Summit Success: Reflections from the NSW & ACT Outdoors Industry Summit

The outdoor industry in Australia is evolving rapidly, shaped by changing demands, emerging opportunities, and persistent challenges. This illuminating episode unpacks the findings from the 2025 NSW-ACT Outdoors Industry Summit and Census, revealing critical insights for all outdoor professionals.

Our deep dive into the latest industry data shows outdoor education remains the backbone of the sector, but its dominance is gradually shifting as adventure tourism and nature therapy gain momentum. Perhaps most telling is the rise of nature play, which is now nearly equal to traditional rock and rope activities and has surpassed challenge courses—a remarkable shift from industry norms of just two decades ago. The growing demand for First Nations cultural experiences represents one of our greatest opportunities, though offerings remain limited.

The workforce landscape presents both promise and concern. Despite increasing participation and demand, the industry faces significant staffing challenges, with organizations doing more with less. A 16% staff turnover rate, combined with the capacity to immediately employ 14,000 qualified workers, highlights the tension between opportunity and constraint. Most concerning is the dramatic drop in our Net Promoter Score from 33 to just 16—matching utility companies and potentially undermining recruitment efforts before they begin. Meanwhile, operational costs remain the primary limiting factor for growth, followed closely by workforce shortages and land access challenges.

From the launch of the Mountain Biking Manifesto to the graduation of our first Pinnacle Leadership Program cohort, from celebrating outstanding practitioners to announcing exciting professional development opportunities, this episode offers a comprehensive view of where we stand and where we're headed. Whether you're a seasoned outdoor professional or considering entering the field, these insights will help you navigate the changing landscape of outdoor education and recreation in Australia. Join us as we continue building a more inclusive, sustainable, and impactful outdoor industry together.

Chapters

• 0:00 Welcome and Summit Recap
• 6:52 Census Data and Industry Trends
• 15:05 Awards and Member Recognition
• 23:22 Industry Updates and Announcements
• 26:45 Upcoming Professional Development Opportunities
• 31:10 Cultural Awareness Programs