Colin Thurlow

Outdoors WA is the peak body for the outdoor sector in Western Australia, providing advocacy, leadership and support to the sector and working to get More People More Active Outdoors. Over $20bn is spent on outdoor recreation in Australia every year, with the sector generating $11bn for the economy and employing over 30,000 people. Importantly, being active in the outdoors has been proven to benefit peoples’ physical and mental health. Data from 140 studies reaching 290M people across 20 countries shows that time spent in the outdoors is linked to: 41% lower death rate for kidney disease; 34% lower for respiratory disease; and 13% lower for cancer. It also shows that people are 43% less likely to develop diabetes; and 37% less likely to have cardiovascular disease or a stroke. Critically, at a time when mental health has never been higher on the nation’s agenda, it has been evidenced that engagement in the outdoors can drive a 30% reduction in depression rates. Through the support of its member base and the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, Outdoors WA represents the sector on State and National bodies, and provided representation and advocacy with associated industries, State Government, Inter-Agency Forums and to Federal Government. Members of Outdoors WA include outdoor education teachers, outdoor recreation leaders and adventure tourism operators as well as clubs, outdoor event organisers, retailers and professional associations.