New Resource Released: Employment Guidance for the Outdoor Industry

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, camps, recreation programs and community services. In many cases, the practical reality of the work does not fit neatly into a simple employment model.

That is exactly why Outdoors NSW & ACT has developed the Employment Guidance for the Outdoor Industry.

This new resource has been created to support both employers and employees to better understand the practical employment issues that arise across our industry. It is designed as a useful guide and conversation starter — not legal advice — helping people navigate the kinds of questions that regularly emerge in real workplaces.

The guide explores a wide range of employment-related topics, including employment types, contracts, probation, pay structures, awards, WHS responsibilities, tax and superannuation, training and qualifications, use of personal vehicles and equipment, labour hire arrangements, and post-employment obligations. It also includes practical checklists to help employers and employees reflect on key issues and improve understanding.

This matters because strong workplaces do not happen by accident.

A thriving Outdoor Industry depends on capable people, sustainable organisations, clear expectations and fair, informed employment practices. When employers understand their obligations, and workers understand their rights and responsibilities, the result is stronger relationships, better decision-making, reduced confusion and a healthier sector overall.

In an industry as diverse and dynamic as ours, greater clarity is valuable. Many outdoor organisations are small to medium businesses, charities, schools, community groups or specialist operators doing their best to manage complex workforce needs in changing conditions. Many workers are deeply passionate about what they do, but may be navigating arrangements that are unfamiliar or not clearly explained. This guide has been developed to help bridge that gap.

Importantly, the guide also acknowledges that the Outdoor Industry is evolving. Workforce models are shifting, expectations are changing, and new issues continue to emerge around compliance, workforce planning, safety, professional pathways and the practical realities of outdoor work. Having a resource that brings key considerations together in one place is an important step toward supporting more informed and sustainable practice.

At Outdoors NSW & ACT, we see workforce capability and industry professionalism as central to the future of the Outdoor Industry. Releasing this guide is part of our broader commitment to building practical tools and resources that support members in their day-to-day operations while also strengthening the sector as a whole.

For the initial release period, the Employment Guidance for the Outdoor Industry is available exclusively to members of Outdoors NSW & ACT.

Members can access and download the guide now here.