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The outdoor industry stands at a critical crossroads, captured perfectly in the metaphor shared during this episode: "We are year nine students... struggling with what we're going to do in the future." This moment of adolescent uncertainty hides tremendous potential, as our sector evolves from its foundational years toward maturity.

Diving deep into the newly launched Outdoors NSW & ACT Strategic Plan for 2025-2028, this episode unveils the vision, mission, and strategic priorities that will guide the organisation through its next growth phase. From advocacy and capacity building to industry sustainability, the plan addresses pressing challenges including workforce shortages, training gaps, and access issues while embracing opportunities in adventure tourism, environmental connection, and mental health benefits.

Most compelling is the discussion around constitutional reform and the question of national versus jurisdictional focus. With members expressing concerns about resource allocation and the changing landscape of industry representation, the conversation highlights how access to outdoor spaces remains a fundamental concern across the country. As one participant noted, "Access needs to be really upfront... as population pressures grow, there's going to be natural conflict between what we want to achieve."

The episode also spotlights practical initiatives like the Cultural Awareness Program, Department of Defence tender opportunities, and a new industry-wide awards program designed to celebrate excellence and provide benchmarking for continuous improvement. These concrete steps demonstrate how strategic vision translates into tangible benefits for members.

Ready to shape the future of the outdoor industry in NSW and ACT? Download the strategic plan at outdoorsnswact.org/governance, share your feedback on constitutional objects, and join us at the upcoming Summit in Canberra to continue these crucial conversations.

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Amidst Australia's Reconciliation Week, the outdoor industry gathers to bridge its own paths forward through evolving standards, shared wisdom, and collective vision. This dynamic session of the Outdoors NSW and ACT Connect and Share Forum opens with a powerful acknowledgment of the week's theme—"Bridging Now to Next"—before diving into crucial updates affecting outdoor operators across the region.

Lori Modde, CEO of Outdoors NSW and ACT, shares exciting developments including a fresh ADF tender opportunity worth exploring, ongoing advocacy regarding TAFE qualification challenges for roping skills, and upcoming events designed to strengthen our professional community. With the Outdoor Learning Mini Conference and annual Summit on the horizon, the energy for collaboration remains palpable through every announcement.

The spotlight then shifts to Dr. David Marston, who provides a comprehensive walkthrough of the Australian Adventure Activity Standards (AAAS) review—a process that will shape how our industry balances safety, accessibility, and inclusion for years to come. Unlike the 2019 establishment phase, this review places operators and participant-facing organisations at its core, embracing an ecological approach that recognises the interconnected nature of our work.

Through a thoughtfully designed consultation framework featuring sector-specific focus groups, expert reviews, and public input periods, the review addresses four critical dimensions: safety and risk management, environmental responsibility, indigenous culture and heritage, and equity and inclusion. Dr. Marsden emphasises that underlying all considerations is a fundamental question: How do changes impact participation and access while maintaining appropriate safety standards?

A particularly illuminating exchange emerges around the tension between regulation and operational flexibility, highlighting the delicate balance the industry must strike. The review also explores frameworks for adopting emerging activities, educational opportunities to improve AAAS understanding, and integration of benefit-risk analysis that acknowledges the positive outcomes of outdoor experiences.

Ready to shape these standards? Join the consultation platform and ensure your voice contributes to creating meaningful, practical guidance that supports our collective mission: connecting more people to transformative outdoor experiences in ways that are safe, fair, and responsible.

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What does the future hold for Australia's outdoor industry? In this candid, thought-provoking forum, outdoor professionals strip back the layers to reveal both challenges and opportunities facing our sector.

The conversation evolves into a powerful metaphor that resonates throughout: our industry resembles a "Year 9 teenager" – full of potential yet grappling with growing pains. Having evolved from its infancy 40 years ago, we're now at a critical juncture that will determine our maturity path. Will we develop into an established, professional sector, or remain caught in adolescent disorganisation?

Leadership emerges as a fundamental concern, with participants noting we often use the term without truly understanding or embodying what leadership means. This disconnect creates ripples through program quality, risk management, and professional development. Similarly, the fragmented state-by-state approach to industry standards and advocacy undermines our collective voice on national issues.

The financial realities prove equally challenging. Many operators consistently undervalue their offerings, creating a cycle where inadequate compensation drives staffing shortages. Meanwhile, the traditional volunteer model that supported organisations like Scouts and Guides is transforming toward "micro-volunteering," complicating training and risk management structures.

Yet alongside these challenges lie significant opportunities. The growing recognition of outdoor experiences as vital for physical and mental health positions our industry as part of the solution to broader societal concerns. Corporate interest, while potentially disruptive, could bring needed investment and business acumen. Most encouragingly, as workplace preferences shift toward flexibility and multiple career experiences, our industry's established seasonal patterns and transferable skills could become advantages rather than limitations.

The forum concludes with practical suggestions for moving forward: developing a dedicated industry award, mapping transferable skills to other sectors, and possibly reviving "Outdoors October" as an industry awareness initiative.

Join us at the upcoming Outdoor Industry Summit in Canberra this July to continue these crucial conversations and help shape where our "teenage" industry heads next. What role will you play in our collective journey toward maturity?

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The future of education is undergoing a profound transformation, with implications that reach far beyond classroom walls into how we approach outdoor learning and youth development. Fresh McCrindle Research findings presented at "Reimagining Education Towards 2035" reveals fascinating paradoxes shaping today's educational landscape.

Despite our hyper-connected world, younger generations report unprecedented levels of loneliness and social anxiety. Students themselves acknowledge the negative impact of technology – 65% believe social media harms their mental health – yet 74% won't disconnect for fear of missing out. This digital dependency correlates with alarming school attendance challenges, with rates dropping to 85.9% for years 7-10 students. Two-thirds of parents struggle getting children to school, citing anxiety and lack of motivation as primary barriers.

The research identifies a critical tension between nurturing wellbeing and building resilience. While schools increasingly focus on student mental health, 63% of parents believe children need safe opportunities to experience failure to develop true resilience. This creates a perfect opening for outdoor educators who have long recognised that managed risk and challenge in natural settings provide ideal conditions for developing both.

Generation Alpha (born 2010-2024) emerges with contradictory characteristics – described as tech-savvy, intelligent and environmentally conscious, yet simultaneously anxious, entitled and lacking social skills. They'll enter a workforce requiring unprecedented adaptability, with predictions they'll hold 18 jobs across 6 careers in their lifetime.

For outdoor program providers, these findings represent tremendous opportunity. As education shifts toward flexibility and personalisation, outdoor experiences offer precisely what modern education requires – environments where students develop critical thinking, build genuine human connections, and cultivate resilience through meaningful challenge. Join us at the Outdoor Summit in July where we'll explore how our industry can address these emerging needs while shaping a future where outdoor learning plays a central role in education.

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Dive into the latest developments shaping the future of outdoor recreation, education, tourism, and therapy across New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. Our CEO Lori Modde unpacks a wealth of new resources designed to elevate industry standards and practices.

At the forefront are several groundbreaking documents: the Recommended Snow Activities Good Practice Guide, which addresses safety and sustainability concerns; the Mountain Bike Manifesto, compiled from last year's MTB symposium in Merimbula; and the Employment Guide for the Outdoor Industry, created to navigate the unique employment landscape of outdoor professions. These resources represent countless hours of industry collaboration and expert input, positioning our sector for sustainable growth.

The conversation shifts to fascinating insights including outdoor recreation's domination in participation volume, education generates the highest GDP contribution. Meanwhile, nature therapy shows the greatest growth potential with significant implications for health cost savings. This data provides crucial context for strategic planning across the sector.

Looking ahead, our July summit promises a robust program focused on risk, resilience, and sustainable business practices, featuring Dr. Grant Lynch from the University of Sydney and numerous industry experts. We'll celebrate achievements through our awards ceremony highlighting graduates from our Pinnacle Leadership Program and outstanding industry contributors. Other opportunities include the Outdoor Learning Mini Conference in September, participation in the AAAS review, and various workshops through Destination NSW.

Join us in shaping the future of outdoor experiences by engaging with these resources, participating in upcoming events, and contributing your expertise to industry-wide initiatives. Together, we're building a more resilient, inclusive, and thriving outdoor sector.

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The future of camping, events, and commercial activities in NSW National Parks is undergoing significant change. In this illuminating session, senior representatives from National Parks and Wildlife Service unveil proposed reforms to fee structures that could reshape how we all interact with these treasured natural spaces.

Linda and Christian walk us through the first major fee overhaul in nearly a decade, introducing a tiered camping system ranging from free basic sites to premium facilities at $89 per night. The reforms aim to solve persistent problems like "ghost bookings" while investing additional revenue back into improved facilities and services. The proposal features seasonal pricing to encourage off-peak exploration and a simplified fee structure focused on site-based rather than per-person charges.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn when stakeholders raise concerns about unintended consequences. Climbers highlight potential 540% fee increases at remote locations with hot showers but low visitation. Commercial operators question whether their existing licenses should provide camping benefits. School group leaders seek clarity on how the changes will affect educational excursions that introduce young people to our natural heritage.

Beyond camping, proposed increases to event permits and filming/photography fees aim to achieve cost recovery after years without updates. The agency emphasizes its commitment to making NSW "film-friendly" while ensuring taxpayers aren't subsidizing commercial activities.

What emerges is a thoughtful dialogue about the true cost of maintaining our parks and who should bear that burden. With consultation open now, this episode provides essential context for anyone who camps, teaches, leads tours, or conducts business in our national parks. The changes could fundamentally alter the economics of outdoor recreation in NSW - making this a must-listen for industry professionals and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

ONSWACT will work with members to provide guidance on how the fees can consider the industry's needs. 

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Following our Connect & Share on Mental Health in the Workplace, another tool crossed our desks that we wanted to share to our outdoor community. 

"Small Business, Big Impact" is a podcast provided by Lifeline and provides 10 x 10min episodes for Small Businesses. 

This podcast can be found on various podcast platforms.

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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. 

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Mental health challenges cost Australian businesses a staggering $11-12 billion annually through reduced productivity, absenteeism, and compensation claims. This sobering reality formed the backdrop of our latest Connect and Share forum, where we unpacked crucial workplace mental health strategies following a significant meeting with the Honourable Rose Jackson, NSW Minister for Mental Health.

We revealed a comprehensive seven-point plan developed by Lifeline and Business Western Sydney that offers outdoor industry employers practical guidance for supporting mental wellbeing. The plan emphasises leadership modelling healthy behaviours, designing workspaces to minimise harm, enhancing personal resilience, promoting help-seeking behaviour, supporting recovery from life events, and reducing mental health stigma. As outdoor professionals who regularly promote the mental health benefits of nature connection to our participants, we must ask ourselves: are we practicing what we preach in our own workplaces?

The forum highlighted several free resources available to all businesses regardless of location or size. Service NSW provides mental health tools including workplace pulse checks, conversation guides, and implementation frameworks. Beyond Blue offers free, confidential coaching sessions specifically designed for small business owners facing the unique stresses of entrepreneurship. The statistics show businesses that invest in mental health experience lower staff turnover rates, faster recovery times, and positive flow-on effects to employees' lives outside work.

Looking ahead, we shared exciting details about the upcoming Outdoor Industry Summit (July 8-11 in Canberra), featuring sessions on inclusion, AI applications, productivity enhancement, safe work discussions, interpretation skills, workforce programs, and significant changes to the Duke of Edinburgh program. Tickets are available now with member discounts.

Take advantage of these resources, implement systematic approaches to mental health support, and create workplace cultures where wellbeing is prioritised. Your team's mental health isn't just a compliance requirement—it's essential to your organisation's sustainability and success in the outdoor industry.

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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. 

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The landscape of outdoor education and recreation in New South Wales and ACT continues to evolve with exciting developments across multiple fronts. The recent launch of Bago State Forest marks a significant milestone for outdoor enthusiasts, with 50,000 hectares of accessible land now featuring enhanced infrastructure at Palingyards and Paddy's Dam, complemented by artistic installations through a Sculpture by the Sea collaboration.

Cultural awareness stands at the forefront of industry priorities with the introduction of a comprehensive program designed to equip outdoor professionals with deeper understanding of Aboriginal, Chinese, Indian, Muslim, and LGBTIQ+ cultures. This initiative, made possible through Department of Social Services funding via Volunteering Australia, reflects a growing commitment to making outdoor spaces and programs more inclusive and welcoming for diverse participants. The structured program offers video learning resources followed by assessment components, culminating in certification for those who successfully complete the curriculum.

Looking ahead, the calendar brims with professional development opportunities including the Outdoor Learning Mini Conference at Birrigai Outdoor School in September, NATCORR's Weather Ready workshops across major cities, and the highly anticipated Outdoor Industry Summit in July. This three-day summit will feature familiarisation tours of innovative Canberra operations, NATCORR's Outdoor Risk and Resilience Symposium showcasing three years of research, and forward-looking industry content to prepare outdoor professionals for future challenges. With partners including Medibank Private offering complimentary skin checks and significant discounts available to members, these gathering spaces demonstrate the collaborative spirit driving the outdoor industry forward. Whether you're focused on educational frameworks, tourism development, or risk management, the growing network of resources and events provides valuable pathways for professional growth and industry connection.

Ready to enhance your outdoor operations with these new insights and opportunities? Join us at upcoming events, access resources through the member portal, and become part of shaping an inclusive, sustainable future for outdoor recreation and education across NSW and ACT.

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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. 

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Five years after the pandemic lockdowns transformed our industry, we're taking stock of the remarkable evolution in outdoor recreation, education, tourism, and therapy. Drawing insights from two major industry events – the Destination Australia Conference and the Skills IQ Industry Forum – this episode unpacks the critical trends reshaping our sector.

Tourism patterns have undergone a dramatic shift. International visitors now typically seek 11-20 different experiences during their Australian stay – some ambitious travellers even target 50+ experiences! Eastern markets are outpacing growth forecasts, while booking behaviours continue to evolve with direct airline bookings gaining prominence. The quest for unique, Instagrammable outdoor moments drives destination choices, presenting both challenges and opportunities for operators.

Artificial intelligence emerges as both disruptor and enabler. With ChatGPT reaching 100 million users in just two months after launch, the outdoor industry faces pressure to adapt. While many operators utilise AI for content creation and information searches, significant untapped potential remains in customer journey automation, virtual concierge services, and data analysis.

The workforce landscape reveals interesting contradictions – 49% of outdoor businesses report operating below full capacity despite showing 3.6% annual industry growth. Insurance costs, financial management challenges, and cybersecurity threats (costing SMEs an average of $80,000 per breach) remain pressing concerns.

What does this mean for your outdoor operation? How can you position your experiences to capitalise on changing tourism patterns? What AI implementations might boost your productivity? These questions and more will be explored at our upcoming Outdoor Industry Summit in Canberra this July. Join us as we collectively navigate this evolving landscape and prepare for the next chapter of our industry's journey.

Support the show

To stay connected to Outdoors NSW & ACT, Subscribe to our podcasts, or our YouTube Channel
Our members get access to a whole range of additional information and support - you can join here and start receiving the benefits today.