News - Office Update
Update from the People Outdoors Head Office: May 2023

At People Outdoors, we’re proud of the wonderful team off staff we have both in the office and on our programs in both Melbourne and Ballarat. These individuals work hard to ensure our camps run smoothly and most importantly, our campers are well supported whilst at camp.

Over the past couple of months there have been a few developments we’d like to share with you:

It is with great regret that we inform you that after 5 years with the Australian Camps Association (ACA) in the People Outdoors Team, Melissa Puccio tendered her resignation.

Melissa had been studying Human Resources and she was been successful in obtaining a position in this field. Melissa has been a valuable contributor the People Outdoors team and she will be sadly missed by everyone at the Australian Camps Association.  We all wish Mel every success in her new role.

Athena Warren, our People Outdoors Camp Coordinator, has returned to her previous teaching role and we thank her for her contribution to People Outdoors over her time at the office and we wish her the very best with her future endeavours.

With this change, we’re pleased to announce the following staff appointments for the People Outdoors Team.

Sandra Murphy has been appointed to the People Outdoors Manager position replacing Melissa Puccio who finished up with ACA late March.  As part of her role, Sandra is looking after the Great Getaway programs - camps for over 55s.

This appointment took effect in late March 2023 and we congratulate Sandra on her new appointment.

These changes created a vacancy in the People Outdoors Assistant Camp Coordinator role and we’re pleased to announce the appointment of Nidheesh Sinha to the role. Nidheesh joined the team mid-April 2023 and he is enjoying working with the team to provide People Outdoors programs for our campers. You can find out more about Nidheesh here.

Earlier this year we also welcomed a new CEO, Peter McDougall - find out more here.

 
 
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Improving Wellbeing, Confidence and Connectedness One Camp at a Time!

For 35 years, the Australian Camps Association (ACA), has provided supported camps and outdoor experiences for kids, teens, and adults living with disability through its People Outdoors program...

 
 
Upcoming Programs
 
 
VIC: New Friends, New Adventures!
Log Cabin Camp
Adults (18yrs+)
27-03-2026 - 29-03-2026
weekend

Join People Outdoors for an exciting two-night weekend escape at Log Cabin Camp — the perfect mix of fun, connection, and outdoor discovery for adults (18+) living with disability.

Develop skills whilst participating in:
- Archery
- Building huts
- Team games and more

Departs from Melbourne (Thornbury)
New campers: complete our referral form to start the intake process before attending.

Let’s make memories together!

ENQUIRE (New Camper) ENQUIRE (Returning Camper)
VIC: Mornington Peninsula Weekend | Adults Living with Disability
Camp Manyung
Adults (18yrs+)
29-05-2026 - 31-05-2026
weekend

Escape to the beautiful Mornington Peninsula for a fun-filled two-night camp at Camp Manyung, Mt Eliza — specially designed for Adults (18yrs+) living with disability.

Get ready to dive into awesome activities like:
- Archery
- Low ropes course
- Bushwalking and nature play
- Campfire chats and social games

Departure Point: Thornbury, Melbourne

New to People Outdoors? Complete our referral form to begin the intake process — this must be finalised before attending camp.

Join us for connection, confidence, and coastal fun!

ENQUIRE (New Camper) ENQUIRE (Returning Camper)
VIC: Halls Gap | Four Days | Kids & Teens
Silverband Lodge, Halls Gap
Kids & Teens (6-17yrs)
07-04-2026 - 10-04-2026
holiday

Our four-day, three-night camp at Silverband Lodge in Halls Gap is the perfect outdoor getaway for kids and teens living with disability!

This action-packed camp is all about fun, friendships, and fresh air. Campers will:

- Try awesome activities like archery and hut building
- Discover nature in the beautiful Grampians
- Join in fun group games and plenty of social time with peers

Departs from Thornbury, Melbourne

Whether it’s your first time or you're a returning camper — everyone’s welcome!
New to People Outdoors? Just complete our referral form and intake process to get started.

More time to play. More time to grow. More time to be yourself.
Spaces fill fast — book today! 03 9863 682

ENQUIRE (New Camper) ENQUIRE (Returning Camper)