The National Outdoor Education Conference (NOEC) 2024, hosted at Federation University’s Gippsland Campus from December 4th to 6th, brought nearly 600 professionals together to celebrate the diversity and impact of outdoor education on Australia’s young people. As the largest NOEC event to date, it was a resounding success, showcasing the remarkable achievements of the sector while also underscoring an important takeaway: Outdoor education is life changing for students’ mental health and wellbeing, and the transformative value of outdoor education can be amplified through collaboration.
Just one week after the Federal Parliament passed a ban on social media to reduce the negative mental health and wellbeing harm these platforms have on young people, NOEC 2024 showcased workshops and presentations from across Australia where Outdoor Education was changing the lives of some of Australia’s most vulnerable children. As Peter Kent, President of Outdoor Education Australia, said in his opening address: “More than any other curriculum area, outdoor education has the potential to change the lives of Australian students. It can increase confidence and reduce anxiety; it increases connections reducing a sense of isolation; Through learning and playing in the outdoors students become passionate about life, gaining a layer of protection against depression”.
NOEC brought together representatives of multiple sectors of Australia’s outdoor industry with the passion and energy on display palpable. However, a recurring theme also emerged: the outdoor industry must unify its voice to effectively showcase its collective impact. Sessions such as “Pathways to Outdoor Careers” and “Action on Climate Change” reinforced the need for collaboration across disciplines and organisations. While individual programs and initiatives continue to deliver extraordinary results, the siloed nature of the sector can sometimes hinder its ability to advocate for its transformative power on a broader scale.
A key reform identified is the urgent need for Outdoor Education to finally take its place within the Australian Curriculum. Outdoor Education has been taught in Australian primary and secondary schools for decades. Despite this, the curriculum being delivered is not formally recognised within the Australian Curriculum, leading to inconsistencies in the achievement of student outcomes across Australia. These student learning outcomes are key to many government policy initiatives related to mental health and wellbeing, both of which benefit from young people safely spending time in nature.
The main conference featured a dynamic lineup of keynote speakers and breakout sessions, all celebrating the sector’s ability to foster resilience, community well-being, and deeper connections with the environment. Dr. Benny Wilson, a Jagera man, captivated attendees with his presentation, "Country as Teacher," which encouraged a more profound connection to the land and its stories. Dr. Jeff Jackson provided essential insights into building safety cultures and risk management systems, and Manjul Prateeti inspired audiences with her global perspective on the role of storytelling in outdoor education.
Pre-conference workshops set an inspiring tone, including the Organisational Resilience Workshop, which equipped leaders with the tools needed to navigate crises and build stronger foundations. The Outdoor Health & Bush Adventure Therapy workshop demonstrated the increasing recognition of nature-based therapies in supporting mental health, while the YMCA’s Universal Design Demonstration Days showcased innovations making outdoor activities more accessible and inclusive.
The session on NatCORR developments in weather and incident tracking highlighted how innovative technologies can revolutionise safety in outdoor programs. Similarly, Daniel Burton and Kellie from The Nature School demonstrated how repurposed materials can spark creativity and inspire learning in children. These stories of excellence were shared to empower attendees to drive progress across the sector. “That is the power of NOEC,” said one attendee. “It’s about learning from each other, sharing ideas, and taking what we’ve learned back to our communities to make a difference.”
As Lori Modde, CEO of Outdoors NSW & ACT, noted, “Outdoors NSW & ACT is committed to continuing our progress in collaboration at the state and territory level and at the federal level through our membership with Outdoor Education Australia and our seat on the board of the Outdoor Council of Australia. As we approach the federal election, this is a pivotal time to unite behind a collective vision for the outdoor industry.”
The conference concluded on a high note, leaving attendees inspired and ready to take action. Outdoors NSW & ACT congratulated Outdoor Education Australia and Outdoors Victoria for their efforts in delivering such an impactful event. “We know outdoor education creates healthier, more connected, and more resilient communities,” Lori added. “We just need to say it together, say it often, use a shared language, and continue sharing innovation to keep striving for better.”
NOEC 2024 proved to be not just a celebration of what outdoor education has achieved but a call to action for what it can become. By uniting behind a shared vision and embracing collaboration, the sector can amplify its voice and continue making a profound difference in the lives of individuals and communities.
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