
Behind Ironbark
Hi, I’m Reed
— Founder and Adventure Guide at Ironbark Adventure Mentoring.

I created Ironbark because I’ve seen how few people have access to meaningful outdoor experiences. I wanted to give people a chance to explore various outdoor adventures in a safe and supportive environment. These experiences can help build confidence, resilience, and wellbeing, while also helping families who may not have the time or skills to provide them.
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I’m also driven by a growing concern about our declining mental and physical health, and how disconnected we’ve become from the natural world. With screens, distractions, and rising pressures, many people are spending more time indoors and less time outdoors.

From both personal and professional experience, I’ve seen how nature can reset us. I’m passionate about helping others reconnect with the outdoors, not just for fun, but for the boost it brings to our health and wellbeing, confidence, resilience and more. Ironbark exists to provide meaningful, adventure-based experiences that encourage people to switch off from the noise and strengthen their mind and body through the great outdoors.
Some of my interests..
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Animals, outdoor exploration and learning about all aspects nature
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Motorsports (follow MotoGP, AMA, F1)
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Most ball sports (follow AFL/Lions, NBL/Bullets)
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Psychology, Philosophy and Personal Development
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Music (Hardcore/Metal, Alternative, Rap, Country, Electronic & more)
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Computer Gaming​
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Learning about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and histories
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Camping, fishing, hiking etc.
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Woodworking & other crafts
A little more about me..
I grew up in a small rural town in South East Queensland, where life was mostly lived outdoors, long before screens and the internet became part of everyday life. My childhood was shaped by exploring the bush, building bike tracks, camping, and playing sport. Those experiences taught me the value of connection, to the outdoors, to others, and to myself. Today, with technology dominating our lives, many young people and young adults are facing stressors that previous generations didn’t have to navigate so constantly. The modern world hasn’t made it easy to develop coping skills or find time and space to reset. I believe that time in nature, especially when paired with movement and simple physical activity, is one of the most accessible and effective ways to boost wellbeing, build resilience, and restore balance. After completing a degree in Behavioural Science (Psychology), I worked across health and disability support, and later as a Mountain Bike Coach, Eco Therapist, and Outdoor Adventure Facilitator. I’ve seen how powerful nature-based mentoring can be, particularly for young people who feel overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected. In future I plan to expand my skills through training in outdoor leadership, bushcraft, and survival to offer grounded, real-world experiences that support personal growth. Over time, I’ve also developed a deep interest in learning about the cultural knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. For more than 60,000 years, First Nations communities have lived in strong relationship with the Australian landscape, understanding its patterns, resources, and spirit. While not a core part of every session, I may offer opportunities (optional) to explore this traditional wisdom in respectful ways, always guided by Indigenous perspectives. Outside of work, I’m a husband and Dad to two amazing kids who keep me inspired and grounded. I’m passionate about sports (especially AFL and motorsports), and I’ve always had a love for animals and wild places. I’m naturally curious and enjoy learning, from psychology and art, to music and meaningful conversation. I bring warmth and care to every interaction, while also knowing when to hold structure and focus. Through Ironbark Adventure Mentoring, I aim to give young people and adults alike a chance to pause, breathe, and reconnect, whether it’s through climbing a mountain, riding a trail, building a fire, or simply walking in the bush. I look forward to sharing that journey with you.




Qualifications
Formal Qualifications
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Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Psychology)
Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Kelvin Grove – Completed 2019 -
Certified Eco Therapist
Completed 2024 -
Certified PMBIA Mountain Bike Instructor
Professional Mountain Bike Instructors Association – Completed 2024​
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Relevant Experience​
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Outdoor Adventure Facilitator & Eco Therapist – 1 year
Leading youth and adults both 1 on 1 and in groups in outdoor therapeutic and team-building activities such as mountain biking, hiking and camping. -
Disability Support Worker – 4 years
Working one-on-one with clients to support independence, communication, and community engagement -
Autism Awareness & Support Training
8-hour Autism Training Certificate through Create Skills for Life - Completed 2023 -
Employment Consultant – 6 months
Working with The Salvation Army to support individuals through job readiness, skills building, career transitions and personal development -
Retail Manager – 7 years
Managing teams, developing leadership skills, and fostering high-level customer service -
Customer Service Industry – 16 years
Extensive experience across hospitality and retail industries, with a strong commitment to fostering teamwork, trust, and effective communication in diverse roles and environments.
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Self Directed Learning & Informal Practice​
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Lifelong rider and lover of mountain bikes, building confidence, technical skill, and a love for movement in natural environments.
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Long-term participation in team sports throughout childhood and into adulthood, developing resilience, communication, and leadership skills.
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Extensive personal and group camping experience across Southeast Queensland, NSW and Tasmania, developing skills in trip planning, camp resources, minimal-impact camping, and outdoor safety.
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Lifelong involvement in bushwalking and hiking, with experience across diverse states and terrains, from local conservation trails to remote bush bashing.
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Regular animal interaction through personal life and work in support roles, building calmness, awareness, and respect for animal behaviour in outdoor environments.
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Deepened outdoor confidence and adaptability through years of hands-on experience leading and participating in nature-based adventures.
The Future of
Ironbark Adventure Mentoring
At Ironbark, we’re passionate about deepening our impact by expanding and enriching the outdoor experiences we offer, especially through meaningful group activities. In the future, we plan to build on our current services by introducing more regular group adventures and half/full day adventures designed to foster connection, teamwork, and shared learning in nature. These group adventures will provide a supportive environment where participants can develop new skills, build friendships, and experience the unique benefits that come from exploring the outdoors together.
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Along with the day adventures, camping will also become a central part of our mission, with an increased focus on group trips that build resilience, cooperation, and confidence, all while immersing participants in the rhythms of the natural world.
Overnight adventures offer unique opportunities for growth through challenge, connection, and shared achievement in a supported, guided setting. Each camping trip we run will incorporate core Ironbark activities like hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and kick-to-kick sessions as an example, creating a well-rounded experience that blends fun, skill-building, and nature-based mentoring.
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Alongside these developments, we aim to introduce specialized programs centered around bushcraft and survival skills, including foraging, wild foods, fire making, crafting, and a broad range of essential bush skills, drawing inspiration from Australian Indigenous traditions and broader outdoor practices. These adventures will deepen participants’ relationship with nature, equipping them with practical knowledge and confidence to thrive outdoors.
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Ultimately, our future at Ironbark is about creating inclusive, supportive spaces where people can come together to learn, grow, and experience the transformative power of nature, fostering skills and friendships that last a lifetime.