Embracing Cultural Awareness in Outdoor Education

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 installations through a Sculpture by the Sea collaboration.

Cultural awareness stands at the forefront of industry priorities with the introduction of a comprehensive program designed to equip outdoor professionals with deeper understanding of Aboriginal, Chinese, Indian, Muslim, and LGBTIQ+ cultures. This initiative, made possible through Department of Social Services funding via Volunteering Australia, reflects a growing commitment to making outdoor spaces and programs more inclusive and welcoming for diverse participants. The structured program offers video learning resources followed by assessment components, culminating in certification for those who successfully complete the curriculum.

Looking ahead, the calendar brims with professional development opportunities including the Outdoor Learning Mini Conference at Birrigai Outdoor School in September, NATCORR's Weather Ready workshops across major cities, and the highly anticipated Outdoor Industry Summit in July. This three-day summit will feature familiarisation tours of innovative Canberra operations, NATCORR's Outdoor Risk and Resilience Symposium showcasing three years of research, and forward-looking industry content to prepare outdoor professionals for future challenges. With partners including Medibank Private offering complimentary skin checks and significant discounts available to members, these gathering spaces demonstrate the collaborative spirit driving the outdoor industry forward. Whether you're focused on educational frameworks, tourism development, or risk management, the growing network of resources and events provides valuable pathways for professional growth and industry connection.

Ready to enhance your outdoor operations with these new insights and opportunities? Join us at upcoming events, access resources through the member portal, and become part of shaping an inclusive, sustainable future for outdoor recreation and education across NSW and ACT.

Chapters

• 0:00 Welcome & Acknowledgment of Country
• 1:11 Bago State Forest Launch
• 3:02 Cultural Awareness Program Introduction
• 5:10 Outdoor Learning Mini-Conference & Resources
• 9:00 Industry Updates & Educational Frameworks
• 12:45 Outdoor Industry Summit Announcement
• 16:13 Partner Recognition & Closing Remarks