Industry Newsletter

September 2024

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

Dear friends,

As we wrap up another busy month, this newsletter reflects on the strides we've made together. This September, we launched the Pinnacle Leadership Program, supporting women leaders in taking their next steps in their career and leading the future of the Outdoor Industry. Our team has been working closely with land managers, identifying exciting opportunities for the outdoor industry, even as we navigate the unpredictable closures brought on by the AFDRS (Australian Fire Danger Rating System).

As we look ahead, the much-anticipated Defence tender will be released on October 4th, and every Outdoors NSW & ACT member is invited to attend a free online event on October 2nd to get support in preparing their tender submissions.

Meanwhile, the Outdoor Leadership national qualification package has been approved to be reviewed, and Outdoor Council Australia is gearing up for consultations on the AAAS review. It’s been a month full of progress and promise, and we have even more to look forward to.

A reminder that the AGM is just hours away, where I’ll be sharing our 2023-2024 successes and plans for the year ahead. And let’s not forget, the much-anticipated MTB Symposium is now only 24 days away! It promises to be a space for both tough and fun conversations that will shape the future of mountain biking in Australia.

Thank you for your continued dedication to our outdoor community. I look forward to seeing what we can accomplish together in the coming months!

Yours in the Outdoors!

Lori Modde

Catch up with the Outward Bound crew, Tharwa ACT.

More News

Click below for key topics

SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM THE NEW CEO OF OEG

Some of you may have heard varying stories related to the Outdoor Education Group (OEG) being in financial difficulty. There are rumours that OEG is in receivership, has been taken over by another organisation, or is being wound up and having its assets sold off. None of which is true!

It is true, however, that OEG is facing a degree of financial stress for a range of reasons, some of which are historic, which we are now addressing.

We have a new board and a new CEO in place. The team is 100% focused on further developing OEG’s capacity to deliver outdoor programs that meet the needs of our schools and the wider community in NSW and beyond.

OEG is looking forward to celebrating our 40^th year this December, and we are well underway in planning the next 40.

If anyone has any questions, please contact me on griffithsp@oeg.edu.au

Kind regards,

Pete Griffiths

CEO, The Outdoor Education Group

PINNACLE LEADERSHIP PROGRAM FOR OUTDOOR WOMEN

See details below of our new Leadership Program for Women in the Outdoors! For as little as $190 you can participate in a program worth over $5600!!

NEW OUTDOOR JOBS PORTAL

All ONSWACT members can list their jobs on the Jobs Portal at no cost. You can contact us today to list your roles! This new portal gives you the ease to manage your own listings for any jobs you have coming up! https://www.outdoorsnswact.org/work-in-the-outdoors - officially launching 1 October 2024!

ONSWACT AGM - 1ST OCTOBER 3:30pm

All ONSWACT members need to register to attend, see recent emails or check your members' portal. Our guest speaker is Jacob Morris from SafeWork NSW.

LAST DAYS TO GET TICKETS to MTB SYMPOSIUM

The MTB Symposium is being held in Merimbula NSW, 25/26 October 2024! Now with an extra workshop on 24th, "Win the Grant" learn the techniques that will help you get more grants.

To get your tickets go to https://outdoors.kartra.com/page/mtbsymposium

THE NEW GREAT KOALA NATIONAL PARK

NPWS has been having discussions with stakeholders and user groups in relation to the proposed NP.

Interested stakeholders can contact the NPWS team at: gknp@environment.nsw.gov.au as well as keeping ONSWACT in the loop as we sit on the advisory committee as this project continues.

BACK COUNTRY SUMMIT - 16 OCTOBER ONLINE

We invite all back country operators to be part of a Summit on 16 October, 9:30-12:30pm, hosted by the Back Country Committee to discuss the Snow Activities Discussion Paper. It will be held online and in person, and open to all stakeholders in the Alpine areas of NSW, ACT, VIC & TAS.

REGISTER HERE TO ATTEND

WESTERN SYDNEY MOVING SYMPOSIUM 21 NOVEMBER 2024

The symposium will facilitate the convergence of the Western Sydney physical activity system. Bringing together individuals and organisations from all intersections of the system who share a common goal, to reduce physical inactivity and inequalities in Western Sydney.

The event at CommBank Stadium, Parramatta aims to continue fostering collaboration within the Western Sydney physical activity system, uniting individuals and organisations across all sectors who share the common objective of reducing inactivity and inequalities in the region.

https://events.humanitix.com/wsyd-moving-symposium-2024

ACHPER NSW PDHPE CONFERENCE 2024

25 & 26 November 2024

Great program and opportunity to collaborate and share with PDHPE teachers across NSW. Find out more at www.achpernsw.com.au/pdhpeconference

NOEC 2024, 4-6 DECEMBER IN VICTORIA

Join us for the National Outdoor Education Conference in Gippsland Victoria in December, hosted by Outdoors Victoria, you can get all the information here.

SUMMER SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAMS

Are you running school holiday programs in the Summer break this year? We are already getting enquiries, so members please add to your ONSWACT website listing ASAP or email us the details so we can add for you contact@outdoorsnswact.com.au

SAVE THE DATE!
2025 SUMMIT

With more information coming soon, you must save the date in your diaries for the Outdoor Industry Summit, partnering with NATCORR - 9-11 July 2025

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 September Update

It has been a busy time for SkillsIQ NSW ITAB with reports being published and events to attend.

VET REVIEW

The Government has released the final report from the independent VET (Vocational Education and Training) Review Panel, marking a key milestone in its commitment to restoring the VET system in NSW.

The announcement, made at the National Skills Week event, hosted by Business Sydney and SkillsOne, emphasised the importance of skills development and vocational training in shaping the future workforce of the state.

The VET Review, a key election commitment, aims to provide a roadmap for rebuilding TAFE NSW, supporting learners, and strengthening the voice of local industry and the final report has 21 recommendations which the NSW Government will now consider and provide a formal response in due course.

In the meantime, work has already begun on progressing recommendations of the VET Review’s interim report, including commencing consultations on a new TAFE NSW Charter, and a revised TAFE NSW operating model.

Access the final report

NSW TRAINING AWARDS

SkillsIQ NSW ITAB staff attended the NSW Training Awards recently – This gala event celebrates the high achievements of Apprentices and Trainees in the VET sector. Every NSW Training Award entrant is a winner simply because they have had the courage to put themselves out there. But of course, there is a selection process, interviews and finally each category has a specific winner. SkillsIQ NSW ITAB would like to congratulate everyone who has participated in the process this year and congratulate the category winners.

For more information on the winnershttps://education.nsw.gov.au/skills-nsw/nsw-training-awards/award_winners/winners-2024

HUMANABILITY UPDATE

HumanAbility, the Jobs and Skills Council for the care, support and recreation industry invites interested parties to join in the upcoming State and Territory Roadshow event. The more industry representatives that can attend the more opportunity for relevant issues pertaining to the Outdoor sector can be heard. Information gathered at events such as this feeds into the workforce plans that the JSC’s are developing for the future.

If you are able to attend, please see the registration options below.

Canberra Forum - Tuesday, 8 October 2024, 09:30 am - 1:00 pm, Canberra Institute of Technology, 37 Constitution Ave, Reid ACT 2612

https://forms.monday.com/forms/ed4aab0a730086625b7cbf1ec7dc0fed?r=apse2

Dubbo Regional Consultation - Tuesday, 19 November 2024, 9:30 – 11:30am, Venue TBC, Dubbo, NSW

https://forms.monday.com/forms/92ca2baa851bd77eec7f31c697b484c2?r=apse2

Sydney Forum - Thursday, 28 November 2024, 9:30am – 1:00pm, Venue TBC, Sydney, NSW

https://forms.monday.com/forms/e11cccb5e11499a5766427641cb2528d?r=apse2

For help to navigate VET needs in NSW, contact Jackie Zelinsky - nswitab@skillsiq.com.au

All you need to know from the VET Sector

CHILD SAFE CORNER

Keep your organisation in check with the

Child Safe Standards

TIP OF THE MONTH

An area of continuing focus is the role and understanding of families about outdoor facilities attended by their children and young people. This information may be provided by others, such as schools or clubs, although the amount of information may vary. When incidents occur or concerns are raised, such approaches can mean parents/carers feel not informed of key aspects of the activity and facility. There are many ways to address this, such as providing hirers with parent/carer information packs and ensuring relevant information is accessible on the business website. Remember the more proactive you are, the better for all.
Courtesy of Workplace Resolution Services

Email: jon@wrsconsultancy.com.au

Mobile: 0409 002 598

ANNOUNCING

The Pinnacle Leadership Program

For Outdoor Women

This 8 month program will help any woman in the outdoor industry help advance her development and career opportunities. Join the 2024-2025 program today with a 93% saving, thanks to the NSW Government.

LEARN MORE

What happened in September?

"It always seems impossible until its done", Nelson Mandela "It always seems impossible until its done", Nelson Mandela "It always seems impossible until its done", Nelson Mandela

OUTDOOR LEADERSHIP PACKAGE TO BE REVIEWED

Announced in September, the review of the Outdoor Leadership qualifications will focus on updating qualifications to reflect current practices, improving career pathways, and ensuring safety and quality in training to meet today’s needs and anticipating future challenges. ONSWACT is part of the Industry Reference Committee and will update members accordingly.

AAAS TO BE REVIEWED

The OCA are now reviewing applications that closed in September, for the review of the AAAS and associated GPG's. The process for this review will come to the industry shortly. This project is with thanks to the states and territory departments of sport and recreation, for seeing the need and helping to fund this important activity.

INBOUND TOURISM OPPORTUNITIES

In one of our Connect & Shares this month we explored the data and travel needs of International visitors and how we can offer our services more proactively to this growing market. Lori has been meeting with members to go into more detail if they haev been interested.

TIDBINBILLA PLAN OF MANAGEMENT

Announced in September, ACT Parks are about to undergo their review of the Tidbinbilla National Park Plan of Management. ONSWACT is keen to hear from operators that want to see any change to the current plan as we begin to work with them on this review. Email ceo@outdoorsnswact.com.au

DEFENCE ADVENTUROUS TRAINING

The outsourcing of the Roping, Water and Alpine Adventurous Training activities by the Department of Defence is a great opportunity for many operators. ONSWACT is hosting a get Tender Ready workshop for its members on 2 October. Check your members' newsletter for all the information.

SENIOR LEADERS FORUM

This month's senior leaders forum took a closer look at insurance and understanding how it works to better equip us with getting better access. Affinity Insurance Brokers were our guests and helped to explain what is important and why when it comes to getting your insurance coverage.

Announcing the Outdoor Jobs Portal

Exciting news! We have developed a job board for the outdoor industry. Outdoors NSW & ACT member's can list their jobs for free, so get in touch with us to get your member code memberships@outdoorsnswact.com.au

LIST YOUR JOB TODAY

More Important News

Get Tender Ready - 2 October

Get Tender Ready with Author and Grant / Tender Guru Ms Natalie Bramble. Join us for a 2.5-hour session online to assist with your applications and ensure the best result possible. Go to https://outdoors.kartra.com/page/gettenderready
Back Country Summit - 16 October

The creation of the Snow Activities Discussion Paper by the Outdoors NSW & ACT Back Country Committee has instigated the review of practices in the back country areas of the Alpine regions. The paper released in June is available for all activity providers to read and apply to their activities should they wish to. The Back Country Summit is aimed to discuss the paper and gain feedback from industry on any changes before being recommended to include in the AAAS framework.

To register to attend this event, click here.
MTB Symposium - 25 & 26 October

Outdoors NSW & ACT is facilitating the first MTB Symposium for all stakeholders in mountain biking. Extending over 2 full days to be held in

MERIMBULA, NSW. Register to attend at https://outdoors.kartra.com/page/mtbsymposium
SAVE THE DATES
2025 is just around the corner and here are some dates for your diaries... there is a continual focus for peak bodies, as they strive to bring you the best opportunities to network, be informed and connect with thought leaders.
- 9th - 11th July 2025, The Outdoor Industry Summit
- 24-26th September 2025, The Outdoor Learning Mini Conference
And that's all we are going to reveal at this time, but we already have some great things planned for you at these events!

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

Outdoors NSW & ACT Limited AGM

Tuesday 1 October 2024

3:30pm - 5:00pm

Online

You must register to join the meeting

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ALL options are FREE to ONSWACT Members, just let us know which ones you would like to come along too.

Email us at contact@outdoorsnswact.com.au

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