Statement from the Outdoor Council of Australia

March 2023

It is with a heavy heart that the Outdoor Council of Australia addresses two recent incidents that have impacted the outdoor industry, one in Western Australia and one in New South Wales.

This month, we lost an experienced outdoor leader who was doing what he loved, and another individual who was enjoying his weekend in nature also lost his life in a tragic accident. We extend our deepest sympathies to their family, friends, and colleagues, as well as everyone who was present at these scenes of tragedy.

We understand that these incidents have left a lasting impact on the industry across the country. While such occurrences are rare, they remind us of the inherent risks that require mitigation when in the outdoors. As we move forward, we will work closely with the authorities involved in assessing these incidents and with the industry to ensure that we learn from them and invest this knowledge into preventing incidents in the future.

As the Outdoor Council of Australia, we support all state, territory, and national peak bodies that promote the exploration of nature’s opportunities for health, wellbeing, and skill development. We remain committed to ensuring that all those who participate in outdoor activities do so safely and responsibly.

Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been affected by these tragedies, and we urge everyone to prioritise safety as they continue to enjoy the great outdoors.

Sincerely,

Dom Courtney – President

Andrew Knight – Vice President

Andrew Govan – Secretariat

Lori Modde – Treasurer

Graeme Janes

Adam Marr

Peter McDougall

Parrish Hull