Charting a Bold Future: Outdoors NSW & ACT Launches Strategic Plan 2025–2028

As the outdoor industry in New South Wales and the ACT stands at the cusp of transformative growth, Outdoors NSW & ACT is proud to unveil our Strategic Plan 2025–2028—a vision that not only sets a course for our future, but also strengthens our position as the voice for outdoor recreation, education, adventure tourism, and nature-based therapy.

This plan reflects the wisdom of four decades of leadership, with a fresh and focused strategy that is responsive to a changing world. It puts front and centre the urgent need to build capacity, amplify advocacy, and ensure sustainable growth—empowering our members, partners, and communities to connect more deeply with nature for healthier, more balanced lives.

Grounded in our core beliefs—that everyone deserves access to the outdoors, that safety and inclusion are fundamental, and that our sector thrives through leadership and collaboration—the plan offers a clear roadmap across five impact areas: Education, Recreation, Therapy, Visitor Economy, and Supporting Services. It also aligns strongly with state and territory strategies in tourism, sport, health, land management and education, reinforcing our role as a connector and enabler of public policy outcomes.

Highlights include:

• Advocating for better training pathways and outdoor careers recognition

• Supporting access and inclusion through culturally responsive programs

• Engaging in national efforts like the AAAS review and industry accreditation

• Driving recognition of outdoor therapy and wellbeing in health systems

• Facilitating data, research, and insights to support sector growth

This is more than a plan—it's a call to action. As CEO Lori Modde notes, “Our success depends on a united approach. We must grow together, speak with a shared voice, and strengthen our impact across all sectors of the outdoor industry.”

Have Your Say: Reviewing Our Constitution's Objects

Alongside the launch of our Strategic Plan, the Board of Directors has also undertaken a review of our Constitution to ensure it remains fit for purpose. A key part of this review includes revisiting the objects of Outdoors NSW & ACT—the founding principles that define who we are and why we exist.

These objects include national language, acknowledging the role we take for our members in broader advocacy and policy issues across Australia. They reflect the growth of our sector and the unique position we hold as a collaborative, inclusive peak body. But we want to ensure these principles continue to serve you so we invite our members to review the objects and tell us:

• Do these objects reflect your needs as a member today?

• Are there amendments you’d like to see that better support our future focus?

Please send your feedback or suggestions to ceo@outdoorsnswact.com.au.

Together, let’s shape the future of the outdoor industry—one that is inclusive, resilient, and full of opportunity for generations to come.

📥 Read the Strategic Plan: www.outdoorsnswact.org/governance