Outdoor Industry Connect & Share Forums

Send us Fan Mail Big shifts are hitting Australia’s outdoor sector all at once: productivity is falling, politics are realigning, migration is rising, and AI is changing the shape of knowledge work. We break down what those trends mean for outdoor operators, educators, and guides, then map them to practical steps you can take this month to strengthen workforce pipelines, sharpen compliance, and re...

Send us Fan Mail Start with the hard truth: children’s physical activity is lagging across parts of NSW while screen time climbs. From that wake-up call, we pivot into a powerful briefing on how culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) women experience the outdoors—why it matters for public health and community cohesion, and what actually works to bring more women and families into nature with...

Send us Fan Mail Forecasts change fast; your safety plan should move even faster. We kick off with a pulse check on the outdoor sector—AGM highlights, new board appointments, a life membership honoring long service, and a forward look at 2026 with training pipelines, a growing masterclass series, and the first industry awards on the horizon. From workforce shortages to the Western Sydney activity...

Send us Fan Mail Big shifts are landing across the outdoor sector, and we get practical about what to do next. We open with board-level realities—climate reporting moving from big to small companies, AI racing ahead, and the need to harden cybersecurity—then pivot to growth stories from the Sea Otter Summit, where mountain biking’s tourism impact is translating into real trips, real spend, and new...

Send us Fan Mail Experience provision is changing fast, and the old paths to discovery aren’t enough. We dig into what regional dispersion, accessibility, and international demand mean for outdoor operators, then tackle the big shift: zero-click search where Google’s AI answers before anyone reaches your site. Instead of fighting it, we show how to win it—with an authoritative Google Business Prof...

Send us Fan Mail Policy shifts, climbing access, and real-world standards collide in a fast-moving update for outdoor leaders across NSW and the ACT. We kick off with the new NSW Climbing Advisory Council formation—inviting leading associations—to coordinate advocacy and work through the Mount Alexandra closure. From there, we unpack our push for ACT recognition as a peak body, why that status unl...

Send us Fan Mail A packed week in the outdoor industry leads to a pivotal conversation: how do we open nature to more people without building on it? We start with energy—whitewater slalom championships in Penrith, powerful voices from a women in sport summit, and a weekend of campfire learning capped by Saturn’s rings—and channel that momentum into the decision that could shape access for years: N...

Send us Fan Mail The outdoor education landscape in Australia is undergoing a significant transformation. The Outdoor Education Group has sold their New South Wales property, Wombaroo, to the Great Aussie Bush Camp, while Belgravia Outdoor Education has acquired OEG's journey business with its 40-year legacy of operations. These changes signal new directions for established outdoor education...

Send us Fan Mail What separates thriving outdoor businesses from those that struggle when crisis strikes? This eye-opening episode dives deep into business resilience strategies specifically tailored for outdoor industry operators facing uncertain times. When disaster strikes – whether it's natural disasters, economic downturns, or unexpected events like the manhunt affecting businesses in Po...

Send us Fan Mail Child safety isn't just about ticking boxes – it's about creating environments where children can thrive while in our care. This week's Connect and Share forum delves into the critical topic of child protection in the outdoor industry, featuring expert insights from Jon, a former federal police officer with a decade of specialised experience in child protection inve...

Send us Fan Mail The great outdoors belongs to everyone, yet the barriers to access and participation continue to have challenges. This powerful episode of Connect and Share dives deep into how we're working to break down these barriers through advocacy, education, and collaborative action. Jersey Day serves as a poignant reminder of how one life can impact many others. The story of Nathan Gr...

Send us Fan Mail Navigating the ever-evolving landscape of the outdoor recreation industry requires staying informed about legislative changes, emerging opportunities, and essential risk management practices. This comprehensive update from Outdoors NSW & ACT delivers critical information that could significantly impact your outdoor business operations. The spotlight falls on imminent e-bike le...

Send us Fan Mail A storm is brewing in the outdoor industry as new e-bike legislation threatens to devastate tour operators and hire businesses across New South Wales. With regulations set to take effect in February 2026, businesses face the alarming prospect of their entire e-bike fleets becoming non-compliant and essentially worthless overnight. The new certification requirements demand manufact...

Send us Fan Mail The latest Outdoor Industry Census has revealed startling insights into the state of the outdoor industry, highlighting a critical workforce crisis amidst shifting participant trends and emerging opportunities. Most alarming is the continued decline in staff numbers—from approximately 75,000 workers pre-COVID to just 43,719 in 2024, with a further projected drop to 42,000 in 2025....

Send us Fan Mail The future of outdoor retail and recreation is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by changing demographics and evolving expectations from younger generations. This illuminating discussion explores how the outdoor industry must adapt to remain relevant and sustainable in the face of a 14,000+ job shortage and diminishing traditional pathways into outdoor careers. At the h...

Send us Fan Mail What makes the perfect outdoor industry employee? While technical skills matter, our recent Connect and Share forum revealed what employers truly value: communication abilities, teamwork orientation, genuine interest, and resilience – qualities often developed through outdoor experiences but rarely captured by traditional education credentials. This revelation came during a fascin...

Send us Fan Mail As Australia marks World Drowning Prevention Day, the outdoor industry faces a critical question: what is our role in preventing water-related fatalities? This episode dives deep into the changing landscape of water safety, revealing how demographic shifts and evolving recreation patterns impact drowning statistics nationwide. Despite significant progress in reducing drowning rate...

Send us Fan Mail The outdoor industry in Australia is evolving rapidly, shaped by changing demands, emerging opportunities, and persistent challenges. This illuminating episode unpacks the findings from the 2025 NSW-ACT Outdoors Industry Summit and Census, revealing critical insights for all outdoor professionals. Our deep dive into the latest industry data shows outdoor education remains the back...

Send us Fan Mail The outdoor industry is experiencing a period of significant transition, as revealed in this week's Outdoors NSW and ACT Industry Connect and Share Forum. A major business acquisition headlines the news with Southbound Adventures being sold to Travel is Living Group after 32 years under Ian "Robbo" Robinson's leadership. The new ownership promises business cont...

Send us Fan Mail The power to reverse climate change might be right under our feet. In this captivating conversation with Stephen from Regenerate Earth, we explore how understanding and enhancing soil microbiology could transform our landscapes from arid to abundant. Stephen shares his journey blending commercial guiding and outdoor education with ecology and environmental science, leading to his...

Send us Fan Mail The crisp winter air has arrived alongside snowfall in the mountains, setting an energetic backdrop to our latest industry update. Essential changes are coming on July 1st that will impact every outdoor business—the national minimum wage rises to $24.95 per hour (a 3.5% increase), while the superannuation guarantee reaches its legislated 12% rate. These adjustments require immedia...

Send us Fan Mail The outdoor industry stands at a critical crossroads, captured perfectly in the metaphor shared during this episode: "We are year nine students... struggling with what we're going to do in the future." This moment of adolescent uncertainty hides tremendous potential, as our sector evolves from its foundational years toward maturity. Diving deep into the newly launch...

Send us Fan Mail Amidst Australia's Reconciliation Week, the outdoor industry gathers to bridge its own paths forward through evolving standards, shared wisdom, and collective vision. This dynamic session of the Outdoors NSW and ACT Connect and Share Forum opens with a powerful acknowledgment of the week's theme—"Bridging Now to Next"—before diving into crucial updates affectin...

Send us Fan Mail What does the future hold for Australia's outdoor industry? In this candid, thought-provoking forum, outdoor professionals strip back the layers to reveal both challenges and opportunities facing our sector. The conversation evolves into a powerful metaphor that resonates throughout: our industry resembles a "Year 9 teenager" – full of potential yet grappling with g...

Send us Fan Mail The future of education is undergoing a profound transformation, with implications that reach far beyond classroom walls into how we approach outdoor learning and youth development. Fresh McCrindle Research findings presented at "Reimagining Education Towards 2035" reveals fascinating paradoxes shaping today's educational landscape. Despite our hyper-connected world...