Building tailored outdoor adventure experiences for over ten years.
The Story So Far...
The story of GAS started from a conversation around a campfire somewhere on an adventure in 2012 when Jeremy and family were on long service leave from his previous career in Outdoor Education teaching. They decided to embark on a different journey. They saw gaps in the various adventure based tourism, disability & mental health sectors in Geelong and the surround area. There was a need for a service that offered a variety of activities with a focus on delivering high quality tailored experiences. Slowly growing over 5 years, GAS developed a reputation for delivering exceptional outdoor education and tourism experiences, inducted into the Trip Advisor Hall of Fame for 5 consecutive years of excellence.
Drawing on Shelley’s experience in adventure therapy, 2017 saw GAS register with the NDIS as an accredited provider, bringing a high quality outdoor adventure alternative to disability and mental health support in Geelong. Alongside this, GAS is proud to have partnered with a broad range of organizations to deliver innovative experiential learning programs and projects that support the health & wellbeing of our community.
“Client and stakeholder feedback indicates that GAS is held in high esteem as a provider of adventure experiences, and provides a respectful tailored program.” – QIP
Their equipment is among the best you’ll see in the industry and their safety record is impeccable. GAS works hard to meet the specific needs of each client, evident in a high client retention rate. Beginning as a husband/wife combo all those years ago, GAS now has an amazing team of fun, clever, passionate people who love what they do.
We look forward to meeting you!
- To create opportunities for all people to get out into nature and have some fun.
- To meet the needs of our clients.
- To facilitate an environment of discovery and knowledge sharing.
- To run an ethical and environmentally sustainable business.
- Tour Operator Licence, to operate on public land.
- Insurance: 20 million public liability insurance.
- Bus Certificate of Registration, by Transport Safety Victoria.
- Registered Disability Support Service, under the NDIS.
- Accredited Community Organisation, By QIP.
- Tourism Greater Geelong & The Bellarine Members.
Meet The Team
Jeremy
Managing Partner | Co-Owner
Jeremy has lived in Geelong most of his life and has spent a great deal of it recreating in the outdoors and has 25+ years of working in the Outdoor Education Industry.
Before GAS: After graduating a Bachelor of Education, majoring in Outdoor Education, he had a 12 year career of teaching at the Christian College’s Senior Campus, in the Outdoor Education department. As the program grew he took on the coordination of the logistical side of the broader program. Notably they are recognized as developing one of the most successful VCE OE/OES programs in the region.
He says he doesn’t have a favorite outdoor activity, his interests are very seasonal and this makes him a bit of an all-rounder in the outdoors. He really enjoy helping others to be enriched through outdoor experiences and creating opportunities for all to get into nature.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Education – Outdoor Education & Environmental Science
- Remote Area First Aid
- Rock climbing Instructor – SPG (ACIA)
- Telemark Skiing Instructor (APSI)
- Community Surf Life Saving Certificate
- Teacher Registration, Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT)
- Heavy Vehicle Drivers License
- Flat water guide canoe instructor (Paddle Vic)
- Mt Biking Instructor, Foundation level (Aus Cycling).
Shelley
Managing Partner | Co-Owner | Adventure Therapist
Shelley has a broad range of group facilitation skills. She has developed outdoor adventure education programs for secondary and tertiary students and therapeutic programs for adults and adolescents experiencing mental illness.
Shelley began her career as an Outdoor Education teacher at Mount Eliza Secondary College. Interest in mental health led to exploration of the therapeutic benefits of nature and the role adventure can play in relationship development. This interest became the topic of Masters research with a focus on adults with a long term disability caused by mental illness. Shelley is a licenced counsellor registered with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Aust (PACFA).
Shelley served on the Victorian Outdoor Education Association and also the Out Doors Inc board of management. She enjoys forging new partnerships to develop & deliver innovative programs.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Education – Outdoor Education & Environmental Studies / Health Education
- Master of Education – Experiential Learning & Development / Wilderness Therapy
- Master of Counselling
- Remote Area First Aid
- Mental Health First Aid
- Rock climbing Instructor – TRG (ACIA)
- Community Surf Life Saving Certificate
- Teacher Registration, Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT)
- Bus License
- Flat water guide canoe instructor (Paddle Vic)
- Mt Biking Instructor, Foundation level (Aus Cycling).
Laura
Disability Support Coordinator
Laura is an Outdoor Education all rounder, a disability support worker and coordinator. She enjoys sharing experiences with friends and family out in nature, and says it strengthens your connection to one another and makes experiences really memorable. And she really loves the natural beauty that nature offers in many different landscapes.
Her hobbies include: football, Mt biking, bush walking and walking her dog.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Sports Science
- Master of Teaching
- Certificate IV in Outdoor Recreation
- Bus License
- Flat water guide canoe instructor (Paddle Vic)
- Mt Biking Instructor, Foundation level (Aus Cycling)
- Community Surf Life Saving Certificate
- First Aid.
Josh
Social Worker | Bush Adventure Therapy Facilitator
Josh is an all rounder in the outdoors and a Bush Adventure Therapy specialist. He comes from a public health background working with youth and has thrived bringing his expertise into an outdoor setting. He is also invested in the broader BAT field as an Outdoor Health Researcher for AABAT. Hobbies: bush craft, Sailing Kayaking, animal watching, camping & reading.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Arts – Health Science
- Master of Public Health
- Master of Social Work
- Mt Biking Instructor, Foundation level (Aus Cycling)
- Community Surf Life Saving Certificate
- First Aid.
Lisa
Outdoor Education & Disability Support Worker
Lisa is also an Outdoor Education all rounder, disability support worker and she’s currently studying Social Work. Her hobbies include: bush adventures, water colour, road trips and working on her van. She loves how when your in nature it invites us into an unhurried rhythm of being and the way it awakens curiosity, awe and new perspectives.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Outdoor & Environmental Education
- Wilderness First Aid
- Flat water guide canoe instructor & moving water endorsement (Paddle Aus)
- Mt Biking Instructor, Foundation level (Aus Cycling).
- Master of Social Work student
Matt
Outdoor Education | Disability Support Worker
Matt is an Outdoor Education and climbing specialist and a Support Worker. He’s also into surfing, exercising, playing with his kids. He say’s he enjoys how the outdoors has the power to reconnect us to what really matters. He’s also the owner of Form Strength & Mobility.
Qualifications:
- Diploma of Outdoor Recreation
- Certificate IV in Fitness
- Rock climbing Instructor – SPG (ACIA)
- Bus License
- Mt Biking Instructor, Foundation level (Aus Cycling)
- Community Surf Life Saving Certificate
- First Aid.
Ellie
Social Worker | Bush Adventure Therapy Facilitator | Disability Support Worker
Ellie is one of those special warm hearted go getters. She is a very experienced Bush walker, is also into camping, reading and traveling. When we asked her what she loves about the outdoors she said: “I Love how it slows me down and brings me into the present moment”. Her favorite place is camping along the Jameson River or anywhere in the Alps.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Social Work
- Diploma or Nature Based Therapy
- Cert III in Aged Care
- Community Surf Life Saving Certificate
- First Aid
James
Camps Coordinator
James is another outdoors all rounder and out new Camps Coordinator. His hobbies include: playing music, snowboarding and surfing. Ho loves to Share adventures with friends in beautiful places. His favourite places to visit are: The Vic Alps and Pope’s eye in Port Phillip Bay.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Arts: Outdoor & Enviro Studies
- Community Surf Life Saving Certificate
- Mt Biking Instructor Foundation level (Aus Cycling)
- Wilderness First Aid
Chris
Outdoor Education & Disability Support Worker
Chris is an Outdoor education teacher, special education teacher and all round explorer. He loves getting out with family and friends mountain biking, camping, sailing, diving and skiing. Chris loves organising inclusive experiences which is why he is working for GAS. He is bound to be out there somewhere, thriving on the changing seasons and experiences they bring.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Arts: Outdoor & Enviro Studies
- Masters of Special Education
- Community Surf Life Saving Certificate
- Mt Biking Instructor (Aus Cycling)
- White Water Canoe/Kayak Instructor
- Medium Rigid Bus Licence
- Wilderness First Aid
Jen
Mental Health Support Worker
With decades of experience, this adventurous free spirit is loved by all. She’s a white water rafting + kayaking specialist, she’s also into surfing and music. Her favourite place is the river. She says: “she loves the flow, energy and excitement of a river. She enjoys sharing the outdoors with others, the connections and the community”. She’s also runs Warrandyte Adventure Tours.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Education: Health & Environmental Studies
- White water canoe, kayak & raft guide instructor
- Swift Water Rescue certified
- Wilderness First Aid
- Mental Health First Aid
- Heavy Vehicle Licence
Mel
Outdoor Education & Disability Support Worker
“I love everything outdoors, from skiing to surfing, anything that lets me be in touch with the elements and nature”. She adds: “I appreciate how the outdoors is a welcoming place for everyone and it provides a sense of tranquillity but also adventure”. Her favourite places are the Otways, Switzerland and Canada.
Qualifications:
- Certificate IV in Outdoor Leadership
- APSI Alpine Level 1 Ski instructor
- Mt Biking & Canoe Instructor
- Community Surf Life Saving Certificate
- Wilderness First Aid
Sam
Outdoor Education & Disability Support Worker
Sam is one of our freelancers. He’s into travel, surfing and kayaking. His favourite place is the Vic Alps in general. When asked 3 words to describe himself he said: Adventurous, adaptable and curious. When not off on an adventure you’ll find him playing his guitar.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Education: Outdoor & Environmental Studies
- Certificate III in Sport & Recreation
- Mt Biking Instructor
- Wilderness First Aid
Lily
Outdoor Education & Disability Support Worker
Lily is a newer member to the team. Her favourite hobbies are Ultimate frisbee, painting and walking her dog. Her favourite places are Castle Cove, Jasper Canada. She enjoys being able to disconnect and unwind outside, whether it’s just a walk on the beach or snowboarding in the mountains.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Arts: Outdoor Leadership
- Community Surf Life Saving Certificate
- Canoe & Mt Bike Instructor
- Wilderness First Aid
Skip
Outdoor Education & Disability Support Worker
Skip is an outdoor educator and disability support worker, who loves spending slow time outside – hiking, canoeing, gardening, riding… They love being outside for the simpler rhythms of life and they love being in the desert.
Qualifications:
- Certificate IV in Outdoor Recreation
- Mt Biking Instructor
- Wilderness First Aid