Outdoor Industry Connect & Share Forums

Send us Fan Mail Dive into the latest developments shaping the future of outdoor recreation, education, tourism, and therapy across New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. Our CEO Lori Modde unpacks a wealth of new resources designed to elevate industry standards and practices. At the forefront are several groundbreaking documents: the Recommended Snow Activities Good Practice Guide,...

Send us Fan Mail Following our Connect & Share on Mental Health in the Workplace, another tool crossed our desks that we wanted to share to our outdoor community.  "Small Business, Big Impact" is a podcast provided by Lifeline and provides 10 x 10min episodes for Small Businesses.  This podcast can be found on various podcast platforms. Support the show To stay connected to Outdoors...

Send us Fan Mail The future of camping, events, and commercial activities in NSW National Parks is undergoing significant change. In this illuminating session, senior representatives from National Parks and Wildlife Service unveil proposed reforms to fee structures that could reshape how we all interact with these treasured natural spaces. Linda and Christian walk us through the first major fee ov...

Send us Fan Mail Mental health challenges cost Australian businesses a staggering $11-12 billion annually through reduced productivity, absenteeism, and compensation claims. This sobering reality formed the backdrop of our latest Connect and Share forum, where we unpacked crucial workplace mental health strategies following a significant meeting with the Honourable Rose Jackson, NSW Minister for M...

Send us Fan Mail The landscape of outdoor education and recreation in New South Wales and ACT continues to evolve with exciting developments across multiple fronts. The recent launch of Bago State Forest marks a significant milestone for outdoor enthusiasts, with 50,000 hectares of accessible land now featuring enhanced infrastructure at Palingyards and Paddy's Dam, complemented by artistic i...

Send us Fan Mail Five years after the pandemic lockdowns transformed our industry, we're taking stock of the remarkable evolution in outdoor recreation, education, tourism, and therapy. Drawing insights from two major industry events – the Destination Australia Conference and the Skills IQ Industry Forum – this episode unpacks the critical trends reshaping our sector. Tourism patterns have un...

Send us Fan Mail When was the last time you really thought about helmet use and term of life? In a revealing discussion that might change how you look at helmets again, industry experts unpack critical issues around helmet design, usage, and selection that go far beyond the obvious "wear a helmet" advice. The conversation takes an unexpected turn when a seasoned professional shares a har...

Send us Fan Mail A goldmine of opportunities awaits outdoor businesses ready to expand into tourism markets, as revealed in this information-packed forum featuring Destination NSW's Sandy Wilkins. For operators seeking to diversify revenue streams or navigate seasonal fluctuations, the NSW First program offers a comprehensive framework of free support to develop, promote, and sell experiences...

Send us Fan Mail What drives people to participate in outdoor activities, and how can we reach those who aren't already engaged? The latest data reveals fascinating insights into motivation, with physical health (78%), fun, social connection, and mental wellbeing topping the list. This creates both challenges and opportunities for outdoor providers looking to expand their reach. The digital l...

Send us Fan Mail Keeping the outdoor community connected is vital as we navigate the latest changes and challenges in our industry. This week’s forum brought insights on workforce developments, safety regulations, and upcoming events that shape our outdoor experiences. - Discussed updates on casual employment and rights to request permanent positions  - Reviewed TAFE changes affecting roping cours...

Send us Fan Mail Ready to uncover how you can become a vital part of the outdoor industry's future? This episode promises to equip you with the knowledge and resources to make a significant impact. We pay homage to the traditional owners of the lands and express our commitment to respecting their rich history. As advocates for the outdoor community, we unravel the many benefits of joining Out...

Send us Fan Mail Unlock the secrets of the outdoor industry as we kick off 2025 with our first Connect and Share session. Explore how First Nations knowledge is being woven into the VET review and discover the wealth of resources available through Outdoors New South Wales and ACT membership. From exclusive job listings to promotional opportunities and illuminating forums, we provide a treasure tro...

Send us Fan Mail Discover the art of embracing change with a new perspective as we conclude Season 2 of the Outdoors NSW & ACT Connect and Share Forums. In this reflective episode, I'm joined by the insightful Liz and Hugh to unravel the lessons of 2024 and set our sights on the promises of 2025. Liz challenges us to rethink our pace in the face of transformation, suggesting that sometime...

Send us Fan Mail Unlock the secrets of integrating nature play into preschool education with Lori Modde, CEO of Outdoors NSW and ACT, as she hosts a revealing conversation with Shyeena and Ava from Macquarie University. Our discussion uncovers the hurdles preschool educators face in New South Wales, such as high costs, staff shortages, and rigid regulations, while offering promising strategies to...

Send us Fan Mail What if taking a stroll through nature could not only boost your health but transform your career? Join us for a compelling conversation with Lori Modde from Outdoors NSW & ACT where Will Lockhead from Stoker Adventure and Recreation Marketplace shares an inspiring quote from Matthew McConaughey, urging us to give our every endeavour our all. Explore how Macquarie University&a...

Send us Fan Mail Unlock the secrets of outdoor leadership as we explore the dynamic world of outdoor qualifications. Begin with a heartfelt acknowledgment of the traditional owners of the lands, inspired by Aunty Margaret's Welcome to Country, which beautifully brings Aboriginal art and culture to life. From the exciting announcement of outdoor leaders on immigration lists to the vibrant high...

Send us Fan Mail What if you could transform your understanding of Indigenous collaboration and safety in the outdoor industry all in one episode? This week, we promise to take you on a journey through the diverse opportunities and pressing topics impacting our field today. We honour the traditional custodians of the land while exploring Aboriginal data sovereignty and the rich tapestry of First N...

Send us Fan Mail Get ready to uncover the vibrant world of outdoor careers with Bridie from Blue Mountains Climbing School. Our exploration brings into focus the essential role of acknowledging traditional landowners and the shared stewardship of the natural environments we adore. Bridie shares her unique perspective on how engaging with diverse organisations can revolutionise industry standards,...

Send us Fan Mail Discover the key to thriving in Australia's outdoor industry while facing challenges like instructor shortages and climate risks. In this episode, we promise to equip you with insights on how the industry is navigating these obstacles and embracing sustainability. Hear from Zac, who sheds light on the intricacies of weather-related risk assessments and the implications of inc...

Send us Fan Mail Curious about the future of outdoor education and adventure tourism? Join our latest episode where we promise to unpack the transformative initiatives reshaping these sectors. From Lori's pivotal role at the Australian Regional Tourism Convention, tackling crucial issues like insurance and national park access, we dive into the launch of a new job portal on the Outdoors NSW A...

Send us Fan Mail What if you could unlock the secrets to successful collaboration in the great outdoors? Get ready to explore valuable insights and updates from Outdoors NSW and ACT with our special guest host, Helen, stepping in for Lori. We begin by honouring the traditional custodians of the land before diving into significant news, including a groundbreaking opportunity for year 11 and 12 stud...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered how the wisdom of First Nations people can shape our business strategies? Join us as we honor their cultural heritage and explore the art of adaptability, both in nature and in the corporate world. We also dive into the crucial discussions from the recent Land Managers Forum, where Water NSW teamed up with National Parks and Wildlife, Crown Lands, and Forestry to dis...

Send us Fan Mail What if the challenges faced by the outdoor industry in the U.S. are strikingly similar to those in Australia? That’s one of the fascinating insights you'll gain from this engaging episode of Friday Connect and Share, featuring Lori Modde, and our special guest, Neil. Broadcasting from the serene outdoors of Dharug country, this 32nd session of Season 2 is filled with heartwa...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered how to balance the thrill of outdoor adventures with the importance of mental well-being? This episode promises to provide invaluable insights into self-care practices for outdoor enthusiasts. We explore the significance of "R U Ok? Day" and stress the necessity of regular check-ins with oneself and others. Don't miss Dave's powerful reflections o...

Send us Fan Mail Curious about how the outdoor industry can partner with the Department of Defence or what it takes to roller ski from Brisbane to Sydney? Join us on the 30th episode, of season 2, of Connect and Share as we discuss these intriguing topics and more with Lori Modde, CEO of Outdoors NSW and ACT. We'll explore the latest opportunities for outdoor providers, delve into the AAAS re...