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OV will soon be piloting a “Come and Try” time in nature/parks program. Over the next 8 months, the plan is to deliver 30 half-day programs (with an average of 20 participants) across four Parks Victoria locations.
The selected locations being Yarra Bend, Lysterfield/Chirnside Park, Werribee Park/You Yangs and Grampians/Gariwerd. Our hope and expectation is that the pilot program will demonstrate great benefits and ongoing funding will be available to expand and grow this very exciting initiative.
The project objectives are to:
1. Create more opportunities in nature for groups found to have less access and lower activity levels
2. Reduce barriers for young people to access nature-based settings
3. Parks Victoria and Outdoors Victoria to develop a proof of concept of the initiative, related to its effectiveness
4. Provision of activities that improve opportunities for young people to have meaningful social connections through all aspects of this initiative
5. Provision of a positive experience for young people in parks
The target participants are youth who would not otherwise access active outdoor recreation. Target populations will likely include CALD communities, youth with disabilities, diss-engaged young people and those with mental health challenges. There is an opportunity for OV affiliate members to be part of the program design and delivery. The minimum requirements to partner with OV as a provider will include:
- Being a current OV affiliate member
- PV Licensed Tour Operator
- Appropriate insurance cover
- Fully compliant Child Safety policies and procedures
- Demonstrated experience in working with the target audience
- Capacity to deliver some or all of following activities (in accordance with the AAAS):
- Bushwalking
- Canoeing/kayaking
- Bushcraft/camping
- Cycling and/or mountain biking
- Rock-climbing and abseiling
An online program briefing session will be held at 11.00 a.m. on Thursday August 17th. If you meet the above requirements and are interested in being involved please contact OV’s Manager of Sector Development, Andrew McGuckian on 0448 268 580 or email: ps22projectmanager@outdoorsvictoria.org.au
