Communities want to provide real opportunities for local young adults to develop greater self-awareness, resilience and stewardship. Outward Bound has been providing these Outdoor Education opportunities for young Australians since 1956.

In mid 2005, the Manning Valley communities began planning a new Regional Community Partnership with Outward Bound Australia.

In July 2006, twelve young pioneers set out into Toonumbar National Park, six hours north of Taree. They undertook a 9-day expedition where they learned about leadership theory, but also practiced leadership and teamwork on a daily basis. They participated in bush navigation, rafting, rockclimbing and abseiling, and many other activities which challenged them socially, emotionally, intellectually and physically.

At the end of July, Mark Vaile MP, Deputy Prime Minister presented certificates to the Taree scholarship recipients. The aspiring leaders took the opportunity to share some of their recent experiences of leadership with the Deputy Prime Minister.

The Taree Aspiring Leaders program has been fully funded by philanthropic support and coordinated by local volunteers. The Outward Bound Taree Youth Leadership Committee have also received great assistance from Greater Taree City Council and the Taree PCYC, with access to venues for meetings and bus transportation to and from the course.

The experiences on the course tested our knowledge and wits, stretching our limits as we broadened our horizons and glimpsed the potential within. Scholarship recipient Ashleigh Dixon of Chatham High School 

Some days were hard, when we weren't working well as a team, but each night we would sit down, discuss the day, looking at what worked well and also what we could do better. The next day was always better as a result of this honest communication.Mitchell Nicholson of Taree Christian Community College

Outward Bound was the time of my life. I had so much fun. I met some really nice people out there that are now good friends. My highlight of the trip was abseiling... but we did a lot of great things and I learnt so much about myself and others. Thank you for the great experience.Jesse Steiger of Narrabri High

The success of the program in 2006  and subsequently in 2007 has led to additional Outdoor Education opportunities for other district communities and schools in Northern NSW including Port Macquarie, Kempsey, Coffs Harbour, Tamworth, Grafton, Lismore and Casino.

Scholarships are available in 2008 for Years 9, 10 or 11 students, but places are limited so please complete an Application Form below as soon as possible. 

Year 9 Foundations Program - 19th - 25th June 2008, Kippara State Forest

Years 10/11 Aspiring Leaders - 6th - 12th July 2008, Kippara State Forest

If you are interested in supporting the ongoing development of the Northern NSW Outward Bound youth initiative through membership of the committee or financial support, contact Outward Bound's Regional Partnership Coordinator