Beginnings

The Australian Outdoor community is at a precipice. We have been buffeted by the disastrous effects of climate change, an exponential increase in new, undereducated trail users over the last three years, encroachment of mining interests into environmentally sensitive areas, and governments across the country attempting to turn National Parks into private playgrounds for those with the money to pay for them. For us to be able to make a positive impact and instigate the change we wish to see, we as an industry need to find a way to work together. 

We need to continue to find new ways for our customers to feel belonging, and connection, take ownership, and become advocates in their communities.

We need to deliver meaningful education to our customers that makes a real impact.

We need to have the integrity to choose to do the right thing vs. simply making money.

We need to speak up and use our collective voices when it comes to topics such as climate change, environmental vandalism, and issues around access and equity.

We need to bring innovation and new ideas to how we facilitate giving back to the outdoors. 

I understand that there will be those out there in the industry that will say it's every person for themselves. That I don't benefit by celebrating the successes of my competitors or by joining them in their causes. My argument against this mindset is that the outdoor industry in Australia is relatively small. There isn't a significant percentage of the population that hikes the Bibbulmun Track from top to bottom every year. The opportunity in this, is that we work together. We grow a community by working together that means there are enough users supporting the industry that we don't have to worry about competition. In fact, we celebrate competition. Specifically, a competition to the top. Where it's not a race to sell something at the lowest price. It's where we race to provide the best service. The best experience for our customers. Where business and capitalism are tools to drive the culture we seek to operate in. If we are able to work together, with a focus on delivering value and not savings, on having a purpose and not just profits, I think we can make great things happen. 

I work for a company you may have heard of. Then again maybe not. In my new role as the Community Outreach manager in Western Australia I have some fairly lofty goals. 

I hope you'll join me as I explore what difference a retailer can make to an outdoor industry that is facing new challenges all the time. 

Thanks,

Scott