<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[Outdoor Council of Australia]]></title><description><![CDATA[OCA]]></description><link>https://www.outdoorcouncilaustralia.com/resources</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Mon, 10 Aug 2026 04:58:00 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.outdoorcouncilaustralia.com/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[The AAAS Review Is Open for Feedback — Have Your Say Before 31 July]]></title><description><![CDATA[After more than twelve months of an extensive consultation process for the Australian Adventure Activity Standards (AAAS) and Good Practice Guides (GPGs), the draft documents are now open for public feedback. The consultation window closes on 31 July 2026 — and this is your last, best chance to shape the framework before the final documents are released in September. Why this review matters The AAAS exists because the outdoor sector built it — and it only stays relevant if the sector keeps...]]></description><link>https://www.outdoorcouncilaustralia.com/post/the-aaas-review-is-open-for-feedback-have-your-say-before-31-july</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a62ee26424f5a9980a6e0b0</guid><pubDate>Fri, 24 Jul 2026 04:49:58 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/51f01e_e2a05cc346cd4204a72e28cfca890f0a~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Lori Modde</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Make Your Occupation Count This Census Night]]></title><description><![CDATA[Census night is Tuesday 11 August 2026 — and for the first time, the outdoor sector will truly be counted. For years, outdoor leaders, guides and instructors have been invisible in Australia's national workforce data. When Census forms asked what we did for a living, our answers were swept into generic categories that told governments nothing about who we are or how many of us there are. That changes this year. The 2026 Census is the first coded to the new Occupation Standard Classification...]]></description><link>https://www.outdoorcouncilaustralia.com/post/make-your-occupation-count-this-census-night</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a62a13a59dc3f2805c3e8c1</guid><pubDate>Thu, 23 Jul 2026 23:26:46 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/51f01e_c820fd15f0084de6accfb480d82416e2~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_940,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Lori Modde</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[New PhD Scholarship to Strengthen Risk Learning Across the Outdoor Sector]]></title><description><![CDATA[A new PhD scholarship through the University of the Sunshine Coast is offering an important opportunity to strengthen how safety-critical sectors, including outdoor education and outdoor leisure, identify, manage and learn from risk. The scholarship, Applying and validating the digital Net-HARMS platform, is being offered through UniSC’s Centre for Human Factors and Systems Science. The research will focus on testing and extending a new systems thinking-based digital tool that integrates risk...]]></description><link>https://www.outdoorcouncilaustralia.com/post/new-phd-scholarship-to-strengthen-risk-learning-across-the-outdoor-sector</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a4742af58a63f48b07585bd</guid><pubDate>Fri, 03 Jul 2026 05:09:44 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Lori Modde</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Draft Australian Adventure Activity Standard released for industry consultation]]></title><description><![CDATA[MEDIA RELEASE - 3 July 2026 The Outdoor Council of Australia has released the Draft Australian Adventure Activity Standard and Good Practice Guides for industry consultation, marking a major milestone in the national review of the framework that supports safe, responsible and sustainable led outdoor adventure activity delivery across Australia. Consultation opens on 3 July 2026 and closes on 31 July 2026. Outdoor education providers, adventure tourism operators, outdoor recreation...]]></description><link>https://www.outdoorcouncilaustralia.com/post/draft-australian-adventure-activity-standard-released-for-industry-consultation</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a4655637b6f361b1f31a522</guid><pubDate>Thu, 02 Jul 2026 12:25:24 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/51f01e_e2a05cc346cd4204a72e28cfca890f0a~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Lori Modde</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Insights from the June OCA Member Forum]]></title><description><![CDATA[The outdoor industry is currently navigating an important period of change, with national conversations focused on standards, safety data, advocacy, and collaboration. The June Outdoor Council of Australia (OCA) Member Forum highlighted the breadth of work underway to strengthen the outdoor sector and ensure more Australians can access outdoor experiences safely, responsibly and more often. The forum provided members with an update on OCA’s current priorities, progress and upcoming governance...]]></description><link>https://www.outdoorcouncilaustralia.com/post/insights-from-the-june-oca-member-forum</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a365c7554e5b3c11072d5ac</guid><pubDate>Sat, 20 Jun 2026 09:54:53 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/51f01e_24d1c29caa2c465ebabe8ee67b966b92~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Lori Modde</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Powerful Images Inspire Australians to Get Outdoors Safely]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Outdoor Council of Australia (OCA), in support of Cancer Council NSW, is proud to announce the winners of the recent outdoor industry photo project, celebrating the many ways Australians connect with nature while highlighting the importance of being sun safe outdoors. The competition, run by Cancer Council NSW, invited the outdoor industry to submit images that showcase the joy, diversity and benefits of outdoor participation across Australia. From bushwalking and paddling to camping,...]]></description><link>https://www.outdoorcouncilaustralia.com/post/powerful-images-inspire-australians-to-get-outdoors-safely</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a0ba48e2fd8b3b696975fb6</guid><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2026 23:45:24 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/51f01e_2d552a61ef7245f78d1c801742374a76~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Lori Modde</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Federal Budget 2026–27: Australia cannot afford to remain reactive about health and wellbeing]]></title><description><![CDATA[The release of the 2026–27 Federal Budget has once again highlighted a growing disconnect in national policy discussions around health, participation and community wellbeing. While the Outdoor Council of Australia (OCA) welcomes aspects of the Budget that support active transport, regional participation and infrastructure investment, the Outdoor Industry remains largely overlooked despite the enormous role it already plays in improving the health, resilience and wellbeing of Australians....]]></description><link>https://www.outdoorcouncilaustralia.com/post/federal-budget-2026-27-australia-cannot-afford-to-remain-reactive-about-health-and-wellbeing</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a03c98b618ba45174fde8d1</guid><pubDate>Wed, 13 May 2026 01:42:59 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_a40fc8773f1d44b1a1086a1d75c5e086~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Lori Modde</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Snow industry comes together to shape a stronger,more sustainable future]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Outdoor Council of Australia has congratulated Snow Resorts Australia on bringing the snow industry together through the 2026 Snow Summit, creating an important opportunity for industry leaders, operators and stakeholders to discuss the future of Australia’s alpine and snow experience. The Snow Summit provided a timely platform for honest and constructive discussion about the challenges, opportunities and shared priorities facing the snow industry, from affordability and workforce...]]></description><link>https://www.outdoorcouncilaustralia.com/post/snow-industry-comes-together-to-shape-a-stronger-more-sustainable-future</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69fdc6ed5bf92805eb5f4890</guid><pubDate>Fri, 08 May 2026 11:30:02 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/51f01e_2abecf76f0b843c8b8d24ec30ccd8ccb~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Lori Modde</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Snow Resorts Australia joins Outdoor Council of Australia, strengthening national Outdoor Industry voice]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Outdoor Council of Australia welcomes Snow Resorts Australia as a national member, recognising the important role alpine resorts play across outdoor recreation, outdoor education and adventure tourism. The Outdoor Council of Australia (OCA) is pleased to welcome Snow Resorts Australia as a member, further strengthening the national voice for the Outdoor Industry. Snow Resorts Australia is the collective voice of Australia’s alpine resorts, representing commercial snow resort operators and...]]></description><link>https://www.outdoorcouncilaustralia.com/post/snow-resorts-australia-joins-outdoor-council-of-australia-strengthening-national-outdoor-industry-v</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69f32cd73e77ce9ce8a4f71c</guid><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 23:06:22 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/51f01e_bdb22277852f446db9584ce21ddddb55~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Lori Modde</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Outdoor Council of Australia Releases Snow Activities Guidance Note to Support Safer Alpine Participation]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Outdoor Council of Australia (OCA) has released a new Snow Activities Guidance Note to support the outdoor industry in planning and delivering safer, well-managed snow-based experiences during the 2026 winter season. The Guidance Note has been developed as an interim resource for providers, educators, land managers and outdoor leaders working in alpine and snow environments, while a full Snow Activities Good Practice Guide will involve a broader industry consultation for release in 2027....]]></description><link>https://www.outdoorcouncilaustralia.com/post/outdoor-council-of-australia-releases-snow-activities-guidance-note-to-support-safer-alpine-particip</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69f44a4590b4365cb85f4e54</guid><pubDate>Fri, 01 May 2026 06:57:31 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/51f01e_f83fa58437414d2caafa0e086f37ea59~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Lori Modde</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Outdoor Council of Australia Welcomes Release of Outdoor Industry Standards Curated Set]]></title><description><![CDATA[MEDIA RELEASE 9 April 2026 The Outdoor Council of Australia (OCA) has welcomed the release of the new  Outdoor Industry Standards Curated Set , a practical new resource that will make it easier for outdoor businesses and organisations to access formal Australian and international standards relevant to their work. The curated set has been developed to support the Outdoor Industry with easier access to standards that underpin quality, consistency and professionalism across a wide range of...]]></description><link>https://www.outdoorcouncilaustralia.com/post/outdoor-council-of-australia-welcomes-release-of-outdoor-industry-standards-curated-set</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69d7559e89f9e676eca33b8c</guid><pubDate>Thu, 09 Apr 2026 07:32:48 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/51f01e_70ac77fe7df34da4a46d94f5f05d0577~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Lori Modde</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[A smarter way to access the Australian Standards FOR THE Outdoor Industry]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Outdoor Council of Australia is pleased to support the launch of the Outdoor Industry Standards Set  — a curated digital subscription that brings together the Australian and international standards  most relevant to the Outdoor Industry. This is an important distinction. The Set is not  the Australian Adventure Activity Standards. The AAAS are industry guidance , developed to support good practice in outdoor adventurous activities. By contrast, the Outdoor Industry Standards Set provides...]]></description><link>https://www.outdoorcouncilaustralia.com/post/a-smarter-way-to-access-the-australian-standards-for-the-outdoor-industry</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69d5a5c433362686b5d70126</guid><pubDate>Wed, 08 Apr 2026 01:23:55 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_0bf3d34a9f1d4708b7c7e70baaff027d~mv2_d_2501_1667_s_2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Lori Modde</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Open Letter: Australia’s $11 Billion Outdoor Industry Cannot Be Overlooked in the Nation’s Fuel Response]]></title><description><![CDATA[To the Australian Government, Policy Makers and Decision-Makers, The Outdoor Council of Australia writes on behalf of our 2,000 organisations  across the country to raise serious concern about the growing impact of Australia’s current fuel situation on the outdoor industry, and the communities, regions and participants who depend on it. Across Australia, the effects are already being felt. Schools are cancelling camps due to increased transport costs. Regional adventure tourism operators are...]]></description><link>https://www.outdoorcouncilaustralia.com/post/open-letter-australia-s-11-billion-outdoor-industry-cannot-be-overlooked-in-the-nation-s-fuel-resp</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69c5d7e3d2e55f64fe0ba735</guid><pubDate>Fri, 27 Mar 2026 01:08:36 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/51f01e_be8ba085b6244b70ab40a4c6d287af5a~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_431,h_369,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Lori Modde</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[OCA Strengthens International Collaboration with Europe and Canada]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Outdoor Council of Australia (OCA) began a collaboration and membership exchange with Europe and Canada’s Outdoor Councils in 2025. After the first 2026 meeting it has been emphasised as an incredibly valuable international discussion focused on the future of the outdoor industry and the shared challenges and opportunities emerging across our regions. While each country and system is different, the conversation reinforced just how much we have in common. Across Australia, Canada and...]]></description><link>https://www.outdoorcouncilaustralia.com/post/oca-strengthens-international-collaboration-with-europe-and-canada</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69b33869ecfce39c49aad4be</guid><pubDate>Thu, 12 Mar 2026 22:05:16 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/51f01e_a95be5294b0c406ea36a6671584863b2~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_473,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Lori Modde</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[AAAS Review Update: Leadership Capability, KSE and What Happens NexT]]></title><description><![CDATA[TL;DR The AAAS review is at a critical point. Industry feedback is being sought on whether leadership capability (including the current VET, Knowledge Skills Experience structure) should be structurally reformed within this review cycle. A national survey is about to be released to test support for change. If endorsed, a revised capability framework will be developed and embedded now. If you work in the Outdoor Industry — education, recreation, tourism or therapy — your input matters....]]></description><link>https://www.outdoorcouncilaustralia.com/post/aaas-review-update-leadership-capability-kse-and-what-happens-next</link><guid isPermaLink="false">699cfab1f1d815afdb214d12</guid><pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 02:33:31 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/51f01e_8c57637332a346ffa8622f2ee283f4e0~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Lori Modde</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Sun Safe Outdoors: Show Us How You Protect Your People Outside and Win!]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Outdoor Council of Australia (OCA) is proud to support the Sun Safe Outdoors Photo Competition  led by Cancer Council NSW - celebrating great outdoor experiences that also demonstrate best‑practice sun protection. Australians love the outdoors, and our industry plays a vital role in getting people active, connected and thriving in nature. But with that comes responsibility. Australia has some of the highest skin cancer rates in the world, with 2 in 3 Australians diagnosed during their...]]></description><link>https://www.outdoorcouncilaustralia.com/post/sun-safe-outdoors-show-us-how-you-protect-your-people-outside-and-win</link><guid isPermaLink="false">698be90e70fb62cf2827de70</guid><pubDate>Sun, 15 Feb 2026 21:00:13 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0ec526343af2ad047400ba093265534c.jpg/v1/fit/w_596,h_375,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Lori Modde</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[AAAS &#38; Good Practice Guides Review: Where We’re Up To and What Comes Next]]></title><description><![CDATA[Over the past 12 months, the Australian Adventure Activity Standards (AAAS) and Good Practice Guides (GPGs) have been undergoing a comprehensive national review — a process grounded in broad sector engagement, technical expertise and real-world application. Led by the Outdoor Council of Australia, the review reflects a simple but critical principle: the AAAS exists because the sector built it, and it remains effective only if the sector continues to shape it. A genuinely sector-led process...]]></description><link>https://www.outdoorcouncilaustralia.com/post/aaas-good-practice-guides-review-where-we-re-up-to-and-what-comes-next</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69845f27889819a51f0bec89</guid><pubDate>Thu, 05 Feb 2026 09:27:41 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_fba16cae23dd4e8683dc6ec57df2fc48~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Lori Modde</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Strengthening the Future of Outdoor Safety: OCA Endorses a New Framework for Expanding the AAAS]]></title><description><![CDATA[This week, the Board of the Outdoor Council of Australia  (OCA) approved an important new framework that will guide how the Australian Adventure Activity Standards  (AAAS) evolves into the future. As outdoor activities continue to diversify and new practices emerge, industry has increasingly looked to the AAAS for guidance. The challenge has been how to respond to this growth without diluting the integrity, consistency and sustainability of the framework. The newly endorsed New Activity...]]></description><link>https://www.outdoorcouncilaustralia.com/post/strengthening-the-future-of-outdoor-safety-oca-endorses-a-new-framework-for-expanding-the-aaas</link><guid isPermaLink="false">697c4e40facc7df23b5ac90c</guid><pubDate>Fri, 30 Jan 2026 06:27:28 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/51f01e_a3d3d4bb89e24e7e9e040d8968334681~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_804,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Lori Modde</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Turning Headlines into Impact: How the Outdoor Industry Can Help Fill the After-School Gap IN 2026]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Outdoor Council of Australia’s recent media release on the role of outdoor activity in a post–social media restriction setting is gaining traction across local news platforms — and that visibility matters. But media coverage alone isn’t enough. To create real change for young Australians, we now need the outdoor industry to help amplify the message and turn attention into action. For the first time in more than a decade, children and young people under 16 are navigating after-school hours...]]></description><link>https://www.outdoorcouncilaustralia.com/post/turning-headlines-into-impact-how-the-outdoor-industry-can-help-fill-the-after-school-gap-in-2026</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69704b258067b29f7ce72aae</guid><pubDate>Wed, 21 Jan 2026 06:27:46 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_459800bc4ab04b57a098c6c25ac90f61~mv2_d_5472_3648_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Lori Modde</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Outdoors in Focus 2026: call for partners]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Outdoor Council of Australia (OCA), in partnership with its national member organisations, is hoping to bring the outdoor industry to the heart of Australia’s political landscape on 3rd March 2026. But to do this, we need the support of our industry, and we are inviting our partners to join with us in putting the Outdoors in Focus. This is a strategic platform to educate, inspire, and forge meaningful relationships with federal decision-makers at a time when the role of outdoor...]]></description><link>https://www.outdoorcouncilaustralia.com/post/outdoors-in-focus-2026-call-for-partners</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6940de9a18c2f6b69b8a44cc</guid><pubDate>Tue, 16 Dec 2025 04:33:26 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/51f01e_b15c3e0e73954b648ab9403703798b9e~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_667,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Lori Modde</dc:creator></item></channel></rss>