Good afternoon ,
As you are no doubt aware, our respective State and Territory Governments are working towards easing social restrictions as the number of new COVID-19 infections continues to moderate.
The timeline for these changes are dramatically different between the various jurisdictions. However, a common theme is evident: as we emerge from this enforced hibernation there will be a requirement for some form of ongoing COVID-19 management plan.
To this end, CVA has been working in partnership with the Australian Camps Association (ACA) over the last several weeks, to develop a Guidance Document
and associated Risk Register
for Camps.
The intent of the Guidance Document and, in particular, the Risk Register is to act as a reference point, enabling each member to customise and develop their own responses to the particular issues raised. Whilst much time and thought has been given to the development of these documents, it is possible that some areas or specific details may have been missed or omitted. It is also likely that over time,
as recommendations from governments change,
any number of risk mitigation strategies will need to be reviewed.
Additionally, the Outdoor Council of Australia (OCA), of which CVA is a member, submitted
a “Framework for Rebooting Outdoor Activities…”
to the Government. Whilst CVA had only limited input into the development of this document, we are supportive of the principles contained within it. Developed as a response to the release and subsequent endorsement of the Australian Institute of Sports (AIS) “Framework for rebooting Sport”
, the OCA document seeks to address the omission of any mention of Outdoor Education in the AIS piece.
It is hoped that the OCA document will also receive the endorsement of the Australian Health Protection Principles Committee (AHPPC), as has the AIS document.
I need to emphasise that these documents, all of which are linked to this communique, are for your reference and use. They do not carry any form of government endorsement at this time. The two peak bodies in this industry (CVA and ACA), believe they reflect good and recommended practice, however the first point of reference must always be any guidelines issued by the Commonwealth or State government, or their relevant departments.
Beyond this, CVA and ACA have been jointly working on a Press Release to encourage all governments to allow that school camps recommence. Whilst I acknowledge that school camps are only a part of our ministries, we believe that gaining permission for school groups to attend camps again will greatly enhance our abilities to promote and accept all other forms of camps.
Attached to this email are links to:
- COVID-19 Guidance Document for Camps
- A copy of the Press release
- Risk Register and CovidSafe Plan templates (word document)
- The OCA’s Framework for rebooting outdoor activities in a COVID-19 environment
In terms of the Press Release, please feel free to send this to any media or Members of Parliament you have access to. The more widely this is distributed the better.
Of further note, CVA has commissioned the development of a media response in the case of a CVA member being reported as the source of a COVID-19 cluster outbreak. These templates should be available later this week and I will issue them once finalised.
We know the next few months will remain challenging as we work to re-engage with both our staff and guests. Yet through all that has gone before and all that lies ahead,
be assured that as a National Office and your National Board, we are upholding all your ministries in prayer.
Blessings,
Graeme Janes
Chief Executive Officer
