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Are you ready to revolutionize the way climate change and outdoor education is perceived and presented in our modern curriculums and what we can do to increase the compliance with the AAAS? Join us as we converse with three bright minds from Macquarie Uni - Grace, Melanie, and Brooke. Their invaluable research encourages us to push the boundaries of conventional teaching methods, inviting us to explore the vast landscape of outdoor education intertwined with risk management compliance.

At the heart of our conversation, we deconstruct the challenges that currently obstruct the progression of outdoor education. Unpacking the web of logistics, risk narratives and resistance from parents and school administrators, we aim to present a clear roadmap to the incorporation of outside-the-box thinking into our curriculum. In the thick of the discussion, we spotlight the interconnectedness of human activity and the environment - a subject that warrants further exploration in schools. We argue for the inclusion of climate change topics across the curriculum, pushing for a comprehensive exposure to renewable energy sources and sustainability in light of an environment-focused future.

Lastly, we peer into the current state of the outdoor activity industry. Based on an array of survey results and a comprehensive literature review, we identify safety gaps and reveal barriers such as cost and lack of staff training, that hinder progress. By amplifying the importance of industry-wide resource sharing and incident prevention, we underline the importance of investment in recreational resources. Tune in for a thought-provoking episode that not only paves the way for educational reform but advocates for the importance of nurturing our environment.

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What if your outdoor adventures could also be a wellspring of engagement and mental health improvement? As we celebrate our 40th year at Outdoors New South Wales and ACT, we explore this enticing possibility. We've just attended the Wellbeing at Work Summit in Sydney, where we found ourselves confronting some alarming industry data. Employee engagement is at an all-time low, especially among the under-40s and across genders. But the good news is, we also discovered some effective strategies to elevate engagement, like weekly one-on-one conversations, praise for a job well done, and fostering a collaborative atmosphere for everyone to thrive in.

Bushfire safety is a topic that can't be understated for anyone venturing into the great outdoors in New South Wales. Our special guest for this episode, Michael from the Department of Education, sheds light on the Fire Danger Rating System they've developed. This system, fine-tuned in response to the 2019-2020 bushfire season, is designed to ensure the safety of our children on educational adventures in nature. The conversation takes a deep dive into the mechanisms of the system and how it balances safety with minimal disruption and maximized classroom time.

Wrapping up this week's episode, we underscore the importance of communication between schools and outdoor excursion providers for effective bushfire risk management. We also take a moment to reflect on our journey of 40 years, reminding all of you to make your voices heard in the review. Finally, we touch on upcoming events, opportunities, and issues relevant to our industry, along with some thoughts on the Christmas season and a sneak peek into curriculum development. Stay tuned and join us on this riveting journey to engage, educate, and inspire.

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Ever dreamt of venturing into the wilderness on your mountain bike, exploring the unknown trails, and feeling the adrenaline rush? That's exactly the experience we're bringing to you, right from the comfort of your living room or your commute to work. In this episode, we dive into the world of mountain biking, sustainable trail development, and their economic benefits. We gear up with some impressive case studies that demonstrate how landowners can smartly incorporate trails into their landscapes, not just for creating thrilling experiences but contributing to environmental conservation as well.

We're placing the spotlight on the importance of Vocation Education Training (VET) system and the immense potential it holds for student success and future job opportunities. We delve deeper into the ongoing VET system review, discuss the significance of placing TAFE at the heart of the system, and debate how to prepare the system for future changes.

But that's not all! We also touch on pressing topics such as product recall safety, sustainability, grants, and more. Listen to our discussion on the ongoing Anzsco Code Review, the Office of Sport grants program, and the ChildSafe Resources webinar. Plus, we give you a sneak peek into some exciting upcoming events. Tune in and join us for a thrilling ride as we navigate through these engaging topics, and bring you the latest trends and updates from the outdoor recreation industry.

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Are you ready to take a walk on the wild side? We're here to guide you through an enlightening exploration of the major issues impacting the outdoors and the outdoor industry. We kick things off with a deep dive into the fire season, illuminating the complexities of the lightning standard, the 30:30 rule, and bushfire danger ratings. Prepare to be riveted as we delve into the intricate research on lightning in outdoor activities and its correlation with risk management. We'll also unravel the implications of the New South Wales Department of Education's new fire danger procedures on schools.

But it's not all about risks and dangers; there are also exciting opportunities waiting to be seized. We'll whisk you away on a journey through numerous industries, analysing events and initiatives like the tourism exchange, sustainability skills micro credentials round two, and New South Wales First workshops. Discover how your business can tap into sustainability options, and how to stay safe in the digital world with kids. We also shed light on the critical role of land managers in workplace safety and risk management, and the potential repercussions of closures.

We wrap up this episode with a look at the Level of the Playing Field Community of Practice session and how it encourages women and girls to participate in activities. Plus, we share some insider info about a session recording that hasn't made its way online yet. This is an episode you won't want to miss, packed with insights, analysis, and practical advice. So, are you ready? Let's jump right in!

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What if we told you that the future of the outdoor industry hinges on more than just qualifications? Imagine a space ready to embrace the shift to practical skills, and all set to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land. The Australian outdoors industry is on a transformative journey, and this episode takes you right into its heart. We start with a deep dive into the latest industry news - from the need to inspect your Petzl Astro or Canyon guide harnesses, to a discussion from the Human Ability Workshop in Melbourne. Our conversation also takes us to Sydney, where a conference for career advisors was recently held, and we touch on the shift in government funding from qualification development to the much-needed skills.

But it's not all smooth sailing - the outdoor industry faces significant challenges as we approach 2024. The cost of accessing standards is a pressing concern, along with the desperate need for guidance notes for equipment maintenance and retirement. We take you through these issues and more, including communication issues between land managers and other agencies, and the urgent need for funds to repair recreational areas. Moreover, we bring you the inside scoop on the new federal funding for TAFEs and discuss the management plans for the Blue Mountains and Montague Island.

The outdoor industry is also a space teeming with opportunities. From the new wave of climbers joining the industry, to the exciting events on the horizon like the ACHPER PDHPE conference, there's plenty to look forward to. We also tackle the issues of staffing in the Blue Mountains and discuss the broader implications of the emerging generations entering the workforce. Finally, we ponder on the need for inclusive practices in response to changing demographics and explore the potential of harnessing the entrepreneurial spirit of young people. So, wrap up warm and join us on this exciting journey through the Australian outdoors industry.

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Are you ready to get on the ground with us as we honour the traditional custodians of the land and discuss ground-breaking developments in the outdoor recreation industry? This episode promises a wealth of information as we present updates from the National Jobs and Skills Survey and call attention to the shortage of outdoor adventure guides in NSW. Join us as we chat with the exceptional Charlene Bordley from Addvantageous, applauding her recent recognition in the We Ride Australia Cycling Luminaries Award. We've got Brooke from Macquarie University on board to dissect the PACE survey data, and listeners will not want to miss our insights into the Office of Sport's webinar series, the Western Sydney Moving Symposium, and PDHPE Conference. We also shed light on the Level the Playing Field grant and the Commonwealth government's substantial $12.6 billion investment in skills sectors.

Now, let's cut to the chase. What's stopping the outdoor recreation industry from fully implementing safety protocols? From lack of resources to the high costs involved, this episode takes a no-holds-barred look at the barriers to adopting safety standards in the sector. We analyse a survey revealing that 60% of respondents have had a close shave or an actual incident due to lax safety practices. Join us as we dive deep into these concerns, highlighting issues around mandatory standards, self-regulation, and the problem of untrained staff and unlicensed operators. Stay tuned for an enlightening discussion that will change the way you perceive safety in the outdoor recreation industry.

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Ever wondered how global societal changes are influencing the Australian tourism industry? This episode takes you on an exploration of the seismic shifts reshaping our world - from climate change, digital security and the impact of the US dollar on exports, to the challenges of an aging population and immigration growth. We dissect the stark reality faced by small businesses grappling with reopening after disasters and the critical importance of planning for such eventualities.

Joining us is Cam, a critical care helicopter paramedic with a heart for sustainability. Cam provides an insightful perspective on the interplay between climate change, health and aeromedical retrieval. He shares alarming statistics on the Australian healthcare sector's carbon footprint, with an astounding 38% of the 7% national CO2 emissions attributed to aeromedical efforts. We also get to learn about Clinicians for Climate, an innovative organization championing for tree planting through a fundraising event - a 26-kilometer walk in the Royal National Park.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, we uncover the hurdles faced by the leisure and tourism industry concerning public liability insurance. It's a probing discourse on the inconsistencies of processes, the need for competitiveness, attractiveness, and convenience in the industry. We delve into the importance of activity safe education programs, and the insights gleaned from the AAAS and Good Practice Guides survey results. Don't miss out on this captivating episode full of eye-opening responses!

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Prepare to embark on an enlightening journey through Australia's political and historical terrain with Julian Lesser MP, a federal member of Parliament and champion for the Voice Referendum. Immerse yourself in a dialogue that acknowledges Australia's indigenous roots, the significance of its Constitution, and the crucial step towards its completion through the inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

This episode takes a hard look at the proposed constitutional amendment aimed at recognising Australia's first peoples by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voice. Gain insights into the referendum question, the proposed body, its functions, powers, and procedures, and understand why this voice is a fundamental necessity. Furthermore, we'll explore the disparities faced by Indigenous Australians and discuss how public policies can significantly affect their lives.

As we switch gears, we'll turn our attention to industry updates, with a spotlight on Boatings Safety Week. We'll share the outcomes of our annual general meeting, delve into the growth potential of the adventure tourism industry, and offer our perspective on customer predictions. So, tune in, engage in this enriching dialogue, and ready yourself to make your voice heard on the 14th of October.

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Unlock the immense potential that outdoor learning has on our education system, and how it can be leveraged to teach critical life skills such as understanding and observing consent. This episode provides an in-depth examination of the outdoor industry, highlighting the latest updates and opportunities from the Blue Mountains to Montague Island Nature Reserve. Joined by Jeffrey, Dave, Ursula, Annika, Helen, Neeve and Gen, we delve into the NESA syllabus and the significant role of outdoor NSW and ACT in advocating for outdoor education. We also touch on the importance of your participation in the ongoing ANSCO Code review and the upcoming IR Bill submission deadline on October 6th.

Strap in for an enlightening conversation on Consent Labs, a pioneering initiative that aims to reinvent our approach to outdoor learning. Our esteemed guests share their invaluable knowledge and experiences from working in the field, and together we navigate the myriad opportunities and challenges presented by outdoor learning. We also underscore the immense potential outdoor learning has to transform our education system into a more holistic and experiential one. We welcome your feedback and questions to help shape our understanding of the role of outdoor learning.

This episode isn't just about outdoor education. We delve into the critical issue of consent education and the urgent need for open conversations about relationships, consent, and the harmful effects of inadequate sex education. We explore how outdoor education offers an ideal platform for teaching and modelling consent practices in everyday language, equipping young people with the knowledge to understand their boundaries, assert their rights, and contribute to ending sexual violence. Join us for this empowering discussion, and together let's shape a better future for our young people.

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Do you ever wonder how climate change is impacting your favorite weekend pastime, like hitting the trails on your mountain bike? We invite you to tune in with our illustrious guests, Robin Fox from the University of Sunshine Coast and Rowan from West Bay Trials, as we dive deeper than ever before to understand the effects of our changing climate on the outdoor industry. Our dynamic conversation draws from key insights of the Australian Cancer Association Conference, discussing how to steer people, manage harm, and adapt to evolving trends in the face of severe weather conditions. 

Moving further into our discussion, we unravel how climate change influences trails and alters the habits of their users. We highlight the need for inventive construction methods to accommodate environmental shifts and emphasize the power of collaboration in designing data-driven solutions. Hear about the commendable efforts of Queensland Parks and Wildlife Services in finding the sweet spot between conservation and user experience. We also share our concerns about the obstacles that could hamper our fight against climate change.

Let's journey together into the world of outdoor education and its potential in championing climate change awareness. Drawing on the importance of preserving nature, transformative learning experiences, and community partnerships, Robin enlightens us with the significant role of indigenous custodians in climate change mitigation. We also get reflective on the possibilities of sustainable tourism, the urgency for climate education, and initiatives designed to assist outdoor providers and land managers. Join us for an episode brimming with practical strategies, inspiring ideas, and our shared dedication to safeguarding our outdoors for forthcoming generations.

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Our members get access to a whole range of additional information and support - you can join here and start receiving the benefits today.