FAQs

Why does the Association exist?

The Tasmanian Wilderness Guides Association Inc. (TWGA) exists to provide current and recently employed outdoor, nature-based guides a voice.

Our mission is to advocate on behalf of our members in relation to our employment, careers and working conditions, have a say in shaping a sustainable tourism industry in Tasmania and help cultivate and celebrate Tasmania’s unique guiding culture.

Prior to the creation of our Association, many guides felt their voices weren’t being heard in the face of changes unfolding in our industry and in our national parks. Representation was either through employers – who many guides felt at odds with on key issues – or through the Tourism Industry Council of Tasmania – which has done very little to represent the interests of anyone outside the big end of business.

We also want to acknowledge that this isn’t the first time that there has been an association ours in Tasmania. Some legends started the Tasmanian Outdoor Guides Association (TOGA) back in 1989. Amongst others, Richard Flanagan was an inaugural member. It’s worth taking a look at their Constitution to see what they were advocating for then, and how far we have progressed (or not) since then.

How is the Association governed?

Formally, the TWGA is governed by a management committee elected from its membership base. A smaller executive committee comprising a president, vice president, secretary and treasurer look after the day-to-day operations and put into action the decisions of the management committee. The TWGA also has a set of objectives and purposes that are written into its constitution (or ‘Rules’), that provide direction for members and committee members to follow.

How can I help?

Most importantly you can sign up to be a member. This small act may seem insignificant, but it is important for increasing our legitimacy as the representative body for guides working in Tasmania.

Ordinary members have the right to request TWGA to act or take a stand on issues that involve guides in Tasmania. You also get to shape our direction by providing input in TWGA surveys, discussions, work groups and forums.

Annual membership fees represent a small cost to each member and cover the essential running costs of the Association (things like insurance, email, Zoom and website accounts). The vast majority of our work is done by people who choose to volunteer their time and skills to contribute to all the TWGA’s projects. We are always looking for more people to lend a hand - from letter writing to website design to media appearances to organising social events - there's something for everyone.

How do I join up?

To be able to join the TWGA as an ‘ordinary’ (or full voting) member, you must be over 17 years old, support the objectives and purposes of the TWGA and either be –

(a)   currently working or have worked in the last 3 years as an outdoor activity guide in Tasmania’s national parks, reserves or conservation areas; or

(b)  currently enrolled in or have completed a training course with the objective of working as an outdoor activity guide in Tasmania’s national parks, reserves or conservation areas.

Why do we have the requirement that you need to have worked as a guide in Tasmania in the last 3 years or be just about to start out as a guide here?

For the TWGA to have credibility, it needs to be made up of members whose livelihoods are closely tied to Tasmania and its national parks and reserves. The TWGA is a professional association of guides that exists for guides – providing guides with a strong, collective voice on their industry in Tasmania. Corporate memberships are available for like-minded organisations, and Associate memberships are available to those who aren’t currently an outdoor activity guide in Tasmania but were some time ago, or would like to be, or are just downright passionate about the things we are – and are involved in the industry in some way in Tasmania.

What do I get with my membership?

Current membership benefits include:

·      Belonging to a representative body for your industry

·      The right to request that TWGA to act or take a stand on issues that involve guides in Tasmania

·      You will have a vote for all actions put to our members regarding the TWGA direction.

·      You will be invited to voice your opinion in surveys, discussions, work groups and forums

·      Invitations to attend guide forums

·      You will be invited to the members-only discussion groups in which we will be sharing in more details our plans and opportunities for members’ involvement in actions

·      Invites to regular gatherings in Hobart and Launceston.

We are also working on expanding the range of benefits in the future to include:

·      Discounts at all your favourite outdoor stores

·      Guide-focused training programs

·      Opportunities for guides to hear from specialists in Tasmanian history, flora, fauna, geology, palawa aboriginal education

·      Trips to our national parks and wilderness areas

But I’m not necessarily against private development inside the TWWHA, can I still join? Isn’t this a protest group? Will joining this Association put me at odds with the companies that I work for?

While certainly the potential for private developments inside the TWWHA was the catalyst for the creation of this body, our aim is to be the representative body for guides working in Tasmania, and this means our scope of work goes far beyond for beyond private developments in national parks.

In terms of how we come to decide our stance in relation to issues like private developments in national parks, the Association has been set up so that members can vote on the direction taken by the TWGA; and we also have values, principles and purposes contained in our Constitution that provide a base for direction.

We need to stress that joining the Association should not put you at odds with the companies you work for. We very much want to be able to have open dialogues between ourselves and our employers and, since our formation, we have found that companies have been willing to meet with us (and some have even become Corporate Members). Our conversations with these companies have generally been positive, including those with Expressions of Interest proposals for tourism developments in national parks. Having a body like the TWGA representing guides gives members the opportunity to raise their concerns anonymously without the fear of retribution from employers. For employers, meeting with the TWGA gives them the opportunity to hear from an Association that provides a coherent, collective voice for the outdoor guiding community rather than just relying on the personal opinions of individuals working for their company.

Contact

If you have any further questions, please reach out to us at info@tasmanianguides.org.