Chair: Geoff McCaul — Flinders University 
Geoff comes from an education background with 18 years of experience in outdoor education instruction, and teaching. He is an Associate Lecturer in Health & Outdoor Education at Flinders University; with teaching interests focussed on place and culturally responsive outdoor education, outdoor leadership, and youth mental health in the outdoors. Geoff has been involved in NBONSA for the past two years and is passionate about the positive impact that a united community can have in this sector in allowing more people to enjoy the outdoor environment in a safe and inclusive way. He is also a committee member of OEASA (Outdoor Educators Association SA), Paddle SA Education, and Walking SA.

Deputy Co-Chair: Sarah Higginson — Canoe the Coorong 

Sarah is a board member of NBONSA and works as a Lead Guide with Canoe the Coorong. She has nearly nine years of experience across the outdoor industry, including freelance guiding, residential and expedition-style programs. Sarah joined the board to pursue personal growth and to represent the voices of young people in the sector. She brings a practical approach shaped by on-the-ground leadership, mentoring, and community involvement. Sarah leads with values-based decision making, is passionate about safety, and supporting inclusive pathways into the outdoor industry.

Deputy Co-Chair: Scott Polley — Adelaide University 

Scott is Program Director of the Bachelor of Outdoor and Environmental Leadership at Adelaide University and has been with NBONSA since it’s inception. He currently sits on the Outdoor Education Australia, Outdoor Council of Australia, National Council for Resilience and Risk and South Australian Rockclimbing Education Association Boards. He teaches Outdoor and Environmental Education and holds outdoor leadership qualifications in bushwalking, climbing, rock-climbing and mountain biking.

Treasurer: Justin Farrell — Baptist Care

ustin has been working in the Outdoor sector since the mid 2000’s. He has worked in Outdoor Education and Recreation, Tourism, Campsites and Adventure Therapy. Currently working for Baptist Care as the Senior Manager for the Adventure department. Has a keen interest in supporting the outdoor sector mature and seeing all people connect through outdoor adventures. Has been involved with NBONSA since 2023.

Board Member: Annette Hunt — TAFE SA 

Outdoor activities (of all types) have been a passion for Annette from a young age, growing up on a farm and having family camping trips / outdoor holidays, igniting her interest in all things outdoors. After school she studied a Diploma in Outdoor Recreation with TAFESA, then Bachelor of Business (Recreation Management), while working as a camp instructor/ facilitator (bushwalking, kayaking, challenge ropes, camp counsellor - USA). 

In the late 2000's she started field work at TAFESA and is now a lecturer in the Diploma of Outdoor Leadership program. 

Board Member: Rodd Quintrell — Walking SA

With 30 years’ experience as a bushwalking trainer and assessor, Rod Quintrell brings deep expertise across outdoor participation, mental health, and community engagement.  Rod is the Executive Director of Walking SA, where he leads initiatives to grow participation in walking and strengthen South Australia’s reputation as a world-class walking destination.  He is a passionate around access and equity in connecting people with nature and advancing the social, health, and environmental benefits of treading lightly.

Secretary: Tameliya Nikielski — Operation Flinders Foundation

Tameliya is an outdoor educator with experience supporting at‑risk youth in South Australia, including freelance facilitation and higher education teaching. She is currently completing a Master by Research degree focused on participant wellbeing in an extended‑stay outdoor education program in South Australia. Her work aligns with NBONSA through a shared commitment to nature‑based, evidence‑informed youth development. Tameliya brings sector experience across outdoor programs, community engagement, and experiential learning.

Board Member: Jules Parr — Active Education 

Jules is committed to strengthening the outdoors sector in SA and has been on the Board of NBONSA since its inception in 2022 having previously served on the Board of the Australian Camps Association for several years. Jules has been co-owner of Active Education, a mobile provider of school camp packages and outdoor education experiences since 2007; and her husband Dave has worked in the camping sector in SA for over 40 years. They are passionate about the benefits of school camps for young people & of outdoor experiences for people of all ages. Jules & Dave live on the banks of Murrundi in Ngarrindjeri Country where she kayaks as often as she can.