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 »»
PrintProject Development
The Outdoor Recreation Centre - Victoria Inc. managed the development of the Adventure Activity Standards (AAS). The key to these standards is that they are produced and agreed by the outdoor community and then agreed by the Victorian government.
The process to develop the AAS was established so that each document would be consistent in layout and content but that each AAS would be developed independently to ensure relevance. The AAS have all originated from a template enabling activities to be documented in groups of three and four and also allowing further AAS to be created as the need arises.
This process was undertaken in two distinct stages:
- Stage one was conducted between September and April 2003 and developed 7 AAS which were launched by the Minister for Sport and Recreation, the Honourable Justin Madden.
- Stage two has seen the development of a further 8 AAS being completed in 2004 and two snow activity AAS to be finalised in early 2005.
The AAS process was designed to establish clear and easily understood guidelines for anyone required to, or who wishes to voluntarily adhere to their requirements.
Through consultation, the following process was established to provide transparency and appropriate opportunity for contribution.
Research
The research process involved discussion with accreditation bodies, risk management experts and insurers to refine the template. Commercial and non-commercial representatives were consulted to assess the level of documented procedures existing within each activity and to discuss the proposed function of the completed AAS.
Existing standards/guidelines and codes of practice from within Victoria , interstate and overseas were collected and used to facilitate discussion and to provide useful points of reference.
The Workshops
Activity specific working parties were established according to the AAS working party criteria (below), advice of peak bodies and key organisations. The individuals within the working parties were provided with the information gathered in the planning phase, asked to bring any relevant information and were briefed on the requirements of the project.
The working parties then attended a one-day workshop where all issues, key points and decisions were documented in relation to each aspect of the activity standards template (equipment, environment, etc.). The Outdoor Recreation Centre - Victoria Inc. collated the information gathered in order to document a draft AAS.
Feedback for the Drafts
Soon after the workshops, the working party members received the first draft of the AAS and were given an agreed period of time to discuss and agree on the draft. The working group members suggested changes where necessary and the second Draft AAS was posted on the Outdoor Recreation Centre - Victoria Inc. web site where the industry/sector and public alike had the opportunity to review and comment via our the online feedback form.
At each stage in the process, the working party members were engaged to ensure that any amendments from the first draft were appropriate. In some cases up to 6 drafts were circulated to ensure a satisfactory outcome for all.
Final Draft and Signoff
Final drafts of the activity standards were perused by a solicitor to ensure that they were appropriately detailed to assist a leader and/or organisation complying with the AAS in developing a legal defence.