Outdoors Victoria

📣Book your tickets for the NOEC Pre-Conference - NatCORR Organisational Resilience Workshop on Wednesday 4th of December 9:30 am - 1:00 pm AEDT

Facilitated by Dr Loren Miller, Dr Jeff Jackson & Dr Clare Dallat, this professional development workshop is a NOEC 2024 Pre-conference Workshop targeted to meet the needs of outdoors business owners and managers, school leaders and business managers, and those with budget and/or organisational responsibility of medium to large outdoor programs. The workshop will cover:

➡️Financial management for disaster resilience: access to capital, cashflow, government support programs, grants and philanthropy, and terms of business Insurance: product options, market pricing, market failure, and claims management
➡️Organisational culture and structure: leading and managing through crisis and uncertainty
➡️Planning, processes and risk management for disaster preparation and mitigation

The workshop format aims to be an open, collaborative forum for sharing expertise, ideas and challenges that are common to the outdoors sector.

Book here: https://events.humanitix.com/natcorr-organisational-resilience-workshop

We just released the October edition of our Outdoors Victoria Newsletter! Our month's featured image is a beautiful sunset at Yan Yean Reservoir 🌅 Did you know? Yan Yean Reservoir is Victoria’s oldest water supply. In 1857, when it was completed, the artificial reservoir was the largest of its kind in the world.

Articles in this edition include:

📣 131 Parks Victoria camping locations around Victoria for free to use from 1 December 2024 until 30 June 2025. Licensed Tour Operators (both for-profit and NFP) booking for clients, including many Victorian schools, act quickly to secure camping spots before they fill up.

📣 OV's updates on NOEC + Adjusted schedule for free coaches + submit your expression of interest in carpooling + only ONE Bronze Exhibitor left.

📣 NOEC Pre-Conference Sessions

NatCORR Organisational Resilience Workshop
Wed, 3 Dec, 9:30am - 1pm at Fed Uni
https://events.humanitix.com/natcorr-organisational-resilience-workshop

Outdoor Health & Bush Adventure Therapy - the Fundamentals
Tue, 3 Dec, 9:30am - 4pm at Fed Uni
https://events.humanitix.com/oha-bat-101

YMCA Universal Design Demonstration/Open Days
Tues, Dec 3, 1–2pm & Wed, Dec 4, 10–11am
https://ymcavic.venue360.me/public/events/homepage?event=729

📣 OV's PD T4 Sessions + Joined our 2024 PD sessions? Share your feedback with us!

📣 Try Bushwalking Month by Bushwalking Victoria is inviting Victorians of all levels to join over 70 walking events hosted by bushwalking clubs across Victoria.

📣International Mountain Day by DJARRA - 11 December 2024

Three Journal of Outdoor & Environmental Education articles for practitioners and educators in the outdoor learning field.

📣 Outdoor Recreation Review: The jobs and Skills Council for our sector is called Humanability, who is undertaking the review of our Training Package, ensuring a sustainable skilled workforce

📣 School saving bonus: OV will partner with ACA and CVA over the coming weeks to work with mainstream media to encourage parents, teachers, and schools to invest a good proportion of this support in a long-lasting student experience, which is camp!

Read our full newsletter here--> https://mailchi.mp/outdoorsvictoria/news-october2024

November marks a special milestone for Bushwalking Victoria, celebrating 90 years of supporting bushwalkers and encouraging people to explore the natural beauty of our state. To celebrate, Try Bushwalking Month is inviting Victorians of all levels to join over 70 walking events hosted by bushwalking clubs across Victoria.

Whether you are a seasoned bushwalker, wanting to try out a club for the first time, or are new to bushwalking and want to learn the basics within the safety of an experienced, supportive group (without getting lost!), you will find a walk that suits you. Register here --> https://bushwalkingvictoria.org.au/try-bushwalking-month/

The team at OV worked hard to put NOEC's biggest program together! With over 110 sessions covering every corner of outdoor education and recreation, there’s something for everyone—get ready to dive in! 🌟See you December 4-6 at Federation University Australia, Gippsland Campus.

Check out all the sessions here: https://www.outdoorsvictoria.org.au/news-events/noec-2024/noec-2024-program-timetable/

NOEC’s biggest program ever is out! 📣 With over 110 presentations, check out all the sessions here: https://www.outdoorsvictoria.org.au/news-events/noec-2024/noec-2024-program-timetable/

Our program is divided into the following 5 Streams.

Stream 1: Outdoor education discovery: Profiling the latest developments
Stream 2: The restorative nature of the Outdoors: Growing community health & wellbeing
Stream 3: Indigenous connections & diverse communities: Embracing different perspectives
Stream 4: Action on climate change: Embedding sustainable practices & being climate ready
Stream 5: Strong foundations: Building quality operations & supporting thriving teams

Get your NOEC tickets here --> https://www.outdoorsvictoria.org.au/news-events/noec-2024/tickets/

Outdoors Victoria Outdoors NSW & ACT Outdoors WA - OWA Outdoors Queensland Outdoors SA, OEASA - Outdoor Educators' Association of South Australia, Australian Camps Association Christian Venues Association NBONSA-Nature Based Outdoor Network of South Australia

📣 Last chance for Professional Development in 2024!

Our PD for Term 4:
➡️Wednesday 16th October | 4:00 pm-5:00 pm | ONLINE
Managing diabetes in the field. Presented by Adam Kershaw.
➡️ Monday 21st October | 4:30 pm-5:30 pm | ONLINE
Introducing Equine Therapy: A precursor to Groundwork Therapy’s NOEC workshop. Presented by Kylie Peters.
➡️ Wednesday 13th November | 4:00 pm-5:00 pm | ONLINE
Building individual and organisational capacity for staff to carry out concurrent risk assessment. Presented by Dave Marsden.

👉 Book now --> https://www.outdoorsvictoria.org.au/news-events/professional-development-2024/ — Outdoors Victoria affiliate supporters get discounted rates!

Keep an eye out for more sessions to be added in T4! 👀

🌊 The 2024 ARV Industry Conference starts today! 🌊

Aquatics and Recreation Victoria in partnership with Life Saving Victoria are proud to present the 2024 Victorian Aquatics and Recreation Industry Conference.

They’re bringing together an esteemed group of industry leaders and operators from State and Local Government, aquatics, recreation and leisure facilities, learning institutions, suppliers and consultancies to drive the industry in ‘Unlocking Our Potential’.

This event will facilitate an opportunity to hear from inspirational speakers, discuss contemporary issues, showcase best practices and collaborate with peers from all facets across the industry.

Join them from 18-20 September at Hyatt Place, Essendon to connect with experts and leaders in the field of aquatic and recreational programs.

💡 Dive into the latest insights on getting Victorians active in pools, gyms, and fitness centres.
🌊 Learn about the forefront of swimming safety campaigns and programs to keep our communities safe in pools, inland waters, and by the coast.

For more information and to get your tickets, please visit: https://www.aquaticsandrecreation.org.au/events/222994

CALLING ALL VICTORIAN LICENSED TOUR OPERATORS

Outdoors Victoria is currently leading TWO exciting projects in 2024-26 FYs and is now seeking to partner with up to 7 LTO Delivery Partners who have an opportunity to make a real difference to the health and wellbeing of Victorian communities, who face challenges accessing active recreation in our parks and forests.

Funding is available for Victorian Licensed Tour Operators to support community engagement, co-design of programs, administration coordination, evaluation support and importantly, quality facilitation of adventure activities in welcoming & social environments.

OV will be running an information session on Thursday the 19th of September at 2pm

To obtain a copy of our submission guidelines and receive further advice on how to submit your expression of interest, please contact: Kieran Brophy, Projects Lead – Outdoors Victoria at (e) [email protected]

Expressions of interest close on Friday 4 October 2024 at 5pm.

Just a reminder that our next bi-monthly online forum for the outdoors sector is happening next Tuesday, September 10, at 10:00 a.m.

These forums are a fantastic way to stay informed and connect with others in the industry!

Register for free on the following link to this or any upcoming Forums -->
https://www.outdoorsvictoria.org.au/news-events/outdoors-sector-forums/

The Outdoor Council of Australia is calling for applications for the Project Lead on this exciting project for the Outdoor Industry. As the AAAS (Australian Adventure Activity Standard) is now 5 years old, the currency of this important tool will ensure it continues to be the guide for good practice in all sectors of the industry where led activities occur with dependant participants.

The AAAS review project will evaluate and update the existing standard framework to ensure it meets current safety, environmental, and industry good practices. This project also presents an opportunity to enhance community engagement, build strategic partnerships, and identify funding opportunities to support the Outdoor Council of Australia’s sustainability and leverage.

Find out more about this position and apply here:

Project Lead for AAAS Review The Outdoor Council of Australia is calling for applications for the Project Lead on this exciting project for the Outdoor Industry. As the AAAS is now 5 years old, the currency on this important tool will ensure it continues to be the guide for good practice in all sectors of the industry where led...

Outdoors Victoria launched the Brian Nettleton Lecture in 2018, and since then, we've had the privilege of bringing inspiring speakers to our OV Conferences and now to NOEC.

This year, NOEC 2024 will feature a keynote by two exceptional individuals who reflect Brian's dedication to outdoor and environmental education: Dr Val Nicholls and Sandy-Allen Craig. Drawing on Brian's innovative approach, Val and Sandy will explore the holistic well-being of educators.

Get your tickets to see this impactful Memorial Lecture, 3 keynote sessions and the 80+ presentations we are crafting for you at --> https://www.outdoorsvictoria.org.au/news-events/noec-2024/tickets/

NOEC 2024 will continue the cherished tradition of featuring the Brian Nettleton Keynote Lecture. Introduced by Outdoors Victoria in 2018, this lecture honours Dr Brian Nettleton, who passed away in 2017. Brian was a pioneer of Outdoor Education and place-based experiences in Australia. His influential work profoundly shaped the field of Outdoor Education in Victoria and inspired many professionals.

This year, NOEC 2024 will feature a Memorial Lecture by two outstanding individuals who embody Brian’s values and commitment to outdoor and environmental education in Australia: Dr Val Nicholls and Sandy-Allen Craig.

Inspired by Brian Nettleton’s innovative and creative approach to life and education, Val and Sandy, will reflect on the wholistic well-being of the Educator and consider the way in which their own continued, extracurricular nature-based activity may support a sustainable OE career and lifelong well-being.

Don’t miss the chance to attend this impactful memorial lecture on Wednesday 4th, at Federation University Gippsland Campus—secure your tickets now! https://www.outdoorsvictoria.org.au/news-events/noec-2024/tickets/

Outdoors Victoria Outdoors NSW & ACT Outdoors WA - OWA Outdoors Queensland Outdoors SA, OEASA - Outdoor Educators' Association of South Australia, Australian Camps Association Christian Venues Association NBONSA-Nature Based Outdoor Network of South Australia

We recently released the August edition of our Outdoors Victoria Newsletter! Our month's featured image is a beautiful sunset at Anglesea Heath 🌅

Articles in this edition include:

📣 OV's updates on NOEC + A website update for 2025 trainee opportunities + 12 NEW Outdoor Learning Toolkits for Secondary teachers!

📣 The Y’s Discovery Camps will be hosting two Open Days prior to NOEC at Camp Manyung, Mt Eliza are pleased to announce the development of a new Universal Harness that has been designed for use on Giant Swings, Flying Foxes and High Ropes Elements.

📣The 2024-25 Change Our Game Professional Development Scholarships Program is NOW OPEN!

📣 Mountain Safety Collective (MSC) backcountry conditions reports + the 7th Annual Victorian Backcountry Festival

📣 Nominations are open for the Disability Sport & Recreation Awards

📣 AMES Australia - Free English Classes for Migrants

📣 Are you a Health, Outdoor, or Physical Education (HOPE) teacher who graduated from your teaching degree between 2018-2023? Researchers from Federation University would like to hear about you

Read our full newsletter here --> https://mailchi.mp/outdoorsvictoria/news-august2024

🚨 Don’t miss our final professional development session for Term 3 "Maximising your time during outdoor experiences and using log books effectively" by Belinda Dalziel—this time it’s in person!

Registrations close today, Monday, 19/Aug, at 5:00 pm.
REGISTER HERE --> https://www.outdoorsvictoria.org.au/news-events/professional-development-2024/

📅 Wednesday, August 21st | 🕤 9:30 am – 3:00 pm
📍 Westerfolds Park Templestowe – Conference Centre

This collaborative session will use your school’s context and capabilities to improve the outdoor experiences relevant to your selected key knowledge for Units 1, 2, 3, and 4. This session will involve effectively selecting key knowledge points and applying them to a range of outdoor environments to meet the requirements of Unit 4, Area of Study 3.

The session will encompass time to network with others about quality outdoor providers and environments best suited to deliver VCE Outdoor & Environmental Studies. It will also discuss strategies for effectively incorporating the use of logbooks during outdoor experiences.

Outdoors Victoria Affiliate Supporters enjoy discounted access to this session. If you're not already an affiliate, now is the perfect time to join!

Become an affiliate here --> https://www.outdoorsvictoria.org.au/about/supporters/

Outdoor Council of Australia (OCA), the national peak body for the outdoor industry with Outdoors Victoria, is pleased to advise it has been successful in receiving funding from state and territory governments for the timely review of the Australian Adventure Activity Standard (Aust. AAS) and Good Practice Guides (GPG).

Read more here -->

OCA WELCOMES FUNDING TO REVIEW THE AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE ACTIVITY STANDARD AND GOOD PRACTICE GUIDES Outdoor Council of Australia (OCA), the national peak body for the outdoor industry, is pleased to advise it has been successful in receiving funding from state and territory governments for the timely review of the Australian Adventure Activity Standard (Aust. AAS) and Good Practice Guides (GPG).Th...

A reminder for our next bi-monthly online forum for the outdoors sector is tomorrow, Tuesday, July 23, at 10:00 am.

REGISTER FOR FREE HERE --> https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYucuigpzstH9XBNIC1jHFoYJEDcjcpNqES for this or any other of our outdoor sector forums for 2024. The forums provide a great opportunity to learn about what is happening and connect with others in the sector.

Some of the topics to discuss in this session are:
• NOEC updates and NATCORR pre-conference
• Universal Design Demonstration / Open Day at Camp Manyung
• Professional development courses - Term 3
• Upcoming careers expos - Invite to Melbourne Career Expo at MCEC this weekend, 26-28 of August.
• VCE Outdoor Environmental Studies - careers in the outdoors representative for their own school expo
• Disability and Inclusion Project – Phase 2 + Opening of all abilities facility at Mt Hotham
• Department of Education / Adventure Activity Guidelines update
• Aust. AAS / snow activities + update of the Aust.AAS
• MTB Symposium – 25th & 26th October 2024. Merimbula, NSW.

The OV team are looking forward to connecting with you then.

🚀 Ready to join our friendly team and support to make a real impact on Victorians? We're on the lookout for an Operations Officer at Outdoors Victoria! 🌿

As our new Operations Officer, you'll take on dynamic responsibilities, from administration tasks to operationalising affiliate supporter services and supporting our epic annual conference. You'll work closely with the CEO and collaborate with our fantastic team to keep things running smoothly.

If you're ready for a new adventure, apply now and join us to advance the outdoor sectors in Victoria! 🌟

APPLY HERE: https://www.seek.com.au/job/77242749

Applications Close: 10am Tue 23 July 2024

NOEC 2024 will continue the cherished tradition of featuring the Brian Nettleton Keynote Lecture. Introduced by Outdoors Victoria in 2018, this lecture honours Dr Brian Nettleton, who passed away in 2017. Brian was a pioneer of Outdoor Education and place-based experiences in Australia. His influential work profoundly shaped the field of Outdoor Education in Victoria and inspired many professionals.

This year, NOEC 2024 will feature a keynote speech by two outstanding individuals who embody Brian’s values and commitment to outdoor and environmental education in Australia: Dr. Val Nicholls and Sandy-Allen Craig.

Inspired by Brian Nettleton’s innovative and creative approach to life and education, Val and Sandy, will reflect on the wholistic well-being of the Educator and consider the way in which their own continued, extracurricular nature-based activity may support a sustainable OE career and lifelong well-being.

Read more about NOEC's 2024 Memorial Lecture or Brian Nettleton's Memorial Lecture here --> https://www.outdoorsvictoria.org.au/news-events/noec-2024/keynotes/

Outdoors Victoria is proud to partner with Minister Ros Spence MP, Sport and Recreation Victoria and Hume City Council on innovative ways to facilitate students to be active on the way to school 🏫🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️😃

Fantastic to join Minister Ros Spence MP at the wonderful Roxburgh Park Primary School to celebrate the launch of the Kids Active Travel Program.

Delivered in partnership with Outdoors Victoria and Hume City Council, this important investment will support families and students at schools across Greenvale, just like Roxy Primary, to choose active and safe travel options when getting to and from school.

We just released the June edition of our Outdoors Victoria Newsletter! Our month's featured image is Halladale Point in the Great Ocean Road, a view that rivals the 12 Apostles.

Articles in this edition include:

📣 Last chance for NOEC 2024 Early Bird tickets! The offer ends at midnight on Friday, July 5! + keynote speakers announced + a new exhibitor area!

📣Our professional development sessions for T3

📣OV presenting Active in Nature with Parks Victoria's Anthea Dee at PLA Victoria and Tasmania May Conference

📣Careers in the Outdoors promotion at the Victorian Career Show, numerous school and community events, and VU career practitioner events.

📣 FREE Incursion or Excursion for Unit 2 VCE Outdoor and Environmental Studies Teachers

📣 Update from Climbing Victoria Advisory Council (CVAC) - CVAC has just submitted an application to Consumers Affairs Victoria for the incorporation of Climbing Victoria, a peak body representing outdoor climbing and climbers.

📣 Mountain Safety Collective (MSC) backcountry conditions reports

📣Victoria’s Bushfire Management Strategy​. Find out how Victorians can work together to manage bushfire

📣 HPE Masterclass: VCE OES Exam Prep Webinar 2024

📣 "Respect Starts With A Conversation" campaign is back. Find out how you can start to have conversations to defy harmful stereotypes and challenge norms.

Read our full newsletter here:
https://mailchi.mp/outdoorsvictoria/news-june-2024

📣 Last chance for The National Outdoor Education Conference (NOEC) 2024 Early Bird tickets! The offer ends at midnight on Friday, July 5! 📣

Don't miss out on participating in Australia's largest outdoor education and recreation professional development opportunity and networking.

• 70+ professional development sessions
• Seasoned expert keynotes in their field
• Ample networking opportunities (including welcome drinks and nibbles on Wednesday and BBQ + cocktail hour on Thursday) in addition to morning and afternoon teas and lunches
• Over 40 exhibitors

https://www.outdoorsvictoria.org.au/news-events/noec-2024/tickets/

2 positions available as a PE / Outdoor Education teacher

PE / Outdoor Education Apply by 19 June, 2024.

Outdoors Victoria is excited to be attending Victoria Tourism Industry Council - VTIC's Choose Tourism Careers Expo. This event, to be held at the Melbourne Showgrounds next Tuesday 18 June from 9am - 4pm will have over 50 exhibitors and is a must attend event for all anyone interested in exploring a career in the tourism, visitor economy and events industry. The Expo will provide an opportunity to explore career pathways and talk to employers and training providers.

Outdoor education and outdoor recreation are a significant part of Victoria's visitor economy, and Outdoors Victoria will be there to promote the hundreds of different career options in the outdoors and to promote the career resources available on its online career portal, including outdoor role information posters, career pathway infographic, and day-in-the-life videos.

For more information on the event and to register, visit vtic.com.au/events/choose-tourism-careers-expo

If you are interested in learning more about Outdoors Victoria’s involvement or getting involved with this event, please get in touch with Andrew Gooday at: [email protected]

Victoria Tourism Industry Council - VTIC Choose Tourism Careers Expo

UPDATE FROM CLIMBING VICTORIA ADVISORY COUNCIL

There have been some big steps forward for CVAC and the climbing community over the last couple of months.

CVAC has just submitted an application to Consumers Affairs Victoria for the incorporation of Climbing Victoria, a peak
body representing outdoor climbing and climbers. This is the culmination of several years of work by representatives of
climbing organisations and individuals to build relationships between the climbing community, Parks Victoria and Traditional Owners. Our recently circulated proposal for the organisation's purposes, values and structure was well supported through a survey process and provided the platform for the formation of the formal incorporated body. Once the incorporation application has been approved we will progress the process of appointing the first board. We‘re expecting this to be some time in June.

We are also pleased to report that the Gariwerd Assessments are now underway with the first of the 50 proposed sites being visited in March. CVAC respects the time and effort that the Traditional Owners have made to get this activity underway; it will be well appreciated by the climbing community. Please continue to respect the use of Designated Climbing Areas in the meantime.

In April, CVAC had the privilege to meet with representatives of Barengi Gadjin, Eastern Maar and Gunditj Mirring, the Traditional Owner organisations jointly managing Gariwerd. The meeting, hosted by Parks Victoria, was a chance to introduce our organisation, its objectives and values and to hear Traditional Owner perspectives and values. It was a valuable discussion and a positive introduction.

The Gariwerd office of Parks Victoria has approved two major working bees organised by CSV. The first was the clearing of the Mt Rosea access trail, requiring the cutting of significant fallen trees. This was completed May 4 and the trail is back in great condition after many years of decline. The second is the rebuilding of The Watchtower access trail. A solid weekend of work over May 17-19 saw a good group of volunteers contributing to the construction of steps up the steep trail. There is plenty more work to be done, so please lend a hand on a Saturday morning over the next few weeks.

In our recent meeting with PV, they indicated:

-They are installing approx. 15 bollards at the start of climbing access trails in Gariwerd to better identify their location and avoid track duplication. They are also installing permanent information signage at some of the popular climbing areas.

-In Dyurrite, while Stage 1 (fieldwork assessments) have been completed, the Stage 2 Determinations (deciding on
protective measures) remain paused due to the complexity and resource requirements for this process. Timelines for
the commencement and completion of this stage still need to be clarified, but the status quo remains.

-Two significant fires impacted the Gariwerd NP - Bellfield/Pomonal and Mt Stapylton/Dadswells Bridge. Minor
impacts on park assets and climbing areas but significant impacts on the townships and some PV staff and climbers.

We also put forward two submissions; one for all-abilities access to Summer Day Valley, and another for the retention of Camp Sandy.

Please reach to the organisation you are most closely linked to for further queries, thank you, CVAC.

Western Victoria Climbing Club, Victorian Climbing Club, RMIT Outdoors Club, Crag Stewards Victoria, Climbing QTs Outdoors Victoria Sport Climbing Victoria.

Don't miss out on our last professional development session for Term 2 "Strategies Outdoor Providers can offer schools, and for Teachers in schools to best manage Teacher Time In Lieu", presented by Cole Waters, Head of Outdoor Education at Castlemaine Secondary College.

Cole has been teaching Outdoor Education since 2007. Since 2008, Coles has been teaching in a government education setting, and he is very passionate about giving students outdoor experiences.

📅 Date: Thursday, May 30th
⏰ Time: 4:00 - 5:00 pm
📍 Location: ONLINE

Book your tickets here --> https://www.outdoorsvictoria.org.au/news-events/professional-development-2024/

Outdoors Victoria Affiliates enjoy complimentary access to this session. If you're not already an affiliate, now is the perfect time to join! Become an affiliate here --> https://www.outdoorsvictoria.org.au/about/members/