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QORF Newsletter - January 2010
In this Issue
January's eNews contains a report from our CEO, Donna Little, and updates on: the QORF AGM; Industry Information Evening; The Great Aussie Camp Out; OD, the new Outdoor Directory; Healthy Parks Healthy People Congress 2010; National Employment Standards (NES); Participate in Research Project; Bunk Bed Standard Follow Up; Cultural Differences Worksho; 2010 Premier's ClimateSmart Sustainability Awards and BCC Grant Application Closing Dates.
READ on the Outdoors Queensland Website
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CEO's Message |  |
Happy New Year!
While the holidays may feel like a distant memory, all of us at QORF hope that you are beginning the new year refreshed and excited about the prospects a fresh start can offer. We hope that you will continue to work with us in 2010 to continue to raise the profile of the outdoors as a positive and relevant aspect of modern life - encouraging more people to safely and sustainably engage with our open spaces and waterways.
While I have no clear news on a release date for the Adventure Activity Standards Qld (AAS), this matter continues on our agenda. The documents have been refined by Sport and Recreation Services who have taken responsibility for editing and publication. To all accounts there is little that remains in the way of their release so we anticipate this will occur shortly. Thank you to all for your patience and for your questions and support in recent months as we have presented workshops on the AAS throughout the state.
On a final note, in the coming weeks we will be making contact with you all in our search to assist the Queensland Government in identifying privately owned freehold that is used for public recreation purposes. We are still refining the scope of this research project with the Department of Infrastructure and Planning, but the outcome will assist in setting a baseline of land that is currently available throughout the state. This is important in providing information to inform the state governments' Q2 Agenda of providing 50% more land for public recreation by 2020. More details to follow ...
Enjoy the opportunities of 2010 - including the chance to attend the AGM ...
Thank you
Donna
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Annual General Meeting | |
It's that time of year again and we'd love to see you!
Please note that there will be an Industry Information Forum prior to the AGM
The AGM will be held at 19:00 on March 11th
QORF
Sports House
150 Caxton Street
Milton QLD 4064
RSVP for attendance by 4th March, please!
Board Member Nominations
All members will have received information by mail on the nomination process.
Nominations close 18th February 2010.
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Industry Information Evening | |
A professional networking opportunity for members of the outdoor recreation community to engage with other providers, participants and land managers
Presenters include:
- Department of Environment and Resource Management/ QPWS: Tourism and Visitor Management
- Sport and Recreation Services, Department of Communities
- Department of Infrastructure and Planning: Resource and Landscape Planning: Outdoor Recreation & Greenspace Strategies
When: March 11, 2010 | 5.00 -7.00pm (before AGM)
Where: Sports House, Milton
Click here to download FLYER
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Great Aussie Camp Out | |
Latest GACO News
- Guides Queensland have new badge designed especially for Guide GACO participants
- QORF CEO Donna Little interviewed about GACO on ABC Radio Hervey Bay
- Nikon Australia sponsoring new Coolpix S220 camera as prize in new GACO Photo Competition
- GACO Queensland now on facebook
- Queenslanders can now go to GACO (Outdoors Queensland) to register
- Heart Foundation is to promote GACO as a healthy and heart friendly event.
- Camping fact sheets are now available on the website under GACO Resources
- The list of campsites and providers available on the website is steadily growing
- Check out the Mary Valley GACO event
GACO has just discovered the following on the DERM website about camping on Fraser Island: smokers please bring small sealable canisters for cigarette butts. A good reminder that we all need to be responsible, tidy campers and to do our best to Leave No Trace of our passing.
Check out GACO (Outdoors Queensland) to find out more about how Queenslanders are leading the way!
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OD, the new Outdoor Directory | |
The first edition of OD Outdoor Directory, the new magazine style directory of training courses and outdoor activities was launched by QORF earlier this month to attract members of the public to the benefits of outdoor activity and to provide a one stop source of training and business development information to the industry.
The main aim of OD Outdoor Directory is to increase the numbers of people actively involved in outdoor recreation in Queensland, to inform people about the benefits of participating in outdoor recreational activities and to provide information on how to access activities, training and services.
The next edition comes out in April - don't miss out! get your activity listings or advertisments in to QORF as soon as possible.
For more information and see the online version go to OD Online
Click here for an Application Form
Contact Tracy at admin@qorf.org.au if you have any questions.
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Healthy Parks Healthy People Congress 2010 | |
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The Inaugural International Healthy Parks Healthy People Congress will explore how nature significantly contributes to our wellbeing and broader societal benefits. It is expected to attract over 1000 delegates from Australia and around the world. Participants will come from many different sectors including urban planning, community development, physical and mental health, tourism, education, recreation, ecology and park management (urban and protected area) industrial and technological. This diversity of perspectives will allow delegates to understand the benefits of nature through the eyes of many.
The Congress aims to:
- Explore the many societal benefits that parks and nature provide.
- Build the relevance of parks and nature to society.
- Share knowledge, initiatives and innovations achieved by collaborating across sectors.
- Develop an international agenda that reunites nature with social health.
- Identify opportunities for better collaboration at global, international and local levels.
- Establish an information exchange network.
To register or download a brochure go to: Registration Information
Note: Earlybird registrations for Congress close this Sunday.
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Participate in Research Project | |
Project Title: The role of nature-based experiences in the development of wellness and sustainable practices
Given the current focus on the state of the environment, researchers from Queensland University of Technology, the University of Queensland and Deakin University are proposing to undertake a project exploring Nature’s role in human health.
To make this happen they are looking for support from you in the coming months with the hope of submitting a grant application in 2010.
If you think this project would benefit your organisation please contact Eric Brymer on eric.brymer@qut.edu.au or 07 3138 3511
Click here for more information on the Research Project
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National Employment Standards (NES) | |
As of 1 January 2010, the National Employment Standards (NES) replace the Australian Fair Pay and Conditions Standard. Together with modern awards (also from 1 January 2010), the NES make up a new safety net for employees covered by the national workplace relations system.
Read More >>
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Bunk Bed Standard Follow Up | |
David Petherick from the Australian Camps Association reports that due to feedback from the industry that amendments to the proposed changes to the Bunk Bed standard have been accepted by Standards Australia. While not a formal notification this is good news - the new
standard is expected to be published towards the middle of 2010.
"congratulations and well done to all those who persevered with the very difficult and time consuming task of making a submission. Well done" David Petherick
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Cultural Differences Workshop | |
The workshop focuses on practical information that raises awareness of the patterns of cultural difference likely to be encountered as staff interact with culturally diverse colleagues and members of the public.
HOST: Partners in Cultural Competence
DATE: Wednesday, 17 February 2010
9:00 am - 4:30 pm
VENUE: The Sapphire Conference Room,
5 Brereton St (cnr Boundary St)
West End Q 4101
Go to the PICC website for more information.
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2010 Premiers ClimateSmart Sustainability Awards | |
Do you have a great eco-friendly project underway?
If so, nominations are now open for the 2010 Premier’s ClimateSmart Sustainability Awards to showcase the work of Queensland business, industry, schools and community organisations.
Applications are open to businesses, schools, individuals, community, households, not-for-profit organisations and local government. Nominations close on Friday 26 March 2010.
More information about the Awards and an online application form can be found at: www.derm.qld.gov.au/premiersawards or phone (07) 3225 1764.
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Brisbane City Council Grant Application Closing Dates | |
Please note that closing dates for several BCC Grant applications are looming. The following are listed for your information and convenience:
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