The UTS Outdoor Adventure Club was established in October 1993 where we soon became the University’s biggest club with close to 500 Members.
How did it all start?
It all started about a year before our official inception. Stuart Warren and Scott McPherson were members of the UTS caving club and both had much more of an interest in all things outdoors rather than just caving. Finding it hard to do all the outdoor activities they wanted within their club they decided that a club which catered for lovers of all outdoor adventure activities was needed. With a big grin the Outdoor Adventure Club was born.
Abseil Skills 3 was introduced to the clubs skills trip repertoire by Brendon Flanagan.
Read moreImprovised Rope Rescue Skills 3 was introduced to the clubs skills trip repertoire by Brendon Flanagan.
Read more2017
President: David Perry Vice President: Patrick Lao
Read more2016
The club’s new website went live on the 2nd March 2016 replacing the long standing and much loved website which had seen countless adventures and members logged into its database. There had been much debate over the years between club members if the OAC actually needed a new website considering the old one still performed the required tasks. The old adage “Why fix something if it isn’t broken” was heardfrom prominent members. Luckily the club’s new website was almost complete when the host shut down. This unforeseen event left OAC without a website for 5 weeks. There was much rejoicing when our new website went live with many thanks going out to Ron Sandoval and German Castro Donoso who built it from scratch, putting countless hours of hard work into what you’re browsing now. Ron and German being volunteer Trip Leaders in the club again volunteered much of their time…
Read more2016
President (Jan-Jul): Brad Boundy President (Jul-Dec ): Nicole Mealing Vice President: Brendon Flanagan Acting President (Dec-Jan): Brendon Flanagan
Read more2015
The OAC underwent its first safety audit which was conducted by Sharon McMeekin of Crowe Horwath. The OAC was represented by Aimee Purcell of Activate UTS and Brendon Flanagan (VP and QM) of the OAC. The audit identified that the OAC took member safety very seriously with the statement – “Well done to you and the club, it really does show that you take risk and safety of members very seriously”. The success of this audit stems from all the dedicated and professional Committee Members, Trip Leaders, Seconders and club members who make this club what it is.
Read more2015
The club’s new logo evolved in 2015 to unify and clarify the club’s identity. UTSOAC wanted to reflect the history of the club as well as demonstrate our commitment to growing a greater community of outdoor enthusiasts. * Logo designers name omitted from history.
Read more2015
President: Jake Griffiths Vice President: Brad Boundy
Read more2015
2015 was the year it was finally decided that the Mark 2 website was to be retired from service with the President Jake Griffiths leading the push to plan and begin work on the new website. what do you think? It’s pretty awesome right?
Read more2014
Improvised Rope Rescue Course part 1 and 2 was introduced to the clubs skills trip repertoire by Brendon Flanagan.
Read more2014
President (Jan-Sep): Dariusz Kordonski Vice President: Brendon Flanagan President (Sep- Jan): Brendon Flanagan Vice President: Vacant
Read more2013
Bouldering Skills 1 course was introduced to the club by Brendon Flanagan.
Read more2013
President: Danny Tan Vice President: David Perry
Read more2012
Club members volunteered with Blue Mountains Track Care to help rebuild walking tracks in the Blue Mountains.
Read more2012
UTSOAC organised a fundraiser for the Bush Walkers Wilderness Rescue Squad, raising money and awareness for this volunteer rescue group.
Read more2012
President: Darran Wu Vice President: Dave Perry
Read more2011
Club members volunteered with Blue Mountains Track Care to help rebuild walking tracks in the Blue Mountains.
Read more2011
President: Karena Shell
Read more2010
The Birth of Mega Fest Back in 2010-11 when Pat Nolan was the president the concept of Mega Fest was first introduced and the trip was organised by Kathy Fleming after a bushwalk in the Megalong Valley and the amazing Dunphy’s campground. The idea was to have a major event just after O-Day to welcome new members to the club, camp out, have fun and introduce climbing and hiking as activities for the coming months. While not intended to replace the annual “Festival of the Canyon”, it became the natural successor.
Read more2010
Rock Climbing Skills 3 course was introduced to the club by Marty Middlebrook and Greg Myhill.
Read more2010
President: Pat Nolan Vice President: Christian Sax
Read more2009
Rock Skills 2 course was introduced to the club by Marty Middlebrook.
Read more2009
President: Cameron Newman Vice President: Greg Myhill President: Greg Myhill Vice President: Christian Sax
Read more2008
President: Marty Middlebrook Vice President: Sven Howorth
Read more2007
The first trip leader induction night is held with Marty Middlebrook as Activities Officer. 6 new leaders were in attendance.
Read more2007 – Club storage moves
After 5 years at Kennards storage in camperdown, the UTSOAC club gear was moved literally across the road to Storage King as they provided 24 hour access and a larger walk in room with lighting. Greg Salway, Ellen Braybon and Martin Pfeil oversaw the transfer and cataloguing of the equipment, completely restructuring how storage functioned in the club.
Read more2007
Sharon Swanson leads the process of ensuring trip leaders skills are recorded and the UTS Union has a regularly updated list of active trip leaders. Sharon also began organising certified external training for trip leaders who had shown significant contributions to the club.
Read more2007
President: Sharon Swanson Vice President: Ellen Braybon
Read more2006
President: Ellen Braybon Vice President: Sharon Swanson
Read more2005
Canyon Guide Skills 1 course was introduced to the club.
Read more2005
The club organised and abseil down the North East face of UTS Tower to display a large noVSU banner, in protest of the changing legislation banning compulsory student union fees. The club received an award from UTS Union for ‘Services to the Union’ for this impressive effort.
Read more2005
President: Emmanuel Freudenthal Vice President: Iain Finlay
Read more2005
The clubs website was re-built (Mark 2) by Scott McPherson. This version saw 10 years of loyal service allowing the club members to experience countless outdoor adventures.
Read more2004
Festival of The Canyons was born which was originally an interclub event with around 30-60 participants over the 4 years it ran. Festival of The Canyons was soon to be superseded by Megafest.
Read more2004
Mountain Bike Skills 1 introduced to the clubs skills trips.
Read more2004
Navigation Skills 1 was introduced to the club. This course and its curriculum drawn up by the club helps members learn how to use a map and compass for events such as rogaining competitions.
Read more2004
President: Ben Ball
Read more2003
President: Vanessa Rathborne Vice President: Iain Finlay
Read more2002
Rock Climbing Skills 1 introduced to the club.
Read more2002
Abseil Skills 1 was introduced to the OAC and would be the first of many official club skills courses. A purpose designed curriculum was developed which each participant receives to prepare for the course.
Read more2002
Abseil Skills 2 introduced to the club.
Read more2002
President: Sarah Legaspi
Read more2001
President: Rhett Hamilton-Smith
Read more2000
President: Susanna Cheng Vice President: Annabel Angus
Read more1999
President: Max Pagnin Vice President: Damien Siviero
Read more1998
President: Mark Agnew Vice President: Nerilee Edwards
Read more1997
Semester 1 President: Scott Mcpherson Vice President: Daniel Carew Semester 2 President: Daniel Carew Vice President: Joshua Steadson
Read more1997
The clubs original website (Mark 1) went live in 1997 and was built by Scott McPherson. This website saw 8 years of dedicated service before being redesigned in 2005.
Read more1996
President: Martin Pfiel Vice President: Scott McPherson
Read more1995
President: Scott McPherson Vice President: Martin Pfiel
Read more1994
President: Stuart Warren
Read more1993
President: Stuart Warren The club was officially formed this year by Stuart Warren and Scott McPherson.
Read more1993
The original club logo was designed by Scott McPherson with the rough concept drawn up by Stuart Warren and Scott McPherson. It was intentionally designed with an Indiana Jones feel to it.
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