Why the Outdoors Must Be Part of the Solution With the national social media restrictions for young people under 16 coming into effect on 10 December, Australia is stepping into new territory as the first country in the world to introduce this level of online restriction for minors. As the Outdoor Council of Australia (OCA) has highlighted, this decision presents not only a challenge — but an opportunity. At Outdoors NSW & ACT, we strongly support OCA’s call for government investment to...

In outdoor recreation, tourism, education and adventure programs, our people are our greatest asset—and they work under one of Australia’s greatest hazards: the sun. Through our partnership with Cancer Council NSW , Outdoors NSW & ACT is proud to support outdoor leaders with evidence-based guidance to better protect staff, volunteers and participants from the harmful effects of UV exposure. Australia has the highest rates of skin cancer in the world , with two in three Australians diagnosed...

Creating safe, enriching environments for young people is at the heart of everything our outdoor, recreation, education, and nature-based tourism sectors do. As the NSW Office of the Children’s Guardian (OCG) explores expanding the Reportable Conduct Scheme  to include overnight camp providers, Outdoors NSW & ACT has lodged a formal submission outlining our sector’s position, priorities, and recommendations. Our message to government is clear:**We welcome stronger protections—**and we stand...