Outdoors NSW & ACT

04/11/2025

Hoping any western Sydney based colleagues could assist our students at Macquarie with their final research. It will go towards a report that will assist in active recreation outcomes.

Survey powered by Kartra

04/11/2025

Attention: Western Sydney Residents
ONSWACT is assisting the students of Macquarie University

This survey is being conducted for an academic research project for Macquarie University and Outdoors NSW & ACT. Participation is completely voluntary, and you can withdraw at any time. Your responses will be kept confidential and anonymous.

The information collected will be used solely for this research project. Your individual responses will not be identifiable in any reports or publications; only aggregated results will be reported.

The survey should take between 10-15 minutes to complete. This survey is directed at Western Sydney residents aged 18-34 years of age and aims to evaluate physical activity in these communities.

By proceeding with the survey, you confirm that you have read this information and consent to participate.

Please help our new graduates with their final research and contribute to a report that will assist active recreation outcomes in western Sydney.

Survey powered by Kartra

03/11/2025

🚨 New outdoor job listings dropped today! Tap the link to explore and apply 🌲✨ https://outdoor-work-australia.jobboardly.com/

28/10/2025

Outdoors NSW & ACT (ONSWACT) is proud to announce the awarding of Life Membership to Professor Tonia Gray, recognising her outstanding, decades-long contribution to outdoor learning, nature-based education, and the health and wellbeing of communities across NSW and the ACT.

Announced at the 2025 Annual General Meeting where members unanimously voted for the recognition.

Professor Gray has been a tireless advocate, educator and researcher whose work has strengthened the evidence base for outdoor and experiential learning, advanced inclusive practice and leadership, and inspired countless educators, practitioners and students to connect people with nature.

Peter Kent, Chair of ONSWACT, said:

“Professor Tonia Gray’s leadership has elevated the outdoor sector in every way—through rigorous research, committed advocacy and genuine collaboration. Her impact is felt in classrooms, on country and in policy conversations across our state and territory. On behalf of the Board, I’m delighted to confer Life Membership in recognition of her remarkable service and enduring legacy.”

Professor Gray welcomed the honour, noting:

“This recognition reflects a collective effort by educators, land managers, community leaders and industry partners who believe in the power of the outdoors to transform lives. I’m deeply grateful to ONSWACT and look forward to continuing our shared work to make nature-based learning accessible, inclusive and sustainable.”

About Professor Tonia Gray

A pioneering scholar and educator in outdoor and experiential learning, Professor Gray’s career spans more than three decades. Her transdisciplinary work has focused on human–nature relationships, health and wellbeing, gender equity in leadership, and environmental stewardship, shaping practice and policy across schools, higher education and the outdoor industry.

Tonia Gray tonia_gray

28/10/2025

This is a great selection of the people that stand by us, inspire us and motivate us to continue to do what we do every day to help the Outdoor Industry!

The VET reform and the review of the Outdoor Leadership qualifications is underway… the workshops are a chance for conversations about understanding the needs of the package to meet the requirements of the framework while sharing thoughts about what is needed in any changes to the package.

But the important aspect is that you respond to the questionnaire about the package needs via the HumanAbility website to be heard! And PLEASE send your feedback to us as well as we consolidate the comments for a better outcome for the industry!

A couple of things are very clear….
1. We need more qualified people in the industry
2. We need strong leaders that will keep our attendees safe
3. The VET Outdoor Leadership qualifications will be an important tool for the Outdoor industry to set pathway options for our leaders.

Thank you for bringing your voice to this important project!

https://www.humanability.com.au/projects/outdoor-recreation-qualification-review-.aspx

22/10/2025

Great job nikki.lawn.mtb mtb.ladies.australia
On your presentation at seaotteraustralia summit.

So great to be part of more conversations on how we progress the MTB opportunities. Love this quote … what actions are we missing because we don’t take them?!

Privileged to be here with amazing colleagues but we have to ask ourselves who is not in the room and how do we get them in the room as this is a need for collaboration

Https://outdoors.kartra.com/page/mtbmanifesto

20/10/2025

DRAFT Outdoor Leadership Qualification Changes are now live.
Please get involved to provide your feedback.

Explore the latest insights and strategies shaping Australia's care and support sectors. We highlight significant challenges, identify key actions and celebrate the progress underway.

17/10/2025

💙💚

17/10/2025

🌟 Excited to welcome as our newest member! 🌟

They’ve just joined Outdoors NSW & ACT, and we’re thrilled to have them in our community. From epic hikes and adventures to yoga retreats and luxury Boujee Babes experiences, they create spaces for women to connect, explore, and just be themselves. 🌿💛

Led by Emily, who’s passionate about empowering women through the outdoors, Cool Girls Club brings confidence, community, and good vibes to every adventure. Go check them out and see what amazing experiences they have in store! 🥾✨

16/10/2025

As released at the Outdoor Industry Summit, adventurous journeys are changing and just released are the changes to the Bronze Level Award. Want to know more?
Attend the ONSWACT Connect and Share on 24 October at 10am and hear from Karen Witt, NSW Division Executive Officer, The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award – Australia (NSW).

https://outdoors.kartra.com/page/2025IndustryEvents

13/10/2025

Congratulations to the wonderful adventure Tourism and Nature Tourism operators in being recognised as finalists in the NSW Tourism Awards! 💙💚
Congratulations all - showcasing the magnificent outdoors and the benefits that nature provides our visitors!

Good luck for the announcement of winners on 27 November!

4WD Tours R Us 4wdtoursrus
Aquamarine Adventures
Barefoot Boats Harrington barefootboatsharrington
Better By Bike betterbybikeoz
Beyond The Blacktop Adventure Tours beyondtheblacktoptours
BIGWAVE Skydive bigwaveskydive
Blue Mountains Climbing School blue_mountains_climbing_school
Bundyi Cultural Tours bundyi
Cape Byron Kayaks cape_byron_kayaks
Chapman Tours chapmantravelstours
Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary coffscoastwildlifesanctuary
Into The Wild Escapes in2thewild.aus
Moonshadow -TQC Cruises moonshadowtqc
Northern Rivers Rail Trail northern_rivers_railtrail
Oz Jet Boating ozjetboating
Positive Energy Adventures & Retreats Positive Energy Adventures & Retreats
REGION X Kayak, Walking & Camping Region X Unspoilt Experiences Batemans Bay NSW Adventures
Showtime Kayaking showtime_kayaking
Soul Surf School soulsurfschool
Stand Up Paddle Boarding Shellharbour Stand Up Paddle Boarding Shellharbour
Starscape Australia starscapeaustralia
Sydney By Kayak sydney_by_kayak
Sydney Harbour Boat Tours sydneyharbourboattours
Sydney Kayak Experience sydneykayakx
Symbio Wildlife Park symbiowildlifepark
Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo tarongawesternplainszoo
Vision Walks - Eco Tours visionwalks
Whale Tales Whale Watching Sydney whaletalessydney

10/10/2025

🌿 Member Highlight: Greater Sydney Parklands 🌿
Ready to bring the benefits of nature into your classroom? 🌱
Join the Introduction to Outdoor Learning and Nature Play course: A 5-hour professional development opportunity designed for educators working in early childhood and primary (K–6) settings.
Whether you’re based in an early learning centre, primary school, or out-of-school-hours care, this course will help you confidently integrate outdoor learning and bush school principles into your programs.
📍 Centennial Parklands
📅 November 8, 2025
⏰ 5 hours
✨ Outdoors NSW & ACT members receive 20% off the November PD!
To access your discount, message memberships@outdoorsnswact.com.au
for the member code before booking.
👉 Book here: centennialparklands.com.au/natureplayintro