October 24, 2024
The Outdoor Council of Australia (OCA) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on the 24 October 2024, where members from across the outdoor sector gathered to review the year’s achievements, examine audited financials, and elect the organisation’s new leaders.
Outgoing Chair Graeme Janes remarked on the organisation’s progress, saying, “I am immensely proud of what OCA has achieved over the past year, including the successful application for funding to update the Australian Adventure Activity Standards. This work is crucial to our members, and although I will be still involved, I look forward to seeing OCA continue to thrive under new leadership.”
Neil Le Febvre, CEO of Outdoors WA, was elected as the new Chair of OCA, succeeding Graeme Janes, CEO of Christian Venues Association, who has served the Council with dedication. Joining Neil on the Board are four appointed directors, representing a broad spectrum of expertise within the outdoor industry: Lori Modde, CEO of Outdoors NSW & ACT; Andrew Knight, CEO of Outdoors Victoria; Dr. David Hills, Director of Outdoors Queensland; and Graeme Janes.
In addition to the Board appointments, OCA announced the members for its Member Forum representatives, approved during the meeting. These representatives, set to convene quarterly starting in early 2025, will bring valuable insights and diverse perspectives to the organization. The representatives are:
· Michael Seccomb (Representative, Outdoors SA)
· Parrish Hull (Representative, Scouts Australia)
· Dom Courtney (CEO, Outdoors Queensland)
· Katie Brown (Chair, Outdoors WA)
· Richard Thornton (Chair, Outdoors Victoria)
· Peter McDougall (CEO, Australian Camps Association)
· Brendon Munge (Board Member, Outdoor Education Australia)
· Catherine Shaw (Director, Outdoors NSW & ACT)
· Rebecca Harth (Director, Outdoor Health Australia)
· Scott Polley (Board Member, Nature-Based Outdoor Network South Australia)
Reflecting on his appointment, new Chair Neil La Febvre stated, “It’s an honour to step into this role and collaborate with such a dedicated Board and Member Forum. Together, we aim to further strengthen the outdoor industry’s impact, advocate for our members, and ensure our community’s resilience in an ever-evolving landscape.”
Might be close to the time where we need to seriously look to what other key industry stakeholders should be a part of the Members Forum or be able to be voting members of the OCA in some other way - National Outdoor Activity Peaks such as caving, paddling etc must be included in future and we should also consider how others, including key industry businesses might participate as well. David Chitty