April Newsletter
Outdoors WA April Newsletter
Outdoor Leaders Registration Scheme
It’s been a while since NOLRS (the National Outdoor Leaders Registration Scheme) folded. Sadly, it was only WA and QLD who were big advocates of the scheme.
However, thanks to the drive of a group of passionate leaders in the sector, consistent feedback across a broad range of providers, and the support of the Department of Local Government, Sport & Cultural Industries (DLGSC) we are pleased to say that WA is now making good headway towards establishing a new scheme.
Outdoors WA has been invited to apply for a Strategic Initiatives Grant to build a business case for the development, delivery and management of an Outdoor Leaders Registration Scheme in Western Australia.
We’ve already been scouring the world of tech for suitable platforms that could support the new scheme, ensuring data uploads and certifications can all be done easily on your phone.
As we lock down funding, we will also be looking to engage with a broad cross section of industry for your input and feedback into the overall design of the scheme. Expressions of Interest from those who’d like to be involved in the project are welcome. Email us at connect@outdoorswa.org.au
NOEC Registration
Tickets go on sale next Thursday (18th) for the 2024 National Outdoor Education Conference in Victoria this December. This biennial conference has been held nationwide for the last 46 years and expects to sell out quickly. The event will be held at the Federation University Australia’s Gippsland Campus. You can expect an inspiring selection of speakers and exhibitors. To find out more and plan to secure your spot, check it out here: NOEC 2024 – Outdoors Victoria
Appointment of Deputy Chair
Outdoors WA is pleased to advise that well known industry leader, Rosalie Evans, the Executive Officer of Paddle WA, has been appointed to the position of Deputy Chair of Outdoors WA. Rosalie brings significant experience in governance in the outdoors and has an unbridled passion for the sector. We’re thrilled to be working with her even more closely.
Board Vacancy – Tourism
We see a significant growth opportunity for the Outdoors Industry in WA through tourism, with adventure tourism having been named one of the next megatrends in global tourism and predicted to grow by USD$4,418bn over the next 5 years. To help WA capitalise on this opportunity, we’re on the lookout for an additional appointment to the Outdoors WA board and are seeking expressions of interest from people with deep experience in the tourism industry. If you’re interested in joining the board, or know anyone who may fit the bill, more details can be found here: Non-Executive Board Director (Volunteer), Tourism Background Job in Perth WA – SEEK
Seven Gravel Race
On the subject of the tourism potential of WA, next month Nannup is playing host to the annual Seven Gravel Race. Seven is a world-class course and this year joins twenty-five other events around the world as a part of the UCI’s Gravel World Series. And in a great coup for WA, in 2026 Seven will host the Gravel World Championships. Find out more, or of course even enter, here: HOME -SEVEN GRAVEL RACE
Munda Biddi Adventure Cycling Events Series
Our friends at the Munda Biddi Trail Foundation have been busy working with DLGSC to launch a new cycling series in WA. The Adventure Cycling Series is designed to encourage more people to get active in the outdoors and on the trail.
With 14 different activities to choose from throughout 2024-2025, including workshops, social rides and weekend adventures, this is a fantastic platform for encouraging more people to get out and experience the Trail. You can find out more here: Munda Biddi Adventure Cycling Series
Trails Forum Reminder
The WA Trails Forum 2024 is just a week away on Friday 19 April at the Armadale District Hall. This year’s forum will focus on the strategic priorities of Aboriginal engagement, trails governance, trail tourism, and sustainable trail development. Not only is this a great opportunity for professional development, its also a great forum for networking with other key industry stakeholders with a sundowner included to boot. Register before this weekend, or miss out: 2024 WA Trails Forum (dlgsc.wa.gov.au)
T-Class License Waiver
If you’re an operator working in the national parks and hold a “T-Class” license – there’s been some good news for you recently with the State government waiving the fees associated with park access. You can find out more here: Fee waiver to support tourism operators in WA’s national parks | Western Australian Government. Commercial operations licensing | Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
Better Play Spaces Workshop
Next month the teams as Kings Park, Nature Play and Educated by Nature are hosting a workshop focused on designing and activating spaces for young children.
The workshop is designed for planners, landscape architects and anyone who designs spaces for kids and comes in response to an overwhelming demand for information and best practice advice in the area. Of interest? Find out more here: Design, consultation and risk: better play spaces workshop | Humanitix
International Women’s Day
Last month saw a lot of celebrations for International Women’s Day. And we think the Outdoors Industry might very well have a claim to having the best representation of women in leadership roles in Australia! Courtesy of Minister Templeman, the Minister for the Sport and Recreation, we were able to gather together just a small selection of outstanding leaders in our industry. Plans are now also afoot to establish a Women of Recreation Network.