WHAT'S ON - EVENTS
06 Apr 2010 - Risk Management Workshop
A workshop that includes some scenario-based experience. More »»
11 Apr 2010 - Inaugural International Healthy Parks Healthy People Congress 2010
Explore how we can take better advantage of the way nature significantly contributes to our wellbeing and broader societal benefits. More »»
17 Apr 2010 - Great Aussie Camp Out
The Great Aussie Camp Out (GACO) will bring together thousands of Australians where they share the experience of camping out under the stars. More »»
PrintWhat we do
Information
The ORC is in a unique position of being a part of all the major components of the outdoors in Victoria. We are in regular contact with public and personal recreation, education, tourism, camps, government and peak bodies across Victoria and Australia. This means that if you have a question we can answer it.
Advocacy
If you have an issue that you want help with, perhaps even some representation, we can help you. It could be to government or other organisations (such as peak bodies) and on any issue relevant to our mission. For example, land access and safety are current topics.
Recreation House
Recreation House provides a physical centre for members including offices, meeting rooms, storage and a conference area. Currently four tenants and the ORC's own staff reside at the Westerfolds Park location. There is one available office and an extension is proposed to accommodate the Australian Camps Association.
The conference room is currently available to all members free of charge and ample parking is available. We are even located inside a park, right on the Main Yarra Trail and the Yarra River.
Outdoors Victoria Update
The Outdoors Victoria Update is a monthly email that updates you on current industry-wide news and information that concerns the outdoors in Victoria. This resource also enables members to communicate events and initiatives with other members.
Forums
We run a range of forums and workshops throughout the year. Recent examples have been on bushfire impact and recovery, risk management, severe weather risk management, and guest speaker sessions. A focus for the coming year will be upon empowering and developing community/not-for-profit groups. All of these events also provide you with a great opportunity for networking with your peers.
Chairs and CEOs Forum
Through its position the ORC is working towards several collaborative projects in the areas of research and events. We are sure that many more opportunities exist that can be identified and initiated through Chairs and CEO's Forums for our non-commercial members. The outcomes of these sessions will be presented to several State Government departments as well as to the Minister for Sport, Recreation and Youth Affairs.
All ORC members are invited to participate. Initially, non-member organisations are also invited, in the hope that the benefits of joining us in such initiatives become apparent as the Forums progress.
The Forums are aimed at Executive Officers and/or Chairs, to ensure high-level networking, debate and outcomes. Where this is not possible, nominated representatives are welcome.
Vehicle purchase and leasing
The ORC is currently engaged in talks with some car manufacturers on making fleet and leasing deals available to ORC members.
Conferences, workshops, industry days
Throughout the year there are a number of conferences, workshops and the like on a range of topics. We know that members struggle to attend them all. If there is a relevant event, seminar, forum or conference that members would like more information on, we can attend and provide a report for you.
We attend local, interstate and national events so that our industry is informed of the latest ideas and trends.
Adventure Activity Standards (AAS)
The ORC is the Guardian of Victoria's Adventure Activity Standards. These are a suite of industry approved State-wide guidelines for safety and the environmental impact across the most popular adventurous activities. They provide clarity on common risk management and environmental practices expected by organisations providing adventurous activities for dependant groups.
An important and ongoing part of this initiative is the AAS Technical Committee, made up of nominees of members from across the industry and Government. Its role is to collate and assess any feedback and suggestions on the AAS, which is done as a continual process.
Additional AAS can and are being developed as needs arise, as suggested by events, Government and/or members. AAS have been or are being developed across the country. South Australia, Tasmania, Western Australia, Queensland and New South Wales have all introduced AAS.
Industry Mapping
In 2008 we completed an industry mapping report that outlines what outdoor experiences, activities, organisations, training and regulation are currently available within Victoria.
Essentially this report provides context and benchmark for co-ordinated development of the industry. The report is available to members via email as a 70 page document that includes a summary.