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Outdoor Industry celebrates excellence, leadership and service at the Inaugural Outdoor Industry Awards NSW & ACT


 The outstanding individuals, organisations and programs shaping the future of the outdoor industry have been recognised at the 2026 Outdoor Industry Awards NSW & ACT, held in Jervis Bay as part of Outdoors NSW & ACT's annual industry gathering. 

The awards recognised excellence across outdoor recreation, outdoor education, adventure tourism, nature-based wellbeing and industry support, celebrating innovation, leadership, safety, sustainability and community impact. 


This year's awards attracted 42 entries, resulting in 29 finalists across 11 award categories, with 15 category winners announced. 


The evening also celebrated the graduation of 19 outdoor women from the Pinnacle Leadership Program, recognised 26 members for their ongoing commitment and engagement with Outdoors NSW & ACT, and acknowledged outstanding service to the outdoor education profession. 


Outdoors NSW & ACT CEO Lori Modde said the awards reflected the extraordinary depth of talent and commitment across the sector. 


"The outdoor industry is powered by passionate people who change lives every day. Whether they are inspiring young people through outdoor learning, creating memorable visitor experiences, supporting community wellbeing or protecting our natural environments, these award recipients represent the very best of our industry." 
"The calibre of nominations was exceptional. Every awarded finalist demonstrated innovation, professionalism and a genuine commitment to creating safe, inclusive and meaningful outdoor experiences." 
"Tonight was also about recognising the people who support the industry as a whole. Our long-serving members (5-year and 10-year awards) recognise their connection to commitment to supporting the industry, not just themselves.” 

2026 Award Winners 

Pinnacle Leadership - Trailblazer Award 

  • Ms Yushan Luo 


Emerging Outdoor Professional of the Year 

  • ACT: Dr Shannon Kara 

  • NSW: Josephine Valenti 


Emerging Outdoor Education Practitioner of the Year 

  • NSW: Marlin Webber 

  • ACT: Damian Bergsma 


Outdoor Education Practitioner of the Year 

  • NSW: Laura Stampa 

  • ACT: Michelle Allen 


Outstanding Contribution to the Outdoor Industry 

  • Hugh Ward 


Outdoor Education Organisation of the Year 

  • The Nature School 


Outdoor Education Program of the Year 

  • Cranbrook in the Field by Outward Bound Australia 


Outdoor Industry Organisation of the Year 

  • Into the Wild Adventures, Soaring into the Wilderness Inc 


Adventure Event of the Year 

  • Sea Otter Australia, Mogo NSW 


Outdoor Play Award 

  • Greater Sydney Parklands 


Outdoor Industry Supporter of the Year 

  • NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service 

  • Forestry Corporation of NSW 


People's Choice Award – Outdoor Activity Provider of the Year 

  • GOLD - Bush Magic Adventure Therapy 

  • SILVER – Forestry Corporation 

  • BRONZE – Bower Camp Co 


Judges' Commendations 

The judging panel also recognised exceptional achievements through a series of Judges' Commendations awarded to: 

  • Maddie Wait 

  • Tom Bartlett 

  • Lewis Neale 

  • Amy Robinson 

  • Dakota Klein 

  • Aaron Dodds 

  • Dr Clare Dallat 


The ‘Outdoor Education’ Awards winners as well as the service and program awards will progress through to the National Outdoor Education Awards hosted by Outdoor Education Australia and announced in September in Cairns. 


Service to Outdoor Education 

Special recognition for outstanding service to Outdoor Education was presented to the following: 

  • Dr Clare Dallat 

  • David Chitty 

  • Dr Fran Hughes 

  • Hugh Ward 


Exemplary Outdoor Education Programs 

Programs recognised as exemplars of best practice included: 

  • Cranbrook in the Field with Outward Bound Australia 

  • Guardians of the Park – Greater Sydney Parklands 

  • Newcastle Waldorf School Outdoor Education Program 

  • The Nature School, Port Macquarie 


Pinnacle Leadership Program 

The evening also celebrated the graduation of 19 women from the second cohort of the Pinnacle Leadership Program for Outdoor Women. 


Delivered by Outdoors NSW & ACT, supported by the NSW Government and Paddy Pallin, the program develops emerging and established female leaders across the outdoor industry through mentoring, professional development and leadership capability. Graduates now join a growing national network of women leading change across outdoor recreation, outdoor education, adventure tourism and nature-based wellbeing. 


Celebrating member commitment 

Outdoors NSW & ACT also recognised members whose long-term commitment has helped strengthen the outdoor sector. 

Recognition included: 

  • Gold Member recognition to Andrew Banner of Southbound Adventures 

  • Member Engagement Awards for exceptional participation and contribution 

  • Continuous Membership Awards recognising five and ten years of ongoing support 


These awards acknowledge the organisations and individuals whose sustained commitment continues to build a stronger, more connected and more resilient outdoor industry. 


The Outdoor Industry Awards form part of Outdoors NSW & ACT's annual professional development program, bringing together industry leaders, educators, operators, government agencies, land managers and suppliers to celebrate excellence while supporting collaboration and continual improvement across the sector. 


 
 
 
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