09 - 11 February
15 - 17 April
29 April - 01 May
24 - 26 June
12 - 14 August
23 - 25 September
07 - 09 October
Cost:
Non Members: $ 1,035 + gst per person
ONSWACT Members: $ 900 + gst per person
NOTE: ONSWACT members, you have a discount code in your member portal to use at checkout to avail the member price.
Location: Kangaroo Valley
More information below
Conducted by VALLEY OUTDOORS AND PADDLE & PORTAGE CANOES
Canoe Skills for Moving Water - 2026 VARIOUS DATES
Duration: 3-days
Minimum 8, Maximum 24 to run
Available dates in 2026:
02 - 04 February
09 - 11 February
15 - 17 April
24 - 26 June
12 - 14 August
23 - 25 September
07 - 09 October
Cost:
Non Members: $ 1,306 + gst per person
ONSWACT Members: $ 1,136 + gst per person
NOTE: ONSWACT members, you have a discount code in your member portal to use at checkout to avail the member price.
Location: Kangaroo Valley
More information below
Conducted by VALLEY OUTDOORS AND PADDLE & PORTAGE CANOES
BUSHWALKING
Bushwalking Skills Development in the Duke of Ed Framework - 2026 VARIOUS DATES
Duration: 3 - days
Minimum 6, Maximum 24 to run
Available dates in 2026:
02 - 04 February
22 - 24 April
29 June - 01 July
05 - 07 August
14 - 16 September
Cost:
Non Members: $ 920 + gst per person
ONSWACT Members: $800 + gst per person
NOTE: ONSWACT members, you have a discount code in your member portal to use at checkout to avail the member price
Location: Bungonia National Park
More information below
Conducted by VALLEY OUTDOORS AND PADDLE & PORTAGE CANOES
FACILITATION
Facilitate with Intent - 2026 VARIOUS DATES
Duration: 2-days
Available dates in 2026:
13 - 14 April
22 - 23 June
03 - 04 September
Cost:
Non Members: $ 403 + gst per person
ONSWACT Members $ 350 + gst per person
NOTE: ONSWACT members, you have a discount code in your member portal to use at checkout to avail the member price.
Location: Tallong Outdoor Education Centre
More information below
Conducted by OUTDOORS NSW & ACT
OUTDOOR EDUCATION
Outdoor Ed for Non-Outdoor Ed Teachers - 2026 VARIOUS DATES
Duration: 3-days
Minimum 3 pax, Maximum 4 pax to run
Available dates in 2026:
28 - 30 January
Cost:
Non Members: $ 3,082 + gst per person
ONSWACT Members: $ 2,680 + gst per person
NOTE: ONSWACT members, you have a discount code in your member portal to use at checkout to avail the member price.
Location: Blue Mountains
More information below
Conducted by BLUE MOUNTAINS CLIMBING SCHOOL
GUIDING FIRST AID
Wilderness First Aid Course - 2026 VARIOUS DATES
Duration: 4 days
Minimum 12 pax, Maximum 15 pax to run
Available dates in 2026:
27 - 30 January
02 - 05 February
09 - 12 February
30 March - 2 April
07 - 10 April
13 - 16 April
15 - 18 June
17 - 20 August
28 September - 01 October
Cost:
Non Members: $ 960 + gst per person
ONSWACT Members: $ 835 + gst per person
NOTE: ONSWACT members, you have a discount code in your member portal to use at checkout to avail the member price.
Location: Various in NSW & ACT, email training@outdoorsnswact.com.au to find out locations close to you.
More information below
Conducted by EMERGENCY AUSTRALIA
Remote First Aid + CPR - 2026 VARIOUS DATES
Duration: 2 - days
Minimum 12 pax, Maximum 15 pax to run
Available dates in 2026:
27 - 28 January
02 - 03 February
30 - 31 March
07 - 08 April
13 - 14 April
15 - 17 June
17 - 18 August
28 - 29 September
Cost:
Non Members: $ 630 + gst per person
ONSWACT Members: $ 548 + gst per person
NOTE: ONSWACT members, you have a discount code in your member portal to use at checkout to avail the member price.
Location: Various in NSW & ACT, email training@outdoorsnswact.com.au to find out locations close to you.
More information below
Conducted by EMERGENCY AUSTRALIA
Wilderness First Aid Refreshers - 2026 VARIOUS DATES
Duration: 2 - days
Minimum 12 pax, Maximum 15 pax to run
Available dates in 2026:
27 - 28 January
02 - 03 February
30 - 31 March
07 - 08 April
13 - 14 April
15 - 17 June
17 - 18 August
28 - 29 September
Cost:
Non Members: $ 630 + gst per person
ONSWACT Members: $ 580 + gst per person
NOTE: ONSWACT members, you have a discount code in your member portal to use at checkout to avail the member price.
Location: Various in NSW & ACT, email training@outdoorsnswact.com.au to find out locations close to you.
More information below
Conducted by EMERGENCY AUSTRALIA
Find all the 2026 Training Courses Check-Out Links Here
2026 Training Courses
Advanced Abseil Rescue
https://outdoors.kartra.com/checkout/advancedabseilrescue2026
Bushwalking Skills Development in the Duke of Ed Framework (Bronze, Silver & Gold)
https://outdoors.kartra.com/checkout/bushwalkingskills2026
Canoe Skills in Moving Water
https://outdoors.kartra.com/checkout/canoeskillsmovingwater2026
Facilitate with Intent
https://outdoors.kartra.com/checkout/facilitatewithintent2026
Group Management in Challenging Conditions & Advanced Rescue Techniques
https://outdoors.kartra.com/checkout/canoegroupmgmtadvanced2026
Outdoor Ed for Non–Outdoor Ed Teachers
https://outdoors.kartra.com/checkout/outdooredforteachers2026
Remote Area First Aid OR Wilderness First Aid Refresher (same dates – 27 Jan)
https://outdoors.kartra.com/checkout/remotefirstaid2026
Remote Area First Aid OR Wilderness First Aid Refresher (2 Feb)
https://outdoors.kartra.com/checkout/WFArefresher2026
Single Pitch Abseil Refresher
https://outdoors.kartra.com/checkout/singlepitchabseil2026
Solo Paddling & Advanced Paddling Techniques
https://outdoors.kartra.com/checkout/solopaddling2026
Top Rope Climbing Training
https://outdoors.kartra.com/checkout/topropeclimbing2026
Wilderness First Aid
https://outdoors.kartra.com/checkout/WFA2026
REFRESHER TRAINING FOR BETTER CLIENT EXPERIENCES AND RISK MANAGEMENT
Single Pitch Abseil Guide Refresher
Brought to you by Blue Mountains Climbing School in partnership with Outdoors NSW & ACT
The Single Pitch Abseil Guide Refresher is a professional development opportunity for guides to combat skills fade - a common issue for those using their rope skills infrequently or in isolated contexts. Built on the success of our 2024 Roping Skills Refresher course, this program focuses on improving client experiences by focusing on efficiency in rigging and dispatching, delivering smooth rescues, and an improved guiding style.
This course doesn’t just benefit clients. It enhances guide confidence, personal roping skills, and efficiency, leading to a more positive and professional guiding experience. By investing in your team’s development, your business can actively manage risk and improve the quality of its offerings, all while ensuring guides are operating at their best.
Delivered by expert teachers and guides, current in roping disciplines, and with significant industry experience both in Australia and abroad. This training combines practical expertise with current, real-world insights. Held in the Blue Mountains or (by demand) can be tailored to your team and site, these one-day courses include all equipment, lunch, and a top-notch instructor.
What's Covered
Principles of safe and efficient rigging and dispatching
Practical and effective rescue techniques
Advanced client management during abseil operations
Time-saving rope management strategies
Building confidence through enhanced personal skills
Techniques for improving client and guide satisfaction
Pre-Requisites
$437 per person + gst for non-members places are limited. Lunch is included in this single day course.
SKILL IMPROVEMENT & SHARPENING
Advanced Abeil Rescue
Brought to you by Blue Mountains Climbing School in partnership with Outdoors NSW & ACT
The Advanced Abseil Rescue course is designed for experienced guides ready to tackle more advanced rescue scenarios. Building on the skills developed in the Single Pitch Abseil Guide Refresher, this course focuses on the expectations and use of modern equipment, contact rescues, and complex vertical rescues in challenging settings. Participants will refine their technical skills, enhance decision making, and gain the confidence needed to perform in real world environments.
This course is ideal for guides with a high level of existing proficiency who want to master complex rescue techniques. Delivered by industry experts, it’s the perfect opportunity to elevate your abilities and meet the demands of today’s guiding standards
What's Covered:
Pre-requisites:
$437 per person + gst places are limited. If booking multiple people, please note group sizes are maximum of 6 people. Lunch is included in this single day course.
Developing Independence, Building Resilience, Delivering Educational Outcomes
Outdoor Ed for Non Outdoor Ed Teachers
Brought to you by Blue Mountains Climbing School in partnership with Outdoors NSW & ACT
Outdoor Education not only supports learning outcomes but also provides students with opportunities to develop Independence, Leadership, and Resilience while fostering a deeper connection with the natural world (Outdoor Education Australia). However, many teachers find themselves outside their comfort zones when supervising outdoor programs, impacting their ability to support students effectively. This gap can affect the quality of the experience for everyone involved.
Our Outdoor Ed for Non Outdoor Ed Teachers course is a 3-day, 2-night Professional Development program designed to bridge that gap. It provides teachers with the opportunity to build skills and confidence in outdoor environments while exploring common practices and essential risk management strategies. Starting with a theory and planning session, participants then dive into their own outdoor adventure, gaining practical insights on how Outdoor Ed can align with curriculum goals and foster essential life skills.
Teachers will challenge themselves in a safe, supportive environment to gain a firsthand understanding of the experiences their students will have, not just the mechanics of the program. Feeling relaxed about their own self-care on programs allows teachers to be more comfortable in outdoor environments, increasing their capacity to facilitate positive student outcomes.
With ample opportunities to network, share knowledge, and address concerns, this Professional Development course helps teachers enhance their practice while building confidence and comfort in outdoor settings. The result? A stronger ability to support students, lead meaningful outdoor programs, and deliver improved educational outcomes.
What's Covered
Key Facts
$3,082 per person + gst places are limited. Meals and camping fees are included.
ENGAGING, HANDS-ON CLIMBING SESSIONS
Top Rope Climbing
Brought to you by Blue Mountains Climbing School in partnership with Outdoors NSW & ACT
The Top Rope Climbing is designed for guides who want to stay sharp, confident, and up to date in their technical climbing skills. For many staff, top rope systems aren’t used daily, which can lead to uncertainty or inefficiency on program. This refresher helps rebuild that confidence by revisiting essential skills and updating guides on current best practice.
The focus of the day is simple: help guides run smoother, safer, and more engaging climbing sessions. Through practical, hands-on learning, participants will refine their anchor-building techniques, streamline their setup and pack-down processes, strengthen their client communication, and practise effective responses to common on-site challenges. The result is improved client experience and a more capable, confident guide team.
For businesses, this refresher supports stronger risk management, more consistent program delivery, and a lift in overall professionalism. Well-trained guides not only enhance safety but also contribute to more positive client outcomes and smoother operational flow.
Led by experienced instructors with extensive climbing backgrounds both in Australia and overseas, this one-day program blends practical skill development with real-world insight. Courses run in the Blue Mountains, with the option to bring the training to your own site if preferred. All technical equipment is provided, along with lunch and an experienced facilitator.
What's Covered:
Pre-requisites:
$437 per person + gst places are limited. Lunch is included in this single day course.
Solo Canoeing and Advanced Paddling Techniques
Brought to you by Valley Outdoors in partnership with Outdoors NSW & ACT
Content:
Group Management in Challenging Conditions
& Advanced Rescue
Content:
Introduction to the regular challenges faced by guides/instructors on the water in challenging conditions:
High winds and/or waves
Low participant skill level
Multiple capsizes
Solo paddling tandem canoes
Skills used to manage groups in these conditions including:
Guide boat placement within the group in windy conditions
Teaching how to utilise the wind to your advantage when paddling in those conditions
Changes to your group management strategies in different conditions
Strategies, strokes and techniques to make you more efficient as a solo paddler with a group
Group placement on the water to minimize the impact of wind on the canoes
Rescue techniques - T-rescue, curl rescue, deep water self rescue (assisted and unassisted)
Additional strokes/skills to give participants to better deal with different conditions
Dealing with windy conditions - this venue has been specifically chosen for its high chance of windy and wavy conditions. This will allow participants to actively experience the conditions they are training for and experience practicing group and self management while on the water.
Moving Water Canoe Skills Training
Brought to you by Valley Outdoors in partnership with Outdoors NSW & ACT
Content:
SKILL IMPROVEMENT & SHARPENING
Facilitate with Intent
Facilitating with Intent is a 2-day immersive professional development course designed for outdoor educators, facilitators, and team leaders who want to deepen their impact, build connection, and lead with clarity and purpose.
This program combines evidence-based facilitation frameworks with reflection, peer learning, and practice opportunities. This helps participants build confidence and expand their toolkit.
By the end of this course, you’ll leave with:
A more intentional and versatile facilitation toolkit
A clearer understanding of your own facilitation voice and style
Real practice, real feedback, and real conversations that stretch and support you.
Actionable ways to build trust, reflection, and relevance into your programs
A peer community of facilitators who care about growth — just like you
Included:
The training, discussions and knowledge gained over the 2 days
On-site accommodation – Twin sharing/Dorm rooms
Not Included:
All Meals for the two days
Props needed for your individual activities
Transportation to and from the location
As tickets have been provided at a heavily discounted rate, and is capped to suit necessary ratios or capacity, it is important the maximum amount of time is provided for cancelling a ticket to our events in order to allow other attendees to participate.
A nomination of another member of your organisation is preferred to a cancellation and tickets can be changed accordingly.
Should there be a no-show or a cancellation without 7 days notice, there will be a no-refund supplied.
Please support the industry by giving as much notice as possible in the event of a required cancellation.
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