SUMMIT SHAPES THE FUTURE OF THE OUTDOORS

Ky Furneaux, Outdoors NSW & ACT Ambassador, began her career as an outdoor education teacher but has since surpassed her own expectations. She stated, “If I hadn’t experienced outdoor education at the start of my journey, I wouldn’t be where I am today. There are immense opportunities for young people and career seekers to balance a fulflling career with a connection to the outdoors, where they constantly feel invigorated and alive.”

Today, Outdoors NSW & ACT, along with 180 stakeholders, convened at Lennox Head to address the challenges facing the industry and pave the way for a more prosperous future, not only for industry participants but for the entire community. Outdoor recreation and education have been proven to offer tremendous benefts to participants. These benefts range from the healing effects of connecting with nature to physical exercise, social interaction, and the development of skills that cannot be acquired within a classroom setting. The Summit attendees, who witness these results frsthand, are perplexed by the challenges confronting the industry.

Distinguished author, speaker, futurist, and researcher, Mark

McCrindle from McCrindle Research, was among the participants. He set the stage by discussing the demands that education, businesses, and organizations face in light of the changes brought about by Generation Alpha.

According to Mark McCrindle, “The emerging generation of high school students (Generation Alpha) will need to be adaptive, resilient, and lifelong learners, as they are projected to have an average of 18 different employers across 6 separate careers in their lifetime.” Mark highlighted that Generation Alpha will not only be Australia’s largest generation but also the most formally educated, technologically supplied, globally connected, and socially mobile generation ever, as mentioned in his latest book, “Generation Alpha.” However, the most signifcant long-term threat to this generation is mental health conditions, as already indicated in the ABS Census 2021.

Nature therapists present at the Summit emphasized the visibility of the mental health epidemic and their daily efforts to address it. They were joined by providers of activities that offer an antidote to mental health challenges. School Camps, Duke of Edinburgh Award, Leadership Camps, and other programs have consistently demonstrated improvements in mental health and well-being. The question arises: why doesn’t every child have access to these opportunities?

Mark McCrindle further quoted, “Two- thirds of teachers state that it is most important for schools to focus on the holistic development of children rather than just academic results.” Considering this, why isn’t outdoor education prioritized when it can fulfll many students’ needs and contribute to their overall health?

Lori Modde, CEO of Outdoors NSW & ACT, and the host of the Summit, emphasized the need for collaboration with stakeholders to address these issues and forge a path toward resolution. “It is increasingly alarming that outdoor experiences remain limited to privileged students due to their inclusion in private school planning, yet public schools are increasingly deprioritizing outdoor education. We are aware of its potential benefts for our children.”

Ky, who received the Stunt Woman of the Year award, has worked as a stunt double for actors like Anne Hathaway and Sharon Stone in the American flm scene.

As the world’s most published adventurer, she recently released her book ‘Survive.’ Her message to today’s youth is simple: “Connect with the outdoors for your health and lifestyle, and you may discover an amazing career as well.”

Dr Phil Hamdorf, President of Outdoors NSW & ACT, highlighted the industry’s pressing need for job positions to be flled within the next three years as the industry recovers from the impact of COVID-19. Following a recent survey conducted by the organisation they now know how serious this problem is. “Due to the majority of staff being international skilled visa holders prior to COVID-19, the industry is currently facing a shortage of 3,360 positions in NSW & ACT alone, with an additional 11,760 needed in the next three years” says Phil.

“People are not aware of the opportunities in an outdoor career, and we are collaborating with schools across the state to present the outdoors as a viable option for those who do not wish to work behind a desk,” the CEO emphasized.

According to the McCrindle Education Report, “Five of the six biggest challenges for students today are related to social cohesion, mental wellbeing, managing stress, and pressure.” If outdoor activities can address many of these challenges and potentially attract new career seekers to the industry, it represents a win-win situation. The Outdoor Industry Summit will now combine strategy and action to turn these solutions into reality. The Outdoor Summit also addressed training and qualifcation needs, the impact of climate change on the industry, best practice risk management, and maximizing networks and collaboration with stakeholders.