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QORF Newsletter - July 2009
In This Issue
 | Message from the CEO | |
Have you considered your nominations? | |
It's Better Outdoors Photography Competition | |
Far North QLD Outdoor Recreation Forum | |
Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Non Trail User Survey NOW OPEN | |
Grants & Funding Opportunities | |
Free Workshop - Grant Writing for Sport Clubs | |
Industrial Relations: Draft Award for Outdoor Recreation & Fair Work Online | |
Kids and Risk | |
E-Petition: Keep our Beaches Free | |
Grow Your Business | |
FREE High Ropes Safety Conference |
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Message from the CEO
The winter months are flying by very warmly, and have provided us with a very mild environment in which to hold the Making Connections Conference. Held at Kindilan Outdoor Education and Conference Centre from July 31 – August 2, this event brought together three organizations as hosts (QORF, ACA, OEAQ), and a range of industry representatives from throughout Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. I sincerely thank all delegates and presenters at this event for their time, knowledge and sharing, and for helping us to create a great atmosphere as people mingled, learned, challenged and collaborated. Kindilan staff looked after us very well and feedback has indicated that the presentations and workshops were well received. Best estimates at the moment indicate there were 125 delegates involved across the weekend making for a great mix of ideas and outcomes. Thanks to all for making this event happen so successfully and we look forward to more collaboration with the industry into the future.
Other updates:
The Adventure Activity Standards are progressing with most Technical Working Groups having agreed these are appropriate documents to indicate minimum guidelines for leading activities with dependent groups. Further negotiation is occurring with two TWG’s as we strive to construct documents that have inclusions that are meaningful for the needs of activity leaders. Most AAS are however progressing through a system of editing (style, not content), and of course will continue to be revised even once they are released.
There is a review currently taking place looking into a proposed Cooloola Recreation Area which would declare the Cooloola section of the Great Sandy National Park, a recreation area. You can access the Regulatory Impact Statement and submit comment at:
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and submissions close on Monday September 7. If you would like to forward your comments to QORF we will also make a submission, informed by your concerns and satisfactions.
I was hosted by locals for a short trip to Townsville in July and spoke with a number of people interested in developing, enhancing and prioritising a Regional Trails Network in the area. Townsville is well placed with a ‘mountains to sea’ environment and good access to diverse environments. Thank you for the opportunity to be part of your planning. Similar to discussions I have had with representatives from the Atherton Region, there is more impetus to drive forward regional thinking in trails development and marketing and the more we can demonstrate to land managers the opportunities, and provide solutions to barriers, the better placed we can be to raise the profile of outdoor recreation in general and the benefits of recreation spaces in particular.
Remember to take some time to fill in a survey on Brisbane Valley Rail Trail. Two surveys: 1. User (if you have used the trail); 2. Non-User (haven’t used the trail, but still have opinions!).
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I would like to take this opportunity to also let you know that we have two new staff starting in the coming weeks. QORF welcome both Mark Squires and Andy Jensen to the Federation.
Enjoy the e-news, enjoy the month of August and I look forward with catching up with more of you in the coming months.
Donna
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Queensland Outdoor Recreation Awards
Have you considered your organisation's awards nominations yet?
The need to raise the profile and gain further recognition for the outdoor industry was a common outcome of discussions at the Making Connections conference over the weekend. The QLD Outdoor Recreation Awards provide us with an opportunity to do this and it's up to each and every organisation, large or small, to play their part by acknowledging the achievements of their staff, volunteers, members or partners.
Remember that nominations close FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 4th so don't wait until the last minute and final reminders - ACT NOW!!!
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It's Better Outdoors Photography Competition
|  | | WIN the latest Digital SLR + Lenses from Nikon Australia |
The Outdoors Queensland Photography Competition is starting to attract some outstanding images, many of which coming from people capturing their adventures which is great to see!
If it's inspiration you need, check out the latest images from our competition ambassador and leading Australian outdoor photographer, Chris Bray.
Please note that we will accept images dating back to August 2008 so your past adventures are eligible!
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Far North QLD Outdoor Recreation Forum
DATE: Saturday August 29th | 9am - 3pm
VENUE: Tropical North Institute of TAFE
What's it all about?
Media, Money & Management
The Queensland Fitness, Sport and Recreation Skills Alliance in partnership with QORF presents an educational forum to address some of the key issues in the far north recreation industry.
For more information download the forum flyer below...
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Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Non Trail User Survey NOW OPEN
Since November 2007, parts of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail (BVRT) have been open for multi-use purposes - walking, mountain biking and horse riding. The BVRT User Survey has been running for a few weeks now & its time to find out the opinion from those who know about the trail but haven’t actually used it.
We are asking you whether/ how you value the BVRT, even though you do not currently use it. With this type of information we are better placed to understand the importance of the trail to the visiting public and local community, what might prevent you from using the trail and the sort of things that might encourage you to use the trail. This information helps to demonstrate whether trails like these are valued and assists with planning for future growth and management.
The Queensland Outdoor Recreation Federation (QORF) and the Department of Infrastructure and Planning (DIP) invite you to participate in the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail (BVRT) Non Trail User Survey.
Please click on the link below to complete the survey...
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We'd also like to advise of the upcoming Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Horse Ride taking place this Sunday, August 9th.
More information is available in the flyer below
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Grants & Funding Opportunities
Gambling Community Benefit Fund (closes 31 August 2009)
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Brisbane City Council Grant Program
Community Grants Program provides funding for local non-profit community groups to improve and develop services within Brisbane. Council is looking to fund projects that achieve one or more of the following criteria:
• develop and improve facilities for community use
• encourage physical activity
• respond to local and city wide community issues
• foster an understanding of Brisbane’s history and cultural heritage
• promote creativity, culture or the arts
• develop the capacity of local community groups to deliver services.
* Environmental Grants Program provides funding for local community-based groups to enhance Brisbane’s sustainability and liveability by addressing local or city wide community environment issues.
* Wildlife Carer Funding Program provides funding for wildlife carers for essential consumables associated with the rescue, rehabilitation and release of native wildlife.
* The Lord Mayor’s Sustainability Grants provides funding for local non-profit community groups to increase the environmental sustainability of the buildings, land and facilities they own or lease, by installing energy saving devices. These may include, but are not limited to:
• solar photovoltaic panels
• solar hot water systems
• heat pump hot water systems or heat exchanges
• insulation purchase and installation.
* Cultivating Community Gardens Grant Program provides funding for local non-profit community-based groups and organisations to establish, develop and maintain community gardens on Council-owned and other land
Close 5pm 7 September 2009.
Follow the below link, then 'Community Support' & 'Grants and awards'
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...other opportunities
- Local Sporting Champions (ongoing) – www.ausport.gov.au
- This year the Northquarter Community Fund’s committee of local leaders will distribute up to $6,000 to local community groups in $250, $500 or $1,000 grants. Close 29 July 09. www.northquarter.com.au
- Moreton Bay Region Community Grants Program. Council’s Community Grants Program has been released and applications are being encouraged from sport and recreation and community organisations. The following categories are available: Community Capacity Building & Development; Community Facilities Development; Interest Free Loans for Community Facilities; Community Events; and Individual Achievement Program. Applications for the first 4 categories close 31 August 2009. Individual Achievement applications are continually accepted. To download the program guidelines and application forms, visit http://www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au then go to “Living” then “Grants & Funding”.
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Free Workshop - Grant Writing for Sport Clubs
Find out what to do and what not to do when submitting grant funding applications! This free workshop is conducted over two sessions and will help you to understand the grant writing process including developing a grants plan, reading and understanding grant guidelines, preparing a grant submission, plus much more!
When: Wednesday 5 & 12 August, 6pm-8pm
Where: Barry Jones Auditorium (40 South Street, Ipswich)
To reserve your place send an email through the link below or phone Council on 07) 3810 6666.
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Industrial Relations: Draft Award for Outdoor Recreation & Fair Work Online
We have been trying to keep you up to date with changes to Work Choices and the Award system. On that basis two items to draw your attention to:
The Draft Award covering outdoor recreation, tour guides and lifeguards can be found at:
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At Fair Work Online (link below) you will find advice about Australia’s new national workplace relations system from the Fair Work Ombudsman.
You’ll also find links to Fair Work Australia - the national workplace relations tribunal.
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Kids and Risk
There has been some attention in the media recently regarding the dangers of NOT letting children play outside, get dirty, or have the chance of getting hurt. Over recent years there have been books on the implications of Nature Deficit and concerns about the dangers of 'bubble wrapping' our children.
Follow the link to read an article that reaffirms that if playgrounds are sterilised, and/or children don't get to experience challenge and some risk, then we are at danger of them having less self confidence and the capacity to make complex decisions.
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E-Petition: Keep our Beaches Free
The State Government announced their proposal to introduce Vehicle Access Permits for the beach south of Middle Rocks (inclusive of Double Island Point and much of Teewah Beach) and the community has rallied to voice their concern over the fees associated with these permits. If you wish to have your say on the proposal, you can do so online via an E-Petition (which opposes the permits). The link is displayed below:
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Grow Your Business
Last month, we announced a new monthly eNews feature - business tips from Andrew Griffiths, an entrepreneur with a real passion for small business and author of "101 Survival Tips".
These survival tips offer a great checklist for any small business owner to ensure they are maximising their business' potential.
Tips for August:
1. Keep your personal business records seperate
2. Find and use a good accountant
3. Know where to get help if you get into financial trouble
4. The real cost of expanding - can you afford it
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FREE High Ropes Safety Conference
Where: Camp Warrawee
When: December 8th-9th 2009
Are you meeting your legal requirements?
What happens if there is a serious incident?
Would your program withstand scrutiny if the unthinkable happens?
These questions and more answered...
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For more information call the camp directly on 07 3882 1436 or email at:
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