Are natural spaces truly inclusive for everyone? This pressing question lies at the heart of an upcoming event hosted by Outdoors Victoria, titled “Enhancing Inclusion, Safety, and Belonging in the Outdoors.” Scheduled for Tuesday, April 23, from 1 to 2:30 pm AEST, this in-person panel aims to delve into the complexities of ensuring safe, welcoming, and restorative experiences for all outdoor enthusiasts.
The venue for this insightful discussion is the Library at The Dock, located at 107 Victoria Harbour Promenade Docklands, VIC 3008 Australia. The event will span 1 hour and 30 minutes, promising an engaging exploration of crucial topics.
Central to the panel is Tanya Ginwala, a pioneering figure in the realm of Outdoor Therapy. Hailing from the serene landscapes of the lower Himalayas in Dharamshala, India, Ginwala brings a wealth of experience as a psychologist, experiential educator, and adventure and nature-based therapist. Her diverse professional background, ranging from substance abuse rehabilitation to facilitating inclusive outdoor adventures for individuals with disabilities, positions her as a formidable voice in the discussion on mental health and outdoor engagement.
Ginwala’s passion lies in unraveling the intricate relationship between adventure, nature, and mental well-being, particularly within the Indian context. As the India representative at the International Adventure Therapy Committee, she advocates for decolonized understandings of mental health while championing causes of inclusion and awareness.
Recognizing her groundbreaking contributions, Ginwala was honored with the Karl Rhonke Creativity Award in 2023 by the Association for Experiential Education, USA. Her dedication to adapting outdoor therapy to suit the Indian milieu has garnered international acclaim, showcasing her commitment to fostering inclusive outdoor experiences.
Attendees of the panel can expect an interactive session, featuring insights from Ginwala alongside invited guests who are actively contributing to the exploration of inclusive outdoor practices. From examining the essential conditions required for fostering inclusion, safety, and belonging to sharing firsthand experiences, the event promises to be enriching for all participants.
For those unable to attend in person, an online Zoom option is available, ensuring accessibility for a broader audience. Whether joining physically or virtually, participants are encouraged to engage fully in this vital conversation.
Prior to the panel, attendees have the option to gather for lunch or coffee at Saluministi Docklands at 12 pm, setting the stage for networking and camaraderie.
In a world where the benefits of outdoor engagement are widely acknowledged, it is imperative to ensure that these spaces are truly inclusive and welcoming to all. Through initiatives like the “Enhancing Inclusion, Safety, and Belonging in the Outdoors” panel, organizations like Outdoors Victoria and advocates like Tanya Ginwala are paving the way for a more equitable outdoor experience for everyone.
#Inclusion #OutdoorTherapy #MentalHealthAwareness #Adventure #Nature #InclusiveOutdoorExperiences #CommunityBuilding
