When an Outward Bound Australia schools course operates, there is a vital ingredient to the success of this course that can be easily overlooked. Students and instructors are poured liberally into the mix and create much of the flavour (or pehaps odour) that encapsulates the experience and related positive outcomes. Hidden within this one-pot-wonder is the secret ingredient, the accompanying teacher, who supports and encourages the entire process through their willingness to leave the comforts of home and family behind, in exhange for the bivvy, the bushcook and a backpack.
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.
Michelle Richmond, now Planning Manager, feels she has Outward Bound in her blood. Having been a staff member for seven and a half years, Michelle has just celebrated her third year back.
Over the years I’ve filled a number of roles with Outward Bound; course participant, group instructor, logistical support, course coordinator, area coordinator, wildlife welfare officer, operations coordinator, cook, dish washer, chook feeder and weed removalist. I’ve been lucky to be able to travel to many amazing and special places. Cape York and Abergowrie were particularly memorable. I cannot imagine what my life would be like without the incredibly dynamic, diverse and passionate people I’ve met along the journey, many whom are now close friends.
Michelle Richmond
Nicky Martin, currently WA Partnerships Manager, started with Outward Bound in 2002 and returned to Outward Bound in 2006. The people at Outward Bound stand out, said Nicky. She also wanted to be able to give something back to the community.
Sean Powell has had a number of roles at Outward Bound. Starting as an intern he then went on to be an instructor, course coordinator, team trainer and team manager. After finding love at Outward Bound, getting married and having a baby, Sean returned to a new role that fitted his need for work/life balance. He is now VIC Partnerships Manager and is based in Melbourne.
Outward Bound has shown a never ending ability to adapt and reinvent. The facilities at National base are bigger and better and the staff continue to be positive and energetic. Staff conditions, attitude and philosophy have all improved
Sean Powell
Annette Lee started in 1998 as an instructor. Subsequently she took on roles of group instructor, course coordinator and area coordinator. Annette came back to Outward Bound as Learning and Development Manager. “It was perfect timing to come back to such a special and unique organisation”, she said. While Annette was inspired by the personal development of participants out on the field, her passion today lies in the personal and professional development of staff.
Ben Callaghan started as an Outward Bound instructor and returned in 2005 as the National Partnerships Manager. The role has grown over time to support Ben’s growth and the development of Outward Bound. Ben believes there are many ways to stay connected and to serve as a member of Outward Bound.
Outward Bound is a rapidly changing organisation and could well have a role to meet your career development needs.
Ben Callaghan
If you are interested in a career with Outward Bound or are considering returning please call Outward Bound Human Resources on 02 6235 5731 or email your details to
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As a Registered Training Organisation, Outward Bound has the scope to deliver the Certificate IV in Outdoor Recreation as part of our Instructor training program (Internship). This program is designed not only to provide participants with nationally recognised qualifications, but also the experience to become valued members of our operational team, and the Outdoor Industry as a whole.
The next start date for the Internship program is 10th January 2009, the closing date for applications is 7th November 2008.
