News

The Great Pinot Noir Paddle. Enjoy a day in the country as we turn wine in to water. Float down the majestic Goulburn river, tasting wine at the local wineries and enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch. Come alone or bring some friends for  a wonderful day out. Your fun day will support the work of the Christina Noble Children’s Foundation and their efforts to help the forgotten street kids of Vietnam and Mongolia.

For further details contact Jodie Taylor at the VOEA.   jodie@voea.vic.edu.au

2008 VOEA Planner. An A3 sized planner will be sent to all members with the February edition of Journeys. You can download this A4 version. Thanks to our sponsor Cliffhanger Climbing Gym.

[January 2008] Timothy Gates

The Victorian Outdoor Education Association is deeply saddened by the loss of member and outdoor education teacher, Tim Gates. The Age reported on Friday that Tim died early Thursday morning, three days after a freak boarding accident left him unconscious in the water.

The VOEA Council offers Tim’s family and friends our deepest sympathy at their loss; a loss that is magnified by the outstanding contribution Tim made to students as an outdoor education teacher.

[January 2008] Draft Education Department Activity Guidelines for Comment

The following activity documents are now open for public comment until 1 February. Feedback should be sent to education@voea.vic.edu.au or faxed to 03 9349 5758.

Cycling

Rafting

Challenge Ropes

[October 2007] Draft Australian Standard for Artificial Climbing Structures

"The objective of this Standard is to provide designers, manufacturers, proprietors and
operating personnel with requirements and guidance specific to the design, construction,
operation and maintenance of artificial climbing walls used for climbing, bouldering and
abseiling in order to maximize the protection of health and safety for both operating
personnel and participants."

Draft Australian Standard for Artificial Climbing Structures

Feedback on the draft standard is required by 14 December 2007. Please visit https://committees.standards.org.au/COMMITTEES/SF-047/P0701/SF-047-P0701.DOC to download guidance and an appropriate comment form. Once comments are complete, please email your form to carol.foster@standards.org.au

Working With Children Check Update

After 30 December 2007 it will be an offence to engage in child-related work in educational institutions without a current Working with Children Check. The following two documents outline the requirements of the Check and a list of frequently asked questions.

- Working With Children Check September 2007 Update
- Working With Children Check FAQ

Call for Papers - International Outdoor Education Research Conference 2009

Abstracts are invited for the 4th International Outdoor Education Research Conference (April 15-18, 2009). The conference will build on the three previous International Outdoor Education Research Conferences where the focus has been on engaging with a greater variety of theoretical and critical approaches to outdoor education research than have traditionally been associated with the field. This conference offers researchers and scholars an opportunity to present and discuss their work in a truly international forum.

Maritime NZ Incident Report

Maritime NZ has recently released a report into a rafting incident in the River Valley in 2006. The incident involved an Australian student - fortunately there were no fatalities.

[September 2007] Lucas Renfree Harris

Mark Dingle (VOEA Executive Officer) and his wife Rachel Harris recently welcomed Lucas Renfree Harris into the world. Lucas was born on Friday 21 September and was the best reason to miss a national conference! Both Lucas and Rachel are healthy and happy - Mark is awestruck!

[July 2007] Department of Education Safety Guidelines for Education Outdoors

After more than two years of development by the VOEA the Safety Guidelines for Education Outdoors are now available. The Safety Guidelines for Education Outdoors replace the Guidelines for Outdoor and Adventure Activities.

These guidelines must be applied by Victorian government schools for all excursions requiring school council approval.

A series of briefings will be delivered by the VOEA across Victoria in August to support the implementation of the new 'Safety Guidelines'. Visit the Events page of the VOEA website for details.

The address for the new site is www.education.vic.gov.au/management/schooloperations/edoutdoors

[July 2007] New VOEA Logo

The old VOEA logo really is showing its age.  So, we think it is time to introduce a new, professional look for VOEA.  Di Schultz, friend of the VOEA, kindly donated her time and came up with the logo you see below.  We think that the logo reflect the purpose and values of the VOEA, whilst being clear and simple enough to use for many different purposes. Please let us know what you think.  Email education@voea.vic.edu.au.

[May 2007] International Risk Management Consultant Preston Cline will be in Australia to participate in the National Outdoor Education Risk Management Conference later this year and will be available to work with Australian organisations. To find out more contact Mark Dingle (03 9349 4311).

“Adventure Management is the foremost risk management training and consulting firm in the world. I have worked closely with them and continue to be impressed with the creative ideas, insightful integration of theory and practice, and the cultural sensitivity when working outside the USA.” Dr. Pete Allison – Lecturer, School of Education, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland.

Film Australia Digital Learning has launched a free, national educational online resource utilising its extraordinary 60 years of documentary archives.

The Digital Resource Finder is a quick and easy-to-use search engine for teachers and educators that features over 400 free Australian video clips to view or download, combined with dedicated curriculum-based notes and class activities.

 

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