Outdoor Council of Australia reveals new leadership following Annual General Meeting

The Outdoor Council of Australia (OCA) has advised of the election of Neil Le Febvre, Chief Executive of Outdoors WA, as its new Chair, succeeding Graeme Janes.

Le Febvre’s election came at the OCA’s Annual General Meeting on 24th October, at which members from across the outdoor sector gathered to review the year’s achievements, examine audited financials and elect the organisation’s new leaders.

The AGM heard outgoing Chair Janes, Chief Executive of Christian Venues Association, remark on the organisation’s progress, advising “I am immensely proud of what OCA has achieved over the past year, including the successful application for funding to update the Australian Adventure Activity Standards.

“This work is crucial to our members, and although I will be still involved, I look forward to seeing OCA continue to thrive under new leadership.”

In addition to Le Febvre, four appointed Directors to the OCA Board, represent a broad spectrum of expertise within the outdoor industry: Lori Modde, Chief Executive of Outdoors NSW & ACT; Andrew Knight, Chief Executive of Outdoors Victoria; Dr. David Hills, Director of Outdoors Queensland and Graeme Janes.

In addition to the Board appointments, OCA announced the members for its Member Forum representatives, approved during the meeting. These representatives, set to convene quarterly starting in early 2025, will bring valuable insights and diverse perspectives to the organisation. The representatives are:

• Richard Thornton (Chair, Outdoors Victoria)
• Peter McDougall (Chief Executive, Australian Camps Association)
• Michael Seccomb (Representative, Outdoors SA)
• Parrish Hull (Representative, Scouts Australia)
• Dom Courtney (Chief Executive, Outdoors Queensland)
• Katie Brown (Chair, Outdoors WA)
• Brendon Munge (Board Member, Outdoor Education Australia)
• Catherine Shaw (Director, Outdoors NSW & ACT)
• Rebecca Harth (Director, Outdoor Health Australia)
• Scott Polley (Board Member, Nature-Based Outdoor Network South Australia)

Commenting on his appointment, Le Febvre stated “it’s an honour to step into this role and collaborate with such a dedicated Board and Member Forum.

“Together, we aim to further strengthen the outdoor industry’s impact, advocate for our members, and ensure our community’s resilience in an ever-evolving landscape.”

Janes was acknowledged by the OCA for his “dedication” in the role of Chair.

Image: New OCA Chair Neil Le Febvre.