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Outdoor Health Forum 2025 colour logo, of a plant with seed pod and petals sitting on a body of water

october 17-19

bundjalung country

Lennox head | NSW

forum update

are you ready for the forum?

It’s almost time for the Outdoor Health Australia Forum 2025! Below is all the key information to help you have a smooth and enjoyable experience.

fORUM PROGRAM

We gather together at 5pm on Friday 17 October and finish up at 5pm Sunday 19 October.


An optional social gathering will follow on Sunday evening, 5.30pm–7pm for those able to stick around – venue TBC.

👉  View the Program and Map

 

WE HAVE SAID IT BEFORE, BUT ONCE AGAIN…

We know you’ve already registered for the Forum (yay – that’s why you’ve received this link!). 🎉

But here’s the important bit: to actually get onsite at Lake Ainsworth Sport & Recreation Centre, you also need to complete their portal registration. Many of you already have (BIG THANK YOU!) but a few of you still need to tick this off your list.

👉  No one will be allowed in without it ❌.

To keep check-in smooth and stress-free (and avoid last-minute phone fumbles at the desk), please jump in and do this right now if you haven’t already.

Think of it like Monopoly: do not pass go, do not collect $200 … until you’ve registered in the portal! 😉.

Big thank you in advance for this last bit of admin - ACCESS the Lake Ainsworth Sport & Recreation Centre registration portal HERE.

 

Getting There

Lake Ainsworth Sport & Recreation Centre main entrance is via 164 Camp Drewe Rd Lennox Head, and is:


• 15 minutes from Ballina Airport (NSW)
• 1 hour from Gold Coast (Coolangatta) Airport (QLD)

Transport options include car, rideshare, bus, or private shuttle to Lennox Head. From town, you can either walk in along the lake/beachside path or use the Forum Shuttle Bus for the short 2km trip to the venue.

 

Forum Shuttle Bus

If you have a transfer that only takes you as far as the township of Lennox Head,  a Forum shuttle bus will be available for the short ‘hop’ between the Lennox Head main street and the venue which is about 2km away. It Will depart from the Ballina Street bus shelter (see map), on the ocean side next door to the public toilets and opposite Quattro Cafe located at 90 Ballina Street. 

 

NOTE: The Forum is not providing shuttle buses from airports to and from the Forum as there are already many transport options to choose from - you will need to arrange your own (private operators, rideshare, Uber etc).

NEW PICK UP POINT: Ballina Street bus shelter (see map), on the ocean side next door to the public toilets and opposite Quattro Cafe located at 90 Ballina Street.

 

Operating times:
• Friday 17 Oct: 3pm–6pm (to the venue)
• Sunday 19 Oct: 4pm–7pm (from the venue)

Runs continuously (no set schedule).

Shuttle Coordinator: Nicole — 0404 805 129 | nicole@outdoorhealth.org.au.

Parking - yes there is parking onsite!

If you drove and have a vehicle, marshals will direct you to a parking area. You’ll have access to your vehicle at all times.

 

Registration

Location: Undercover shelter next to the Stadium (left of the main entrance). If you are driving in, that is the main entrance, and parking marshals will guide you.

Times:
• Friday 17 Oct: 3pm–7pm (remembering our Forum kicks off at 5.15pm)
• Saturday 18 Oct: 8am–10.30am

🚫 Please do not arrive before 3pm Friday as pre-forum workshops and other venue groups will be using the site and we will also be busy setting up. Suggestions for local activities while you wait can be found here.

If arriving outside these times, please advise: forum@outdoorhealth.org.au or call Ruth 0410 540 276.

 

Pre-Ordered Linen Packs and T-Shirts

✔️ Pre-ordered T-shirts and linen packs will be available for collection at registration/check-in.

 

Carpool

Want to share a ride? Join the WhatsApp Community Chat to connect with other delegates. Please arrange your own rides directly via the group.

 

Accommodation

Dormitory/villa/cottage stays: BYO linen (pillow, pillowcase, sheet, blanket/sleeping bag/towel) unless hire has been pre-arranged, and personal items.

Hire option: Linen pack ire needs to be pre-arranged and has now closed (well, at COB Fri 9 October).

No camping onsite. For camping, check Reflections Holiday Park. Book directly.

 

What to Pack

  • Warm layers (October weather can be variable)

  • Swimwear / gear for lake, beach, or pool activities

  • Toiletries and towel

  • Linen/bedding eg: pillow, pillow case, sheet, blanket/sleeping bag (if you have not arranged to hire it)

  • Refillable water bottle

  • Torch

 

Amenities

  • Each dorm has ensuite showers and toilets

  • Forum is fully catered: breakfast, lunch, dinner, morning and afternoon teas until 5pm Sunday 19 October

  • Laundry

 

Supporting Accessible Experiences - Wheelchair access points are marked on the site map in your program booklet. Lakeside West and East are not accessible, and some activities take place on grass or bushland. Most paths are paved and accessible. Registered support dogs are welcome. For accessibility needs, speak with the Forum Team.

A WORD ABOUT ALCOHOL

As per the responsible alcohol policy in the FAQ T's & C's, we want everyone to feel safe, welcome and connected throughout the Forum. If you choose to enjoy a quiet drink, please do so responsibly with respect to those around you. Our goal is to foster a positive, community focussed atmosphere for all. To honour the venue's quiet time policy and our commitment to being good neighbours, we kindly ask that no alcohol be consumed after 9.30pm. OHA will not be selling alcohol but you can enjoy a quiet BYO beverage in the evenings if you choose. Thank you for helping us create a respectful and inclusive space.

 

Lend a Hand

The Forum thrives on community spirit. You’ll spot volunteers in yellow T-shirts -  feel free to pitch in when you can. While catering is covered, we encourage everyone to clear their own plates. On the final day, extra hands to help with pack-down are very welcome.

 

Key Contacts

 

FAQs

Still have questions? Visit the FAQs or email forum@outdoorhealth.org.au.

get in touch

Have a question? Click the button below to get in touch. OHA is a volunteer-led organisation. We'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Indigenous ways of knowing and being provide insights into the continuing wisdom of indigenous health practices and our interdependence with the natural world.

 

Outdoor Health Australia (OHA) acknowledges the aboriginal and Torres Strait islander peoples as the first inhabitants of the lands now called Australia, and acknowledge Traditional Custodians, where we live, learn and work.

Held on the lands of the Bundjalung Nation, OHA national forums are Aboriginal-informed and supported.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flags

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