JODI’S JAM – October 2026

We have spent a lot of time on our masterplan this month! It’s amazing the different narratives around it – in the last week I have heard that – we received a $50M grant (I wish) and at the same rate, I’ve heard that it’s not going ahead because we couldn’t get the money (?)! My advice – unless you’ve heard it from the horse’s mouth 😉 then don’t believe it. Here it is from my mouth – it is going ahead. We’re currently revising a few design elements but we can confirm that the Mountain Zone will be stage 1! Think dry slope, airbag jump, jib park, mountain bike and mountainboard park. We are really hopeful that we can open it in the back end of next year.  

I attended a WIB event – Economic Uncertainty: How to Plan for Success. David Robertson, Chief Economist and Head of Economic and Markets Research at Bendigo Bank summarised the economic state of play, nationally and internationally, now and into the future. A lot of it was bleak for small business, but one standout for me was the increase in consumer spending for recreational activities. Obviously, I see the benefits of recreation first hand, but it’s encouraging to see that even during times of economic uncertainty, there has been a growing trend in consumer spending (for recreational areas) over the past 4 years.  

From the outset of designing our masterplan, inclusivity has been at the forefront. Having an adaptive equivalent for the sports we’re delivering is a priority. I met with Robbie Peime from Adapted Culture to discuss the possibilities and opportunity for his community that he has built. Robbie is heavily involved in extreme sports and passionate about demystifying the stigma that surrounds those living with a disability and being able to participate in these types of activities. 

I met with the CEO from Australian Camps Association to present the data from our school wellbeing program. From nearly 15,000 students who have attended our camp and have been surveyed (pre and post camp), 80% of those students thought that their overall wellbeing (defined as happy, healthy and comfortable) had improved after attending camp. We obviously witness the impact that camp has on kids, but this is direct data (from the students themselves) that supports it. That’s a pretty powerful figure! 

I also attended the ACA AGM. 

    
Az and I attended the Peninsula Applied Learning (PAL) awards that were held at the Mornington Racecourse last week. The PAL awards recognise the achievements of students completing VCE Vocational Major and Vocational Pathway Certificate (VPC) in the Frankston and Mornington Peninsula region. The Ranch was not only a sponsor of the event,  but is also an employer that provides placement and employment opportunities for these students. It was lovely to hear from a handful of students who were thankful for opportunities and support outside mainstream education programs. 

Burger night starts at Hawkes tonight and what better way to celebrate than to ride a horse there! A horse ride and dinner sorted in one experience. That’s a win, win…. And the only thing better than a win, win is a win, win, win and I’d say we got that with this incredible weather. Book in for next week. 

Until next month. 

 J ✌🏼