Further details can be found here:
Business Loan Guarantee
The Commonwealth government has also provided a facility where up to 50% of a business loan is guaranteed by the Government. Click for
more information
.
Commonwealth Government’s decision to quarantine all returning travellers
for 14 days
The Prime Minister announced this initiative on the afternoon of Friday, 27 March, noting that the implementation of this would fall to the various States and Territories.
On Friday afternoon, I wrote directly to the relevant State Premiers advising them of the availability of beds through CVA members for these travellers. As it would appear the intent is to firstly use hotel rooms, we wait to see if opportunities arise from this initiative.
Greater Access to Bidfood and PFD Food Lines
After holding talks with both Bidfood and PFD, both are comfortable if our members, who have accounts with these suppliers though the Christian Supply Chain, were to on-sell their products to their staff and offer a home delivery service to the community. They did not dictate the price for which these products could be on-sold.
To assist with this, Bidfood has opened up their pantry lines for ordering. These lines are more retail in quantity (e.g. 1kg flour, rather than 20kg). However, supply is challenging as both Bidfood and PFD are facing difficulties in getting supplies from the manufacturers for these lines.
Some of the Initiatives Members have Undertaken
- Food Delivery Service - some of our members have started a local food delivery service.
- Deploying staff into Aged Care - The Aged Care sector is reportedly looking to increase their short term staffing levels, both to cover for staff who will need to supervise children at home, as well as in response to increased cleaning requirements. I would suggest contacting any local Aged Care provider to see if they are looking for staff.
Changes to VeNews and Prayer News
Our monthly VeNews newsletter will not be published in either April or May. We will, however, be issuing our Prayer Newsletter each fortnight. In addition to any specific prayer requests we receive, we will be asking members to pray for each other, working through our member list with five sites per day. Over the next six weeks, every CVA member will be listed and so be covered with prayer.
Mental Health Webinar
CVA is hopeful of running a webinar in the coming days on managing mental health during this crisis. Once this has been confirmed, we will publicise the timing of this event.
Summary of Member Surveys
We recently sent out a survey on the impact of this virus on our membership. We have had 37 responses to this survey. The key findings are:
- Members report a loss of expected revenue of between 35-85%. Whilst many bookings have been transferred, for some members their calendar of dates in the second half 2020 are currently full from other bookings and they have been unable to reschedule, resulting in cancelled bookings.
- As a reminder, CVA members collectively turnover approximately $113,000,000 per year.
- All members have reported the need to evaluate staffing, with most having to cancel or reduce all casual shifts and many having to reduce staff wages.
- The approach to cancellations was mixed, with most aiming to transfer bookings or roll deposits into next year’s booking (e.g. for a Year 7 Term One camp). This was done with the aim of maintaining cash flow. As an aside, I note that Qantas, whilst they have waived their typical cancellation policy for flights up until 31 July, are NOT providing cash refunds but rather only issuing credit vouchers.
- Two themes continually emerged -
- This event did not surprise God. We need to still trust Him during this time.
- Whilst starting out (and is continuing to be) a health crisis, it is now equally an economic crisis. The economic impact will likely outlast the health impact for many.
The wider Camping and Outdoor Recreation sector is also collating data on the financial impact of this crisis. If you wish to contribute to this survey it can be accessed
here
.
Reminder that Membership Fees have Changed
I remind everyone that membership fees for organisations have been reduced by 50% with payment not due until 31 October 2020. However, we still require all members to complete the online membership renewal. A reminder to those who have yet to finalise this will be sent in the coming days.
Devotions
We are holding online devotions, and community connection every Tuesday and Friday at 2pm, Sydney time, these are facilitated by our Chaplains.
