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Outdoor Industry Awards to celebrate excellence, leadership and service in Jervis Bay

The NSW and ACT outdoor industry will come together on Thursday 16 July 2026 for the Outdoor Industry Awards, a celebration recognising excellence, professionalism, leadership and contribution across outdoor recreation, outdoor education, adventure tourism and outdoor therapy.


Held as part of the 2026 Outdoor Industry events program in Jervis Bay, the Awards will recognise the organisations, practitioners, emerging leaders and supporters who are helping people connect safely, meaningfully and responsibly with the outdoors.


This year’s Awards have attracted 42 entries across 11 categories, with 29 finalists named for achieving a standard that showcases excellence across the industry. On the night, 15 winners will be crowned, acknowledging outstanding programs, people and organisations making a difference in communities, schools, tourism, recreation and health settings.


Outdoors NSW & ACT CEO Lori Modde said the Awards are an important opportunity to highlight the strength, diversity and professionalism of the outdoor industry.


“The outdoor industry plays a vital role in building healthier communities, supporting young people, strengthening regional economies and creating safe, meaningful experiences in nature,” Ms Modde said.
“These Awards give us the opportunity to recognise the people and organisations who are leading the way — whether that is through exceptional programming, innovation, inclusion, environmental stewardship, education, tourism or service to the sector. Thank you to the judges that donated their time to assess each of the entrants and provide great feedback that will help them to even develop further in future years”.

In addition to the Awards, the evening will celebrate 26 members for their engagement with Outdoors NSW & ACT and their contribution to strengthening the outdoor industry.

The event will also mark the graduation of 19 Pinnacle Leaders from the Pinnacle Leadership Program Cohort #2, a leadership development initiative designed to support emerging and established leaders to grow their confidence, capability and influence across the outdoor sector.

“The Pinnacle Leadership Program is about investing in the future of our industry,” Ms Modde said. “To see 19 leaders graduate as part of this celebration reinforces the depth of talent, commitment and passion that exists across our sector. These are the people who will help shape the future of outdoor education, recreation, tourism and community connection.”

The Outdoor Industry Awards bring together industry leaders, finalists, government representatives, partners and supporters for an evening of recognition and celebration. They are also supported by Affinity Insurance Brokers, key supporters of the Outdoor Industry, its activities and and outcomes, Office of Sport NSW, recognising the role that outdoor recreation and outdoor education plays in the community to build connection to physical activity and potential sporting pathways and Paddy Pallin, supporting the people and organisations who help Australians connect with nature through safe, well-prepared and meaningful outdoor experiences.


Event details

When: Thursday 16 July 2026

Where: Jervis Bay


 
 
 

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