Outdoors Sector News – September 2025 Newsletter
Welcome to our September 2025 Newsletter!
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September Newsletter 2025
Outdoors Victoria News | Outdoors Sector News
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From the CEO
As the umbrella peak body for Outdoor Education and Recreation, OV gets involved where needed to make a positive impact. Many of you know about our 6+ years of significant contribution in the climbing space, and we’re now also supporting the Mountain Bike sector—focusing on the sustainability of MTB trails in Victoria.
Our first step is partnering with Parks and Leisure Australia, Box Hill TAFE, Blue Sky Trails, and working alongside national MTB peak body AusCycling to bring together Public Land Managers, MTB Club Committee members, MTB businesses, and LGAs at the 2025 MTB Summit. The event will address the sustainability of MTB trails in Victoria and takes place on 8 October 2025 at Box Hill TAFE’s Lilydale campus.
👉 Please share this link with anyone in your networks working in LGAs (Recreation area) or on an MTB Club committee: https://parksleisure.com.au/event/victorian-sustainable-mountain-bike-trails-summit/
We’ll keep you updated as this important work continues.
Andrew Knight
CEO
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You can now book T4 Professional Development Sessions
- 21st Oct | ONLINE 4-5pm | Crucial Conversations: Debriefing, delivering Feedback to support a healthy team culture – Tintin Bangalore
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Do you recruit, on board & train or mentor staff-but don’t have formal HR training? If yes, this session is for you:
28th Oct | ONLINE 4-5pm | Recruitment & Retention: Practical hints & tips for helping recruit and retain great talent– Sandee Harris & Matilda Hubbard
———————————————— - 4th Nov | ONLINE 4-5pm | Diabetes management in the field– Adam Kershaw
- 11th Nov | 4-5pm | Indigenous leadership in place-based learning – Lachlan Saunders
We’re excited to share our new Careers Portal, a one-stop space to explore outdoor jobs and volunteer opportunities. Whether you’re looking for your first role, a new career pathway, or a chance to give back through volunteering, you’ll find plenty of options here.
On this page, you’ll find:
✅ Current vacancies from our Affiliate Supporters – who can promote their roles with us for free.
✅ Volunteer opportunities across Victoria and beyond.
✅ Links to national and international outdoor job boards, including:Our goal is to make it easier for people to connect with opportunities that grow careers and strengthen the outdoors sector.
👉 Explore available jobs in the outdoors here: https://www.outdoorsvictoria.org.au/careers-in-the-outdoors/outdoor-jobs/
If you weren’t able to join the last Sector Forum, you can catch up via the recording. These forums are a great opportunity to hear the latest updates from OV, connect with others in the sector, and share what’s happening in your own space.
Register for the next Forum: Tuesday, November 18th at 10:00 am: https://www.outdoorsvictoria.org.au/news-events/outdoors-sector-forums/
As part of this project, we’re putting out a call for any existing resources from within your organisation that you’d be willing to share. In particular, we’d love to hear about the things you’re doing really well that others in our sector could learn from and implement.
We’re especially interested in:
- Gear retirement and second-life initiatives
- Reduce, reuse, recycle practices
- Carbon footprint reduction strategies
- Any other sustainability resources or success stories
If you have resources to share, or would be open to working with us to create a case study, we’d love to hear from you.
Please email: maddy.b@outdoorsvictoria.org.au
Example Case studies:
Welcome to our new Affiliate Supporters!
- Emily Radford (Student)
- Corey Versteegen (Teacher)
- Belgrave Heights Christian School (School)
- Warakirri College (School)
- Donvale Christian College (School)
- Rebecca Andrews (Individual)
- Saint Ignatius College Geelong (School)
- Andrew Read (Teacher)
- Teneille Collins (student)
Join Us!
- 🎉 New to OV? Sign up here
- 🔄 Renewing Affiliate? You should’ve received an email with your renewal link.
Didn’t get it? Please contact us at info@outdoorsvictoria.org.au rather than submitting a new form.
*All Affiliate Supporters are on a universal 12 month renewal cycle which resets on 1st July each year.
Thanks for staying connected with the OV community!ca
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Attention: MTB Club Committees and LGA Recreation Co-ordinators and Planners
Be part of a pivotal moment in the future of mountain biking in Victoria.
Join PLAvictoria, OutdoorsVic, and Blue Sky Trails for the inaugural Victorian Sustainable Mountain Bike Trails Summit.
This landmark event, supported by AusCycling, will bring together public land managers, trail advocates, industry leaders, and MTB Club Committee members to shape the future of Victoria’s mountain bike trails.
Why This Summit Matters
Victoria’s trail networks are under growing pressure from increased use and changing environmental and legislative conditions. Now is the time to take a collaborative, strategic look at how we plan, manage, and sustain trails as valuable assets.
The summit will focus on:
- Exploring ways to support existing Victorian MTB trails and ensure their long-term sustainability
- Strategic and policy considerations including insurance, shaping the future of the sector
- Sustainable operating models that support environmental resilience and community engagement
- Dirt jumps in LGAs
- Governance and management structures that balance risk, data, and public benefit
Whether you’re a land manager, council officer, trail builder, club committee member, or policy maker, if mountain biking intersects with your work or lifestyle, this Summit is your chance to engage deeply and help lead a shift toward a sustainable future.
Book here and more to come soon on Presenters and Workshops on PLA’s website: Victorian Sustainable MTB Trails Summit
Join the Mental Health Awareness Ride!
This free community event is an initiative of teenagers from the On Track program, supported by Edmund Rice Community Services. Their goal: to help break the stigma around mental health. 
It’s a group challenge – every kilometre counts towards the total. Let’s smash last year’s record!
Bring your bike or borrow one on the day (book at registration).
Enjoy a shared lunch after the ride.
Register here 
https://events.humanitix.com/mental-health-awareness-ride…
Work Where You Play – Careers in the Outdoors jobs briefing
You’re invited to a special webinar designed for professionals who support career development and employment pathways.
- This session will spotlight the thriving outdoor industry – from adventure tourism and conservation, to outdoor education and recreation services.
- Find out more about the Outdoor industry career pathways and resources to help guide clients into meaningful outdoor careers
- Gain perspectives from professionals working in the field and information on current job opportunities.
This event has lots of great presenters from the Outdoors peak bodies, plus employers to provide an overview of the jobs and careers available.
Please note – this briefing is only suitable for Employment Services Providers, Careers Advisors or similar supports – it is not suitable for job seekers.
Date: Thursday, 18 September 2025
Time: 12:00 – 1:00 PM AEST
Location: Online via Microsoft Teams – Register Now!*
We look forward to having you join us!
For more information contact Sandee Harris, Employer Liaison Officer via email: Engagement@dewr.gov.au
Outdoors Victoria is excited to share the launch of the National Adventure Workforce Working Group, a collaborative initiative that brings together the Outdoor Council of Australia, state and territory peak bodies (including ourselves at Outdoors Victoria), the Australian Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, and other key industry stakeholders. Together, we are working to strengthen and expand career opportunities within the sector.
To raise awareness of the rewarding career pathways available, October will be dedicated to careers in the outdoors, under the banner of “Outdoors October.”
As part of this initiative, an online event for careers advisors and employment service providers will highlight the breadth of opportunities within the adventure workforce. This will be a valuable chance for organisations across the sector to showcase their work and the exciting roles they can offer.
There will also be opportunities for outdoor operators to host or contribute to events that promote jobs in the outdoors.
We encourage all of our supporters, partners, and operators here in Victoria to get involved by promoting your jobs and career pathways during Outdoors October. By participating, you’ll not only help attract passionate new people into your organisation but also contribute to building a strong, vibrant future for the outdoor and adventure workforce.
Express your interest here: https://www.outdoorcouncilaustralia.com/outdoorsoctober
The ACA and Sport and Recreation Victoria as members of the Advisory Group, have made us aware that following draft Standards in the AS 2316 Artificial Climbing Structures and Challenge Courses series are now open for Public Comment until 29 September 2025:
The Public Comment period is a key part of the Standards development process, providing an opportunity for anyone to contribute feedback on draft publications.
All eligible comments submitted during this period will be reviewed and addressed by the relevant Technical Committee.
Important Notes
- Access to draft Standards is only available during the Public Comment period.
- Comments must be submitted via the Public Comment platform.
- Each comment must be linked to a registered account to ensure responses are directed appropriately.
How to Access and Submit Comments
1 – Register or Log In
Visit comment.standards.org.au to register for an account, or log in.
2 – Search for the Draft
Enter the publication designation (e.g. 2316) in the search bar to locate the relevant drafts.
3 – Submit Your Feedback
Choose one of the following options:
· Individual Comments: Submit comments section-by-section, selecting the type (General, Editorial, Technical). You may attach supporting documents.
4 – Bulk Upload: Use the attached commenting template to prepare your feedback. Upload via Options > Upload Multiple Comments.
5 – Support Resources
Help guides and instructional videos are available via the Help menu at the top of the Public Comment platform. Help guide can be found here.
Account and Submission Guidance
- Each account is linked to a single individual to ensure proper notification and response handling.
- Organisations may nominate one person to submit comments on their behalf. All responses will be sent to the email address associated with the submitting account.
Need Help?
If you encounter any issues accessing the platform or submitting comments, please contact the Customer Success team via:
Email: success@standards.org.au
In 2021 the government announced that it would create 3 national parks, 2 conservation parks, and 7 new and expanded regional parks in the state’s central west – this includes the Wombat-Lerderderg National Park covering more than 44,000 hectares between Daylesford and Bacchus Marsh.
The parks will protect important, connected habitat which will benefit many of Victoria’s threatened species, while ensuring that opportunities for all existing recreational activities are supported across the region.
The Victorian Government is creating the new parks in accordance with its response to the Victorian Environmental Assessment Council’s (VEAC’s) Central West Investigation Final Report.
Legislation to create the first 6 parks was introduced into parliament on 10 September 2025. This comprises the Wombat-Lerderderg, Pyrenees and Mount Buangor national parks, the Cobaw and Hepburn conservation parks, and an addition to the existing Bendigo Regional Park. The parks are expected to be created by October 2026, at the latest.
These parks are being created on the Countries of the Dja Dja Wurrung, Eastern Maar, Wadawurrung, Wurundjeri and Taungurung peoples.
…Read more here: https://www.forestsandreserves.vic.gov.au/land-management/managing-crown-land/victorian-environment-assessment-council/new-parks-central-west-victoria
As you are aware, from Monday, 1 September machetes are classified as a prohibited weapon under Victoria’s Control of Weapons laws. It is now illegal to own, use, carry, transport, sell and buy machetes in Victoria, unless you are covered by an exemption or hold a valid approval.
To support this change and enable the safe disposal of machetes, a Machete Amnesty will also run from today 1 September until 30 November 2025.
More information
For further information on the machete ban, please visit the Victorian Government Machete Ban website https://www.vic.gov.au/machete-ban. The site provides up-to-date information on:
- exemptions and approvals
- machete amnesty arrangements
- location of machete safe disposal bins
- information and obligations for retailers
- penalties for non-compliance.
Thank you again for your continued support and cooperation.
Department of Justice and Community Safety
The Get Active Kids Voucher Program has already helped almost 190,000 Victorian children get involved in sport and active recreation. Now is your chance to get involved by registering your club, association or organisation as an Activity Provider.
Registered providers can accept vouchers of up to $200 from eligible families, helping cover the cost of memberships, uniforms and sporting equipment. The program removes upfront costs for families and ensures more kids can enjoy the benefits of sport and recreation.
To be eligible, organisations must be affiliated with a recognised State Sporting Association; State Sport and Active Recreation Body; or one of the following organisations:
- Ausdance
- Australian National Drag Racing Association
- Calisthenics Victoria
- Girl Guides Victoria
- Karting Victoria
- Scouts Victoria
Registrations close 12.00pm, Wednesday 1 October 2025
Join Jobs and Skills Australia for the “Our Gen AI Transition” webinar on the Wednesday 17 September, starting at 2:30 (AEST).
Australia is at the beginning of an exciting evolution, and we must ensure we bring our people with us, through upskilling, training and capacity building.
In this 1-hour session, hear how Gen AI is starting to reshape the world of work from JSA Commissioner, Professor Barney Glover, JSA Assistant Secretary of Workforce Futures Bjorn Jarvis and our Gen AI Study leads Hudan Nuch and Ishita Acharyya.
Our experts will present findings from the recently released report Our Gen AI Transition – Implications for Work and Skills, followed by an opportunity to ask your questions.
For more information, explore the full Our Gen AI Transition – Implications for Work and Skills report and the recently published supporting material.
