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THE LINK - 27 February 2007
Welcome to the first edition of THE LINK for 2007, the newsletter of the Outdoor Recreation Industry Council of NSW. THE LINK aims to bring you professional updates, industry and topical news, information and offers to inform and resource those involved in outdoor recreation and education.
Not only will you find that THE LINK has undergone a face lift .... so also has our website. Although we have more in the website development pipeline, please visit ORIC to see our new look.
In this issue .....
NPWS Review of Licensing System Update (back to topic list)
Many ORIC members participated in the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) review of the licensing system for tour operators and recreational activity providers operating on national parks and reserves. The review seeks to create a licensing system that protects the values of these special places, delivers quality products and visitor experiences and meets the needs of the tourism and recreation sector. Specifically, it aims to create a licensing system that will ensure:
- a more efficient, equitable and simple licensing system;
- improved certainty for industry investment and security;
- higher operating standards;
- ecologically sustainable and culturally appropriate visitor use;
- improved enforcement and compliance; and
- management of all organised groups in an appropriate and equitable manner.
A critical component of the review is consultation with the industry about how the existing licensing system could be improved. The first stage of the consultation process is now complete and consisted of a series of workshops around the state and an on-line survey for all operators
The second stage of consultation involves the release of a Discussion Paper for comment by operators and other interested individuals and organisations. The Discussion Paper will be developed from feedback received at the workshops and will be available shortly. What has been happening over the last couple of months? more
 National Outdoor Leaders Registration Scheme (NOLRS) (back to topic list)
The Outdoor Council of Australia (OCA) has recently made changes to the National Outdoor Leader Registration Scheme (NOLRS). These changes have been made to cater for people's training in other pathways other than the VET system and to widen the range of activities covered by the scheme.
The OCA is seeking feedback on the changes from ORIC members, current NOLRS leaders and other interested leaders involved in the outdoor recreation industry. All documentation is available from the OCA's website, as well as a Feedback Form including contact details. more
 Outdoor Council of Australia 2007 AGM (back to topic list)
The 2007 AGM for the Outdoor Council of Australia will be held via teleconference at 9.00am (EST) on Thursday 29th March 2007. Nomination forms must be returned by the Close of Business on Thursday 8th March 2007. more
Working with Children Check - Victorian Legislative Changes (back to topic list)
All staff working with children need to make sure they have complied with their state's requirements and we should all be committed to a coordinated and comprehensive approach to promoting the protection of children and ensuring that their safety, welfare and wellbeing is maintained at all times. more
In Victoria, the new Working With Children (WWC) Check is being phased in over five years, with different people needing to apply at different times. Non-teaching staff and volunteers working in schools may need to apply for a WWC Check by 30 December 2007, and all staff working with children on overnight camps or outside school hours care, need to apply by June 2007. more
New NSW Govt. Portfolio - Minister for Volunteers (back to topic list)
NSW has a new Minister for Volunteers - Tony Kelly - who says he has plans to increase volunteer numbers among under-represented groups and the general public.
Mr Kelly says encouraging people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to join volunteer groups will increase numbers, raise the profile of volunteer organisations and increase their effectiveness.
Volunteers are the backbone of the community, particularly during times of crisis, and encouraging more poeple to play their part is one of the ways the State Plan sets out to foster greater social harmony, he said.
More than 90,000 people in NSW work as volunteers, in the NSW Rural Fire Service, State Emergency Service, NSW Fire Brigade Community Fire Units, Volunteer Land and Marine Rescue, and other groups.
These volunteers understand that having respect and taking responsibility for the safety of your local community, especially during emergencies and natural distasters, is an essential part of the fabric of our society, Mr Kelly concluded.
 Australian Sports Commission's Disability Education Program (back to topic list)
Run through the NSW Arts Sport & Recreation, the program aims to assist sport and physical activity providers to better include people with a disability in sport and physical activity. Information regarding resources and upcoming workshops are available. more
Sunsafe Campaign Aimed at Trends (back to topic list)
The Federal Government will spend more than $5 million on a campaign to raise the awareness in young people about the danger of sun exposure. According to Health Department figures, the risk of developing a melanoma before the age of 75 is as high as one in 34 for females and one in 25 for males. Australia's chief medical officer, John Horvath, said research had shown that many young people were putting fashion ahead of health. more
Keep the Sting out of Summer (back to topic list)
With summer the peak season for stings and bites, people are being warned to protect themselves against ticks and mosquitoes. NSW Health Minister, John Hatzistergos, says there is a risk of mosquitoes transferring infections such as Ross River Virus and the related Barmah Forest Virus. In 2006 there were more than 1100 reported Ross River cases and 600 Barmah Forest cases in NSW alone. more |
DATE ALERT
2007 ORIC
CONFERENCE
25th & 26th AUGUST
NOVOTEL HOTEL
SYDNEY OLYMPIC PARK
Next ORIC
Peer Recognition Workshop
15th & 16th April 2007
...more on the program or register for workshop
Service Skills Australia is currently seeking to fill the position of
Project Officer -
Sport & Recreation
more
Resources Available
for Purchase
order form available online
Creating Memories for Teens
By Dr Wayne French
This book will help you build into your teens the kind of memories that will propel them into adulthood...more
Available from ORIC for $20.00
Free postage for members
Outdoor and Experiential Learning
..Views from the Top..
Editors Dr T.Dickson,
Dr T.Gray, Dr B.Hayllar
This books gives voice to the diversity of perspectives and practices that exist in
Australia and New Zealand - a result of the editors' professional experiences and professional development .... more
Available from ORIC for $39.95
Free postage for members
The Risk Management Document
Strategies for Risk Management in Outdoor & Experiential Learning
2nd Edition
Edited Tracey Dickson & Margot Tugwell
more
Available from ORIC for $88.00
free postage for members |
© 2007 The Outdoor Recreation Industry Council of NSW