Over ten years ago we had a vision for training in Australia. That vision started small and evolved into Outward Bound Australia becoming a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). Some ten years later, we can reflect back at what becoming a RTO has meant for Outward Bound, and we can see what it means today.
After receiving RTO status in June of 1999 the first group of eleven "Zulu" (taken from the phonetic alphabet) interns commenced their internship on the 1st of September 1999 in pursuit of their Certificate IV in Outdoor Recreation. We can view this as another milestone to acknowledge, or we can scratch the surface and dig deeper to reveal some insights as to how becoming a RTO has changed the face of Outward Bound Australia.
The next group of interns (the Kilos) will be our 20th internship and one lucky Kilo will be our 250th intern to commence their Certificate IV in Outdoor Recreation. To take a bigger picture perspective, Outward Bound has provided a large proportion for the Outdoor Recreation Industry's next generation of trained professionals. It is 250 individuals who have had their own personal journey with all the learning to go along with it. It is 250 outdoor instructors who have had an immeasurable impact on the lives of literally thousands of participants they have come in contact with. This is a contribution to the Outdoor Industry and the Australian community that Outward Bound Australia as a whole organisation can be proud of.
Outdoor Education is one of the most practical ways of learning about the environment, whilst at the same time inculcating strong values in young people. At its core, Outward Bound is about the delivery of values-based education, in a challenging but safe outdoor environment. We have been delivering life changing educational programs in the outdoors now for over 50 years, and as our lead article testifies, Outward Bound has been an industry leader in training the next generation of Outdoor Educators since 1999.
Our approach to education is tried and proven. We do this through the conduct of a “learning journey” (usually an expedition); by creating a ‘place apart’; by creating time and space for young people to be with nature; by developing self-reliance and teamwork; and by providing opportunities for meaningful projects and service. Over 20 years of research proves that Outward Bound works.
There must be something about Outward Bound Australia that makes it stand out. Whether it is the passionate, committed and inspiring staff, community atmosphere or the values and philosophy of Outward Bound, staff returns appear to be on the increase. Michelle Richmond, Nicky Martin, Sean Powell, Ben Callaghan and Annette Lee decided to reignite their passion and return to the values based organisation to which they remained connected.
In 2008 Outward Bound Australia are exited to announce the development of two new operational area’s. This winter will see schools, corporate and public programs being held in National Park and State Forrest area’s near Port Macquarie on the NSW mid north coast and near Bundaberg on QLD’s coral coast. The development of these operational area’s has been a product of market growth in NSW and South East QLD’s outdoor education market and has been enabled by awareness created through the Regional Partnerships Program. With outstanding natural scenery, majestic forests and world class climbing, abseiling and expedition these areas have to be some of finest educational settings in the country.
To find out more about Outward Bound's operational areas click here.
The 2007 Outward Bound International Staff Symposium was hosted at Anakiwa, Outward Bound New Zealand’s residential centre, amongst the beautiful Marlborough Sounds. The event hosted delegates from Outward Bound schools around the world and from the outdoor industry in New Zealand. Outward Bound Australia was represented by Andy Carter (School Director), Edwina Parsons and Tim Medhurst (Board Members), Michelle Richmond (National Base Manager) Mike Pigg and Dave Hardegger (Team Managers).
Regional and Community Partnerships continue to evolve with exciting new opportunities being developed and planned Australia-wide. Nowra Lions Club is a shining example and is willing to share its processes to all inquirers. Now in its twelfth consecutive year, this outstanding community initiative has an even longer history.
The work of Outward Bound Australia and the Australian Outward Bound Development Fund is of tremendous benefit to many rural and disadvantaged youth around Australia, but wouldn’t be possible without the community mindedness and generosity of organisations such as the HBOSA Foundation.
