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Struggle with Canva? You're not alone! Join us as Hugh Ward from the Blue Mountains Climbing School humorously recounts his first-time experience creating presentations with Canva. Dive into our conversation where Tom shares a profound lesson from a recent workshop: the importance of asking people what matters to them rather than what's wrong with them. Hugh also brings a touch of inspiration with a timeless quote from the legendary climber Gaston Rebuffat, setting the stage for a truly enriching discussion.

Stay informed with the latest in the outdoor industry, from director nominations at Outdoors NSW & ACT to free mental health training opportunities. We'll also cover exciting updates in outdoor education and tourism, like the new Western Sydney airport's potential and the promotion of traineeships. Look forward to highlights from the Journal of Outdoor Education, insights on the "Right to Disconnect" policy, and upcoming events like the Victorian Backcountry Festival and the mountain bike symposium. Plus, discover the importance of maintaining critical industry documents and how you can get involved in technical working groups. Don't miss these valuable insights and updates!

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Ready to explore how integrating traditional knowledge can transform your outdoor adventures? Join us as we reflect on the wisdom of the traditional owners of the lands we meet on and explore how their insights can be woven into our practices. We'll dive into a vital conversation about the importance of standards, guidelines, and regulations in the outdoor industry, and highlight the newly released Accessibility in the Outdoors Guidelines that aim to make outdoor activities more inclusive for everyone. Plus, don't miss out on the free mental health training available for businesses, courtesy of the New South Wales government.

Stay ahead of the curve with crucial industry updates, including the forthcoming 3G network shutdown in Australia and the impact it may have on your devices. Learn about the recent changes to temporary work and skilled visas that bring more flexibility to employers and employees alike. We also spotlight free international market entry workshops by Destination New South Wales. Aaron Fennell shares insights on the Association for Experiential Education’s upcoming regional conferences, offering fantastic opportunities for experiential learning in the Asia-Pacific region. Finally, discover the challenges and importance of collecting quantitative data in outdoor health programs and contribute to a new survey designed to gather practitioner insights to support ongoing research. Tune in and stay informed!

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Curious about the latest travel industry trends and challenges? This episode promises to equip you with the knowledge to navigate today's travel landscape effectively. We kick off with a heartfelt acknowledgment of the traditional owners of the lands we meet on and then dive into the industry's most pressing updates. While our guest speaker was unable to join, we make up for it by sharing critical news, including the impactful life and contributions of Theo Whitmont to the caravan and camping sector. Additionally, gain insights from the Travel24 event, where we explore the rising interest in nature and adventure tourism, the effects of geopolitical tensions, the significance of value in travel experiences, and the surprisingly relevant issue of "infobesity." Learn how to leverage these trends to enhance customer satisfaction through community connections and promote travel as a form of self-care.

Celebrate with us as we honour the achievements of paddlers and Olympians, with a special focus on the incredible Fox sisters. Discover the latest issue of the Journal of Outdoor Education Environment and upcoming events like the TAFE NSW active living qualifications meeting. We discuss groundbreaking research on nature-based health interventions, OCA funding updates for AAAS reviews, and exciting news about traineeships for 2025 and the Victorian Backcountry Festival. We also remind members of the new 'right to disconnect' regulations and the importance of reviewing their work processes. Finally, don’t miss the chance to shape the future of Outdoors NSW and ACT by participating in the upcoming AGM and considering a director role. Tune in for a comprehensive update and actionable insights!

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What if the path to preserving cultural heritage began with education? In this special 25th episode of Season 2 of Connect and Share with Outdoors NSW and ACT, we explore the inspiring initiatives making a difference in our community. We start by honoring the traditional owners of the lands and reflecting on Clark Webb's impactful first language school initiative. From there, we celebrate the successes of recent industry events like the Masterclass and Mini Conference, and raise a toast to our athletes, including the remarkable Jess Fox and her gold medal triumph. We also touch on the upcoming review of the AAAS and Good Practice Guide, and share a heartfelt moment from RDA Riding Disability Australia's horse's birthday celebration, highlighting the profound influence of their work in outdoor recreation and nature therapy.

Looking ahead, we spotlight several key events for outdoor enthusiasts and professionals in Australia. Mark your calendars for the Backcountry Summit on October 16th, where the snow activities best practice discussion paper will take center stage. Mountain biking fans won't want to miss the Mountain Bike Symposium in Marimbula on October 25th and 26th, featuring engaging talks and critical discussions. We also remind you about the essential NatCore workshops, offering vital incident response training in various cities. Lastly, don't miss the Western Sydney Moving symposium on November 21st in Parramatta, focusing on preventive health measures and activity promotion. This episode is bursting with updates, celebrations, and vital information for our outdoor community.

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What if the emotional toll of leading outdoor treks could actually enhance your leadership skills? Join us as Zac shares his profound experiences guiding Kokoda treks in New Guinea, contrasting the highs and lows of his journeys. By managing customer expectations and navigating the challenges that arise, Zac offers invaluable insights for anyone leading adventure programs. Plus, we explore the unique difficulties faced by ski instructors teaching immigrant groups in fluctuating snow conditions.

We then turn our focus to a critical area: supporting veterans through outdoor therapy. Discover the transformative power of nature therapy and the vital role of safety and constant improvement in these therapeutic adventures. We discuss the importance of collaboration with psychologists and specialists, and how aligning with organisations like Outdoor Health Australia can elevate the support provided to veterans. Reflect on the need for time in nature to promote healing, rather than just focusing on achieving objectives.

Finally, we address the intersection of mental health and outdoor program design in the disability and education sectors. With the rise in mental health challenges among teens and young adults, especially post-COVID-19, we consider tailored approaches to outdoor activities that cater to those with complex PTSD. From mental health first aid courses to innovative program designs, we explore practical strategies to enhance participant outcomes. Stay tuned for industry updates on sustainability, upcoming events, and insights from a recent outdoor education mini-conference that highlighted the importance of preparedness and inclusive programming.

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How can we transform outdoor education from mere entertainment to a meaningful experience that fosters resilience and engagement? Join us in this compelling episode of Connect and Share with Outdoors NSW and ACT as we celebrate NAIDOC Week and explore the essence of impactful outdoor learning. We recognise the invaluable contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, providing you with resources like the SBS Protocols Guide to enhance your engagement with First Nations contacts. Additionally, we introduce the Strive for Sustainability program, supported by Destination New South Wales and Ecotourism Australia, offering free resources to promote sustainable practices. Dive into the pressing challenges of public land use, and share your experiences for community support.

The episode takes a dynamic turn as Tintin from Optimum Experiences joins us to discuss the transformative power of facilitation skills in outdoor education. Goodbye "activity instructor," hello "activity facilitator!" Tintin shares his expertise on creating profound learning experiences and emphasises the importance of continuous improvement in facilitation. Through meaningful dialogues, we explore how rethinking roles can enhance participant engagement and elevate outdoor activities beyond just fun, fostering deeper connections and learning.

We wrap up by highlighting the potential of building strong partnerships with schools, aiming to address common challenges such as student engagement and resilience. By delivering programs that integrate with school objectives, we can redefine outdoor education as a vital partnership rather than a mere extracurricular activity. Ending on a high note, we express gratitude to Tintin for his valuable insights and remind everyone about our upcoming masterclass event and the next connect and share wont be until July 26th. Join us and discover the transformative potential of outdoor education and meaningful facilitation.

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Ever wondered how to stay safe while exploring the majestic Alpine regions of Victoria and New South Wales? Craig Sheppard from the Mountain Safety Collective joins us to share the crucial role his organisation plays by providing daily backcountry condition reports, which include vital information on avalanche dangers, surface conditions, and weather hazards. Learn about the dedicated team behind these reports, their expertise, and how their commitment to public safety in the mountains keeps outdoor enthusiasts informed and secure. 

Join us as we also explore the challenges and triumphs involved in sustaining such an essential service. Craig opens up about the various funding strategies MSC relies on, from growing membership and corporate sponsorship to the pursuit of government grants. Discover how MSC is expanding its reach and collaborating with ski resorts, while also considering new frontiers like Tasmania. Plus, get the latest updates on exciting outdoor industry initiatives, including sustainability programs, public land use surveys, and upcoming events that promise to enhance your outdoor experiences. This episode is packed with insights and inspiration for both seasoned adventurers and newcomers alike.

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What if change is just a new beginning in disguise? Join us on Connect and Share as we explore this profound idea with Helen Cooper, who opens our episode by paying respect to the traditional custodians of the land. We then dive into crucial updates from the Outdoor Leaders Forum, such as helmet use and second-hand equipment, and share insights from a significant meeting between the incident response committee and the Department of Defence. Helen recounts Lori's experience at the National Sports and Physical Activity Convention, shedding light on the importance of fun, friendships, freedom, and fitness to foster youth engagement. We also confront the alarming decline in physical education hours across Australia and stress the urgent need to boost physical activity among children.

Embark on an awe-inspiring journey with our guest, David Briese, as he recounts his life-changing three-month trek that inspired the 660-kilometre Great South Coast Walk from Sydney to Mallacoota. David's stories paint a vivid picture of diverse landscapes, from coastal cliffs to scenic pastures, and innovative ways to navigate through urban areas like Wollongong. Each stage of the walk presents unique challenges, promising a memorable experience for long-distance walkers. Additionally, David shares the developmental journey of the walk, detailing the feedback from bushwalking clubs and the significant strategic support from Destination New South Wales. Despite setbacks from bushfires and COVID-19, the project has now flourished into a premier walking destination.

Celebrate the success of the Great South Coast Walk project with us as we express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone involved. David shares his personal experiences and his aspirations for future extensive walks, embodying the spirit of adventure and community. We also applaud the winners of the Program of the Year Award and remind our listeners about TAFE’s open applications for outdoor leadership courses. Engage with us further as we wrap up this episode, reflecting on the positive impact that this monumental project has had on the wider community. Tune in for an inspiring discussion, and stay connected for more updates and exciting stories from the outdoor industry.

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Ever wondered why the English language is so quirky? Jeffrey will provide an insight into a quirky realisation. Plus, we've got news for aspiring outdoor leaders in the Blue Mountains and Hunter regions. The TAFE's Cert 3 and Cert 4 in Outdoor Leadership courses are opening doors to thrilling careers in the outdoors. Learn all about the Australian Sports Commission's groundbreaking volunteer passport initiative and how you can get involved. We also celebrate a huge victory with the ANZCO code review, which proposes a new classification for outdoor adventure guides and instructors — a major step forward for industry representation. And don't miss our recap of the successful Careers in the Outdoors event in Newcastle, along with a sneak peek into the upcoming session in Byron Bay!

In the second half of the episode, we tackle a hot topic stirring up debate in Victoria: should helmets be mandatory for cross-country skiing? We break down the different types of helmets and their suitability for various terrains and conditions, highlighting the benefits of multi-use helmets that comply with international standards. The conversation dives deep into the complexities of state and federal regulations, stressing the importance of informed decision-making in risk management. Hear about the collaborative efforts among stakeholders to create safety protocols that are both practical and effective. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast or a professional in the field, this episode is packed with valuable insights and updates you won't want to miss!

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Can the outdoor industry offer more than just adventure? Join us as Lori Modde, CEO of Outdoors NSW and ACT, shares her firsthand experience from the Parks and Leisure Australia NSW / ACT Conference. Lori starts with a powerful acknowledgment of the traditional owners of the land, underscoring the invaluable contributions of First Nations peoples. From crucial updates on fair work laws affecting minimum wages and employment definitions to the exciting career prospects in the outdoor sector, this episode sheds light on the numerous initiatives led by Destination NSW to boost career seekers into the outdoors. We also discuss the anticipation surrounding the Western Sydney Airport and its potential to catalyse tourism growth, alongside updates from the Australian Maritime and Safety Authority on domestic vessel requirements.

Are today's generations losing touch with nature? Our conversation takes a deeper look at the generational shift towards screen dependency, affecting engagement with the outdoors across six generations from builders to Gen Alpha. Drawing on research by Mark McCrindle, we explore the concerning rise in loneliness, social isolation, and stress among younger generations. Contrasting this, we highlight the physical and mental benefits of nature play, which is especially critical in today's digital age. Innovative programs like Pymble Ladies College's outdoor initiatives offer a promising remedy, fostering self-reflection and holistic development in students. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in reconnecting with nature and understanding its profound impact on our well-being.

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