Copy
View this email in your browser
Your monthly update on the outdoor recreation and adventure tourism industries in the Great Southern.
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS: ACTIVE OPTIONS
We're excited to announce a new line-up of school holiday activities in April based on outdoor adventure.

Geocaching sessions will be offered to children aged 9-12 years in Albany, Denmark, Mt Barker, and a separate nature play program for children aged 4-6, will be offered in Denmark.
The programs are designed to encourage kids to get outside and explore the great outdoors in a safe and fun environment. Thanks to our funding partner - the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries - and the support of the City of Albany and the Shires of Denmark and Plantagenet for making the programs possible.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, read your newsletter or visit our website for more information. For questions about skills-based learning opportunities, please contact Andy Percy, Skills Development Officer.
ACCELERATE
Tourism Business Support
ACCELERATE is our tourism business support program. This month we launch a suite of new mentoring and training events - find out more below.

Tourism SPARK Workshop

Do you have a new idea for a tourism product or experience? Do you want to know if it's a viable business idea? 

If the answer is yes, then join us on 3 April for "Tourism SPARK" a half-day workshop where we explore ideas and opportunities for new tourism products and services.

For more information, please visit here

Business Mentoring Program

We are currently taking expressions of interest for our Business Mentoring Program.  Developed in partnership with the Amazing South Coast Tourism Incorporated with funding support from the State government's Regional New Industries Fund and the South Coast Alliance, the next intake will start in April.

  • Tourism LAUNCH - for start-ups and businesses looking to develop entirely new products
  • Tourism ACE - for tourism businesses wanting to enhance their marketing efforts
  • Tourism MATES - for businesses wanting to engage with trade partners

For more information, contact Wendy Triplett, our Training Coordinator.

QuickBytes (Lunch & Learn)

Our new "QuickBytes" lunch and learn sessions are designed for busy people looking for task-oriented, skills-focused training that they can implement asap.

The first QuickBytes session on the 19 March will focus on Imagery in Tourism Marketing and will feature guest speaker and professional photographer, Krysta Guille.

At only $15 per person ($10 for students), these heavily subsidised sessions will fill fast. For more information, please visit here.

PROJECT UPDATES
Regional Trails Master Plan

Throughout the month of February, GSCORE staff were busy providing briefings to local government authorities and land managers on the outcomes of the public consultation period for the Great Southern Regional Trails Master Plan. The draft master plan is currently being revised in light of wide-ranging feedback received from members of the public and stakeholder groups.
The Master Plan, developed by GSCORE in partnership with local and state government stakeholders in the Great Southern region, maps out safe and sustainable development of the region’s recreational trails over the next 10 years. The plan is designed to guide decisions about investment in, and management of, trails and provides a vision for a diverse range of trail experiences showcasing our unique landscapes, biodiversity, geology, Aboriginal culture and settler heritage. For more information, visit our project page.
Introducing Renae Richardson

Welcome to Renae Richardson, who is undertaking an internship with GSCORE as she completes her final year of a double major in Conservation Biology and Environmental Science at the University of Western Australia (UWA) Albany campus. She will assist with the Great Southern Regional Trails Master Plan. Camping, hiking and volunteering in conservation activities such as Western Ground parrot and malleefowl monitoring are among Renae's interests, along with flora and fauna surveying and monitoring.

INDUSTRY NEWS

Education Department Announces Policy Review

The Department of Education has approved the reinstatement of the 2008 Outdoor Education and Recreation Activities for Public Schools (v.1.3) whilst a review of the new policy, released in late 2018, takes place.

The Department had previously extended the timeframe for compliance with the policy from January 2020 to January 2021. The main differences between the two policies relates to qualification requirements and supervision ratios. After feedback from the sector, the Department has agreed to revise the new policy and reinstate the 2008 version while this review occurs.

GSCORE provides this summary highlighting requirements to assist Outdoor Education teachers undertaking the most common activities for our region. To view or download the full policy, please visit this link.
 
GSCORE has, for the past two years, organised training to ensure compliance with the 2018 policy. This is not in vain as it is expected there will be some requirement in the new policy to provide updated skills and knowledge in Outdoor Education activities. GSCORE will continue to provide professional development opportunities on a yearly basis. The next round of teacher-specific training is scheduled for December 2020 and additional courses may be considered.

If you need assistance with training and professional development, or have any questions, please email Andy Percy, Skills Development Officer.

Events

Let's Go Surfing!

The Disabled Surfers Association Great Southern is continuing its successful program of Let's Go Surfing Days in 2020. Surfers, carers and volunteers are invited to meet at Middleton Beach on Albany at 9.30am on 7 March and 4 April. To register, please visit here, and to keep up to date on DSAGS events, please follow them on Facebook.
Introductory Bushwalk
 
Albany Bushwalkers invite you to participate in an introductory walk, designed for people to learn some bushwalking skills.The walk, on 8 March, is led by an experienced team and offers a walk with a difference. For more information, see the event page here.
International Women's Day Group Ride 
 
Want to spend International Women's Day with an awesome group of bikeminded ladies? Join in on a group MTB ride to get some kms in and to celebrate the strong, inspiring women in your life!  For more information, please visit here.
MSWA Ride for a Reason
 
After great success over the past two years, and an overwhelming show of support from the local council and community, the MSWA Albany Ride is set to return for another year, on Saturday, 14 March 2020. For more information, please visit the event page here.
Albany Harbour Swim

Albany once again anticipates the 2020 Albany Harbour Swim, from Princess Royal Sailing Club at 7.30am on Easter Saturday 11 April to Peace Park in Albany. The 4km swim is open to Solo swimmers (Open Water and Wetsuit Divisions), Duo and Quad teams. For more information, please visit the event page here, or to register, visit here.

Mothers Day Classic

You're invited to walk or run for Breast Cancer Research for this fun annual event on 10 May. The Mother’s Day Classic is a run/walk raising funds and awareness for breast cancer research. BodyCare Health Clubs aim is to deliver a fun, healthy and inspirational community event that brings the community together on Mother’s Day to support and remember those touched by breast cancer. For more information, please visit the event page here.

Facebook
Instagram
Website
Email
YouTube
GSCORE was established to provide leadership to the outdoor recreation industry in the Great Southern. This project is made possible by the State Government’s Royalties for Regions program. We gratefully acknowledge our funding stakeholders: Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, the Great Southern Development Commission, and the Albany Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Copyright © 2020 Outdoors Great Southern, All rights reserved.


Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

Email Marketing Powered by Mailchimp