Future Outdoor Leaders Celebrated at Pinnacle Graduation in Canberra

Outdoors NSW & ACT
Jul 17
2 min read

Applications now open for the next cohort of the Pinnacle Leadership Program

On Thursday 10 July in Canberra, a group of passionate and dedicated outdoor professionals graduated from the Pinnacle Leadership Program, marking a significant milestone in female leadership development for the sector.

The program, an initiative of Outdoors NSW & ACT, is designed to elevate emerging and established leaders by equipping them with the tools, confidence, and network to shape the future of the outdoor industry. Through initial support from Paddy Pallin and the ACT Government, this program was able to gain the necessary support that enabled it to become the best leadership program for women in the Outdoor Industry with thanks to the NSW Government's support.

The program is coordinated and managed by Ky Furneaux, Outdoors NSW & ACT Ambassador and award-winning Australian outdoor leader, survival expert, TV host, and stunt performer. She brings a wealth of real-world resilience and leadership to her role. From overcoming a fractured spine at 19 to earning the prestigious Taurus Stunt Award in 2012—often called the "Oscars of the stunt industry"—for her work doubling in Thor, Catwoman, and X-Men 3, Ky has demonstrated exceptional courage and capability. Before her Hollywood career, she spent over seven years guiding corporate, youth, and school groups through complex outdoor challenges like rock climbing, kayaking, and high ropes. Ky has also starred in high-profile survival shows such as Discovery’s Naked and Afraid and co-hosted documentaries like Hike for Survival, where she completed a 100‑mile trek across the Sierra Nevada with only a pocket knife. Her unique blend of hands‑on adventure leadership, media savvy, and tenacity makes her an outstanding asset to the Pinnacle Leadership Program as Project Manager.

Held during the Biennial Outdoor Industry Summit, the graduation of the 2024-2025 cohort celebrated the achievements of participants who completed a year-long journey of growth, collaboration, and deep professional learning. The program included a combination of mentoring, workshops, self-reflection, and project work tailored to the unique challenges of leading in the outdoors.

Lori Modde, CEO of Outdoors NSW & ACT and founder of the program, said:

“The Pinnacle Leadership Program is more than just leadership training – it’s about fostering resilient, inclusive and future-thinking leaders who can drive meaningful change in our industry. We’re incredibly proud of this year’s graduates and the impact they’re already having.”

Applications are now open for the next cohort, with the program kicking off in late August 2025. Outdoor professionals from across recreation, education, tourism, and nature-based health fields are encouraged to apply. Whether you’re managing a team, leading expeditions, teaching in schools, or shaping policy, Pinnacle provides a platform to sharpen your leadership edge and expand your influence.

Spots are limited so apply today, visit: https://outdoors.kartra.com/page/pinnacleleadershipprogram

To see all the photos from the Awards Ceremony, click here.