Five Years of Adventure and Advocacy at Outdoors NSW & ACT: A Journey of Growth and Learning

Celebrating a Milestone with ONSWACT

Five years ago, (the day of Covid lockdown, 23 March 2020) I embarked on a journey with Outdoors NSW & ACT, filled with aspirations to foster a thriving outdoor community and enhance the sustainability of the organisation that helps to lead the outdoor industry across NSW and the ACT. As I mark this significant anniversary, it's a great opportunity not only to look back at what has achieved but also to reflect on the personal and collective growth I've experienced along the way.

Achievements

Since 2020, we've launched several pivotal initiatives that have profoundly impacted our community and the industry. The Active Outdoor Kids program confirmed that our youth believe that they have no other option to be active unless they like sport, but it also opened doors for our youth to see opportunities to connect and have fun in the outdoors. The programs outcome report will help to improve opportunities for our youth. The Pinnacle Leadership Program has been a cornerstone project, shaping future female leaders and pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve when we suport one another. Our first ever MTB Symposium was a critical forum for stakeholders across the mountain biking sphere, facilitating invaluable knowledge exchange and collaboration.

And it is the regular events in our Connect & Shares, MasterClasses and Summits that continue to provide important platforms for conversations that continue to build our industry and get more people outdoors more often.

We've also navigated substantial challenges, such as return to activity after Covid-19, advocating for recognition of our industry and qualifications in government and managing land closures and regulations, all of which have tested our resilience and sharpened our strategies. These experiences have not only taught us about perseverance but also highlighted the importance of our advocacy efforts in shaping policy and public opinion.

Lessons Learned on Leadership and Collaboration

Through roles ranging from project management to strategic planning, I've learned that true leadership is about more than steering projects—it's about inspiring people and cultivating an environment where innovative ideas can flourish. Thus empowering people to make the change worth making. I've also discovered that one of our greatest strengths lies in our ability to collaborate across various sectors and disciplines. This collaborative spirit has been crucial in overcoming some of the complex challenges we've faced, proving that together, we can achieve extraordinary things. I have been so privileged to work with our 52 volunteers on the key outdoor areas of need through our board and committees and Im excited about what we will continue to achieve.

Looking ahead, I am excited about the opportunities that lie before us. With our strategic plan about to be released for 2025–2028, we are poised to continue expanding our impact, advocating for our community, and enhancing the natural and cultural heritage that makes our regions so unique.

As I celebrate this milestone, I encourage each of you to reflect on your own past five years. A crucial timeframe that commenced with 'unprecedented times' then continue to challenge our ability to pivot, change, adapt and adopt. Change is still our constant.

What have you achieved? What lessons have you learned? How have you grown? I invite you to share your stories.

I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to lead this amazing industry in NSW & ACT and thank the industry for their ongoing support, dedication, and passion they put into the outdoros! Here's to continuing our adventure together, with the same spirit and commitment that have brought us this far.

Lori Modde

CEO