What OEA does
Outdoor Education Australia provides strategic oversight, policy advice and operational support for a host of activities related to outdoor education within Australia.
Operational activities include:
- Providing information to outdoor educators and the general public primarily via this website
- Hosting the National Outdoor Education Conference (NOEC) featuring the latest innovations and developments in outdoor education from Australia and around the world
- Hosting the quarterly national OEA board meeting
- Providing advice on national issues in outdoor education, such as curriculum and teaching
- Advocating for outdoor education in Australian schools and other settings
- Supporting state outdoor education organisations
- Hosting Outdoor Education Week – a series of events across Australia which aims to raise public awareness of how outdoor education helps individuals learn about themselves, working with other people, and the environment in which they spend their time
- Working cooperatively with other national education organisations in areas of overlap such as the Australian Association of Environmental Educators (AAEE), Australian Council of Health, Physical Education and Recreation (ACHPER), Australian Association of Bush Adventure Therapy Network (AABAT) and others
- Supporting other outdoor and sustainable living initiatives, such as the ‘Great Aussie Camp Out’, ‘World Environment Day’ and others
- Working cooperatively with national outdoor recreation organisations in areas of overlap such as the Outdoor Council of Australia (OCA), Australian Camps Association (ACA) and natural resource management bodies
Policy Advice
Outdoor Education Australia is an advocate for:
- Outdoor Recreation as part of Health and Physical Education for all Australian school students from Year R–10.
- Outdoor Education for all Australian school students from Years R–10.
- Senior Outdoor Education available as a study pathway for Years 11 and 12 in all states and territories.
- Tertiary Outdoor Education study pathways including university in all states and territories.
- National guidelines for the tertiary training of outdoor education professionals.
- National guidelines for R–12 Outdoor Education curriculum.
Strategic Goals
Outdoor Education Australia has the following strategic goals:
- National outdoor education research, information and program database
- Strong membership of state-based outdoor education organisations
- Strong communication with members regarding national outdoor education issues
- Strong voice in national matters concerning outdoor education
- Communication with international outdoor education organisations