Our Board and Governance
Our Board and Governance
Our volunteer board for Outward Bound Australia and Australian Outward Bound Development Fund (AOBDF) blends outdoor expertise, professional skills, and diverse perspectives from all corners of Australia—coming together to guide our mission with passion and purpose!
My story so far:
Jess is Wiradjuri from Tumut and Brungle in country NSW and grew up in a big proud Aboriginal family, connected to her culture and witnessing great Elders and leadership. Jess is currently the CEO of the Australian Indigenous Governance Institute (AIGI), based in Canberra. She began her career as a teacher and has taught within the secondary and tertiary sectors before moving into the NFP sector where she contributed to the success of CareerTrackers before joining the AIGI team. Jess is passionate about Governance, Leadership and Capacity Building, particularly with Indigenous people and communities. In her spare time, Jess is coming up with ways to entertain her toddler or supporting the passions and projects of her Mum and Aunties at home in Tumut.
My favourite activity:
I love being outside with my little kids, at the moment my goal is to get out on the water with my 6 year old in a second hand inflatable kayak. I think we are very close to the day where she will not hit me with her paddle as she rows.
Words of wisdom for new hikers:
Take a deep breath and soak it all in. Life moves fast, and we don’t always make time to step outside. But these moments in nature, they are special. I really believe our minds breathe out here too. We slow down, think a little clearer, we learn and discover new things, interesting and inspiring things about ourselves and the world that we would never discover inside anywhere near a desk.
My story so far:
My journey with Outward Bound started a long time ago, as a participant and then Group Leader in the 1980s. My love of the outdoors came from family camping holidays at places like the Grampians, Wilson’s Prom, Flinders Ranges and Kangaroo Island. I worked in the outdoors sector for the first 10 years of my career, before heading into corporate roles.
As Executive Director and Co-Chair Chair, Loren is leading this time of change. Loren appreciates the spirit of Outward Bound, having worked as an instructor in the 1980s. She knows outdoor education well from working with OEG and Sport and Recreation Victoria. Her career has extended to management consulting with the Boston Consulting Group and senior executive strategy and finance roles with Monash, RMIT and Melbourne Universities. With CPA. AICD, MBA and Doctorate of Education qualifications, she brings an exemplary skill set to steward OBA through this pivotal period. full circle, back to lead Outward Bound over the last 5 years.
My favourite activity:
I love a mountain view. I love how the mountains change with the light of the day. I particularly love them snow covered – skiing with family and friends.
Words of wisdom for new hikers:
I like to think of getting puffed or tired as not a bad thing, but as an opportunity to pause and take in the moment, the view, the detail in plants and insects, or a time for a bit more of a chat. It’s never a race. One step at a time will always get you there.
My story so far:
In more than 30 years of legal practice, Campbell has acquired significant experience in insolvency, commercial litigation and restructuring. Through a number of initiatives, Campbell has worked to reduce the socio-economic gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians and in 2014 was awarded the CareerTrackers Business Supervisor of the Year. In 2016 Campbell participated in an Outward Bound program with CareerTracker interns, that led him to join the Outward Bound Australia Board in 2019.
My favourite activity:
Words of wisdom for new hikers:
My story so far:
Dr Simon Crisp describes his OBA Standard Course in 1980 (aged 17), as the single most formative experience of his life. His subsequent work as an OBA instructor laid the groundwork for a distinguished career in psychology spanning more than 35 years, specialising in wilderness adventure therapy and hospital-based mental health. Simon is the founder of Neo Psychology, where he continues to practise as a psychologist, specialising in supporting young people and working closely with schools. His deep professional expertise has been invaluable to Outward Bound, particularly in guiding the Board on matters of health and well-being and in supporting the training and development of our field crew. He also serves on the OBA Risk and Safety Committee and the Project Management Committee, contributing thoughtful oversight to our major capital projects.
My favourite activity:
Nothing beats the beauty of a fast flowing wild river, drying in front of a fire on the sandy beach after an exhilarating day of white-water rafting in wilderness, then after a deep slumber, waking to see the still mist hanging over the water. And the morning sun begins to peak over the ridge as you anticipate another day being carried along the river to the next adventure.
Words of wisdom for new hikers:
At the end of a challenging expedition, my favourite saying to participants is to: Wear your dirt with pride! – as you return to a nature-disconnected synthetic world.
My story so far:
Sandy brings to the board a range of experience and expertise from across the Outdoor sector. She has worked as an outdoor educator and leader developing and implementing Outdoor Education programs and courses in the corporate sector, schools, and universities over the past 4 decades. She has had the opportunity to work alongside multiple outdoor activity providers in a wide range of natural environments. She currently is a senior lecturer at Australian Catholic University and has published across a range of topics important to the delivery and development of programs which use the natural world. She is an executive member of Outdoor Education Australia and the Australian Outdoor Education Tertiary Network and has been on the Board of Outdoors Victoria for six years.
My favourite activity:
Surfing and Skiing or really any outdoor activity with friends and family!
Words of wisdom for new hikers:
Have fun, enjoy each moment and take some time to reflect on the beauty around you.
My story so far:
Kelly’s journey in the outdoors started as a school participant, abseiling a cliff-face above the ocean in Margaret River, Western Australia, a memory which has stayed with her until today and seeded many more outdoor adventures. Kelly has a cross-disciplinary background, with a focus on supporting new ventures, a background in finance, ventures in art, and a passion for change and multi-disciplinary thinking. Beginning her career in investment banking at UBS, Kelly has held investment management and strategy roles across Europe and Australia, founded an art gallery in Berlin, been a member of art collective, the Kandos School of Cultural Adaptation. Guided by shared values with the philanthropic and environmental communities, Kelly is passionate about ventures that deliver both social and ecological impact. She is co-creating an ecovillage in the NSW Northern Rivers, and currently works with Light Warrior Group on Bundjalung Country.
My favourite activity:
Words of wisdom for new hikers:
Governance
Outward Bound Australia (OBA) is a not for profit public company limited by guarantee and is registered as a charity with the Australian Charities and Not for profit Commission (ACNC).We provide outdoor education programs to schools, community groups, disadvantaged Australians and open enrolments to provide people with an opportunity for personal growth, service to others and connection to the natural environment.
Effective governance of Outward Bound Australia is crucial to the ongoing viability and longevity of the organisation. Board membership is voluntary and aims for a composition to reflect a balance of outdoor education experience, professional expertise, diversity and geographic cover.
Our Board members are responsible for the ongoing financial viability and strategic growth of the organisation, taking into account the ethos and values of Outward Bound Australia. Board members comprise the most dedicated and passionate individuals, united by their commitment to governance, strategic direction, and fostering personal growth through outdoor education.
Want to stay in the loop?
Passionate about the legacy of Outward Bound Australia and wish to stay up to date with what’s happening? The best way to stay in the loop is to follow us on our Socials, and sign up to our mailing list. Chat soon!
Annual Reports
Curious about what we’ve been up to over the years? From memorable moments and milestones, to the impact we’ve made together, our Annual Reports capture it all the stories, the stats, and the big wins!
