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...

The outdoor industry is at a crossroads. Across New South Wales, the ACT, and nationally, demand for outdoor leaders, guides, and...

The long-anticipated Great Koala National Park  has officially been given the green light by the NSW Government – a landmark step forward...

The Outdoor Learning Mini Conference (OLMC)  is set to be a vibrant and transformative gathering for educators, carers, and facilitators...

The NSW Government is currently reviewing whether e-micromobility devices — like e-bikes and e-scooters — should be banned from trains,...

Outdoors NSW & ACT releases Outdoor Census findings on the Outdoor Industry in NSW and the ACT; data from 2024 & 2025 Outdoor Census...

KANGAROO VALLEY, NSW – The F.O.C.K.: Festival of Canoe and Kayak, Australia’s premier recreational paddling event, concluded its...

Lori Modde, CEO of Outdoors NSW & ACT, a champion for economic and community development, has been named a finalist in the 2025 Western...

Outdoors NSW & ACT has made a formal submission to the NSW Parliament regarding the proposed Game and Feral Animal Legislation Amendment...