Outdoor educators, schools and specialist learning providers have been recognised for their contribution to student learning and wellbeing at the inaugural NSW & ACT Outdoor Industry Awards.
Presented by Outdoors NSW & ACT, the awards celebrate excellence across the outdoor sector, with a strong focus on recognising individuals, organisations and programs advancing outdoor education across schools and communities.
Among the major education winners was The Nature School, which was named Outdoor Education Organisation of the Year in recognition of its commitment to delivering meaningful outdoor learning experiences and its ongoing contribution to the outdoor education community.
Cranbrook in the Field, delivered by Outward Bound Australia in partnership with Cranbrook School, received Outdoor Education Program of the Year for creating impactful outdoor learning experiences that inspire connection, personal growth and discovery.
The program was also recognised in the Outdoor Education Exemplary Programs category, alongside Guardians of the Park (Greater Sydney Parklands), Newcastle Waldorf School Outdoor Education Program, and The Nature School. Finalists included Connection and Confidence Program and Next-Gen Men (Into the Wild Adventures and Soaring into the Wilderness Inc), The Lamington Club Men’s Group (Soaring into the Wilderness Inc), and Connect (Journey Outdoors In Nature and Heart Talk Matters).
Individual educators were also recognised for their leadership and contribution to the profession.
Laura Summer Stampa was named Outdoor Education Practitioner of the Year – NSW, while Mich Couper Allen received the ACT honour. Judges’ commendations in the NSW category went to Amy Robinson, Dakota Klein and Aaron Dodds, with Tyson Bricknell recognised as a finalist.
The awards also highlighted emerging talent, with Marlin Webber named Emerging Outdoor Education Practitioner of the Year – NSW and Lewis Neale receiving a judges’ commendation. In the ACT, Damian Bergsma received the corresponding award.
Four respected leaders were recognised with Service to Outdoor Education Awards for their long-standing contribution to the profession: Dr Clare Dallat, David Chitty, Dr Fran Hughes and Hugh Ward.
Several education organisations were also acknowledged through Outdoors NSW & ACT’s membership recognition program. Trinity Grammar School – Field Studies Centre received recognition for 10 years of continuous membership, while Birrigai Outdoor School, Youthworks Christian Outdoor Education School, The Nature School and Bishop Druitt College were recognised for five years of membership.
The awards also recognised members who have made a significant contribution to the Outdoors NSW & ACT community, with John Chapman from St Andrew’s Cathedral School and Professor Tonia Gray from Western Sydney University among recipients of the Member Engagement Award (300+ Points).
Speaking when the awards program was launched earlier this year, Outdoors NSW & ACT Chief Executive Officer Lori Modde said the awards recognised the breadth of the sector’s contribution to Australian communities.
“Our Outdoor Industry plays a critical role in education, wellbeing, tourism, community connection and environmental stewardship,” Modde said.
“These Awards celebrate the individuals and organisations who are setting the benchmark — not only in program delivery, but in sustainability, inclusion, professional standards and industry leadership.”
The awards were presented during the Outdoors NSW & ACT Conference in Jervis Bay on 16 July. Winners in the outdoor education categories will now progress to the Australian Outdoor Education Awards, to be presented later this year at the National Outdoor Education Conference.