Five candidates undertook the Inaugural Walking SA Bushwalk Guide Assessment. All candidates had completed their Assistant Guide award with Bushwalking Leadership SA and had completed their training at University.
Walking SA Education is offering bushwalking training and accreditation in 2025. This is a new addition to the range of services and support provided by Walking SA for the South Australian walking community. Our aim is to provide accessible training and accreditation for volunteers, youth leaders, teachers, personal trainers, support workers, therapists and outdoor educators at the nationally recognised standard. Find out more at walkingsa.org.au/education.
Prior to the walk candidates had to demonstrate at least 20 days of overnight bushwalking experience, including experience leading under direct or indirect supervision, a wide variety of groups, environments and environmental conditions. Before attending the practical assessment all candidates were required to complete theory of online quiz, prepare a thorough walk plan and have their log book of experience approved.
The assessment was conducted by Dave Rawson, supported by Scott Polley. Both are Walking SA Education Assessors and keen walkers personally with many years between them in training and assessing bushwalk leaders.
Caroona Creek Conservation Park, North of Burra, was selected as the venue as it was thought to have advantages of a good mixture of trails, open country for some off-track walking, simple and complex navigation, challenging communication, a good campsite with shelter and toilet and uncertainty with water at a second campsite requiring water portage and preparation for treatment. Further, it was an area that none of the candidates had visited before.
Each candidate took turns leading the group who were required to role play inexperienced walkers for safety and navigation instruction and incident response scenarios. Each candidate was provided an incident to act out for a particular leader that required either evacuation or major changes in the walk plan to accommodate the issue.
All candidates were successful in their theory and practical assessments with one candidate completing their experience post assessment to finalise their award.
Several candidates expressed interest in the 2026 Bushwalk Guide – Remote Area program and aspire to be assessors in the future.
We now look forward to planning Walking SA’s first Bushwalk Guide – Foundation training and assessment program in October.
Congratulations to Montana, Michael, Jordan, Renee and Tiffany on performing very well in the field and being Walking SA’s Inaugural Guides. As Monty submitted her theory work first, she is Walking SA’s Bushwalk Guide Certificate no. 1!
Omission from last newsletter – We are very pleased to announce that the super experienced Simon Goodwin has joined Walking SA as an Assessor. Simon, from Adelaide Bushwalkers, will bring vigour and technical expertise to our work.