Employment in the Outdoor Industry is not always straightforward. Across outdoor education, outdoor recreation, adventure tourism and related services, employment arrangements can look very different from one organisation to the next. Roles may be casual, part-time, full-time, fixed-term, seasonal, contract-based or delivered through more complex arrangements such as labour hire. Staff may work across multiple sites, remote environments, school settings, tourism operations, c

The inaugural NSW & ACT Outdoor Industry Awards were officially launched this morning by Outdoors NSW & ACT at its Connect & Share gathering, marking a significant milestone for the state’s growing and diverse Outdoor Industry. The Awards have been established to recognise excellence, leadership and innovation across outdoor education, outdoor recreation, adventure tourism, therapy, events and supporting organisations throughout NSW and the ACT. CEO Lori Modde said the Awards

Outdoors NSW & ACT supports the current review of the Australian Adventure Activity Standard (AAAS)  and associated Good Practice Guides being led nationally by the Outdoor Council of Australia (OCA). The AAAS underpins how leadership capability, risk management and professional standards are understood across the Outdoor Industry — including outdoor education, recreation, adventure tourism and therapeutic contexts. The outcomes of this review will influence workforce pathway

What began as a bold idea from the Outdoor Learning Committee has well and truly come of age. After several successful years as the Outdoor Learning Mini Conference , we’ve been hearing the same feedback: “It’s not so mini anymore!”. So in 2026, our 3rd year, we are proud to officially announce the Outdoor Learning Conference . 📍 Event Details Friday 17 July & Saturday 18 July 2026 📌 Trinity Grammar School – Woolamia Campus, Jervis Bay And to make the week even more special

Over the past 12 months, the Australian Adventure Activity Standards (AAAS) and Good Practice Guides (GPGs) have been undergoing a comprehensive national review — a process grounded in broad sector engagement, technical expertise and real-world application. Led by the Outdoor Council of Australia, the review reflects a simple but critical principle: the AAAS exists because the sector built it, and it remains effective only if the sector continues to shape it. A genuinely sect

Outdoors NSW & ACT has lodged a formal submission to NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) in response to the Draft Plan of Management for the Budderoo–Macquarie Pass park complex . While we welcome the opportunity to contribute, we are deeply concerned about the implications of the draft plan for adventure recreation, outdoor education and adventure tourism  at Macquarie Pass and surrounding reserves. This is a critical moment for the outdoor industry, educators, cl

By Outdoors NSW & ACT Across New South Wales, more women than ever are looking for ways to improve their wellbeing, reconnect with others and spend time outdoors. Yet for many, participation in outdoor recreation can feel out of reach — not because of a lack of interest, but because of uncertainty. Where do I go? Who do I go with? Is it safe? Do I need special skills or equipment? These are common questions, and they matter. Because while walking is one of the most accessible

Women Across NSW Invited to Take Their First Step Outdoors for Bushwalking NSW’s Women’s Week Women across New South Wales are invited to lace up their boots and step into nature during Bushwalking NSW’s Women’s Week , running from 2–8 March , with more than 50 entry-level bushwalks taking place across the state.  Delivered by Bushwalking NSW and proudly supported by Women NSW , Bushwalking NSW Women’s Week is designed to create welcoming, supportive opportunities for women w

This festive season brings more than holiday cheer for the outdoor and visitor economy industries—it delivers long-awaited regulatory clarity for the many operators who hire e-bikes, e-scooters and other e-micromobility equipment across New South Wales. After sustained and collective advocacy led by Outdoors NSW & ACT (ONSWACT), together with Bicycle Industries Australia, the Caravan & Camping Industry Association of NSW, and the NSW Tourism Association, the NSW Government ha

If you’re passionate about advancing your outdoor career — whether as a guide, educator, facilitator, or adventure professional — 2026 is shaping up to be a standout year for development, skills enhancement, and industry connectivity. Outdoors NSW & ACT, in partnership with leading practitioners and organisations, has curated a rich calendar of professional development (PD) sessions designed to help you sharpen your technical skills, strengthen your leadership, and elevate yo

Why the Outdoors Must Be Part of the Solution With the national social media restrictions for young people under 16 coming into effect on 10 December, Australia is stepping into new territory as the first country in the world to introduce this level of online restriction for minors. As the Outdoor Council of Australia (OCA) has highlighted, this decision presents not only a challenge — but an opportunity. At Outdoors NSW & ACT, we strongly support OCA’s call for government in

In outdoor recreation, tourism, education and adventure programs, our people are our greatest asset—and they work under one of Australia’s greatest hazards: the sun. Through our partnership with Cancer Council NSW , Outdoors NSW & ACT is proud to support outdoor leaders with evidence-based guidance to better protect staff, volunteers and participants from the harmful effects of UV exposure. Australia has the highest rates of skin cancer in the world , with two in three Austra

Creating safe, enriching environments for young people is at the heart of everything our outdoor, recreation, education, and nature-based tourism sectors do. As the NSW Office of the Children’s Guardian (OCG) explores expanding the Reportable Conduct Scheme  to include overnight camp providers, Outdoors NSW & ACT has lodged a formal submission outlining our sector’s position, priorities, and recommendations. Our message to government is clear:**We welcome stronger protections

The Office of the Children’s Guardian (OCG)  is seeking feedback from organisations that provide overnight camps for children, to help determine whether and how these providers should be included in the NSW Reportable Conduct Scheme (RCS) . This consultation is a vital opportunity for the outdoor and camp sector to shape how future regulation will apply to our operations. It follows the Statutory Review of the Children’s Guardian Act 2019 , which recommended that the OCG cons

The outdoor industry is realising its potential — and Outdoors NSW & ACT is leading the charge in connecting businesses, educators, and professionals who make it thrive. As we look to 2026, we’re inviting partners, suppliers, and supporters  to join us in shaping the future of outdoor recreation, education, and tourism across our region. Our 2026 Partnership Prospectus  is now available to potential partners — and it’s full of opportunities to elevate your brand, connect with

Outdoors NSW & ACT (ONSWACT) is proud to announce the awarding of Life Membership to Professor Tonia Gray, recognising her outstanding, decades-long contribution to outdoor learning, nature-based education, and the health and wellbeing of communities across NSW and the ACT. Professor Gray has been a tireless advocate, educator and researcher whose work has strengthened the evidence base for outdoor and experiential learning, advanced inclusive practice and leadership, and ins

Outdoors NSW & ACT has marked another milestone year at its Annual General Meeting held on 27 October 2025 , celebrating sector achievements, welcoming new leaders, and honouring one of its most respected champions with life membership. The event featured Adam Berry, Deputy Secretary of the NSW Office of Sport , who addressed attendees on the continued importance of collaboration between government and the outdoor sector in shaping healthy, resilient communities. His remarks

In a major step for the outdoor industry, Outdoor Adventure Leaders / Guides  have been included in the latest release of the Jobs & Skills Australia (JSA) Occupation Shortage List . This inclusion marks a turning point — validating long-standing efforts to recognise the shortages and elevate the role of outdoor education, adventure tourism and recreation and legitimise it as a vital profession. Here’s what this means, why it matters, and what the future might hold. For many

Outdoors NSW & ACT (ONSWACT) lodged a formal submission to the ACT Legislative Assembly’s Inquiry into Barriers and Opportunities for...

The world of outdoor recreation in Australia is evolving—and to keep pace, our training and qualifications must evolve too. Enter the...