Further to the release of the draft COVID-19 Management Plan the Committee has also revised the Party Leader Duties policy. All members are encouraged to read the updated policy and we welcome any feedback, questions or comments to president@cac.org.au.

The Committee has prepared a draft COVID-19 Management Plan to prepare the Club for when we’re able to re-open the lodges. The Plan continues to be regularly reviewed and revised as restrictions and conditions change. Our work, health and safety risks have changed and therefore it is essential for the Club to have a clear plan to adapt our lodge operations in compliance with Government regulations. This Plan is intended to allow the Club to get things up and running, and to keep our lodges healthy, safe and virus-free.

In order to open our lodges, and for them to remain open, the Club will rely on a number of key things to happen.  It is vital that everyone staying at a lodge will:

·       Maintain strict hygiene and cleaning practices

·       Stay physically distant (4m², 1.5m apart)

·       Respond to a COVID-19 infection and cooperate with the State Health Authorities, Party Leaders / Lodge Manager to follow guidance swiftly

For the Club to comply with government regulations, adjustments to each of our lodges’ capacity may be necessary.  The COVID-19 Management Plan contemplates a 50% reduction in capacity in each lodge, however this will continue to be reviewed as government regulations and guidelines are updated.  The Committee will be communicating separately to canvass members’ intentions on current and future bookings.

All members are encouraged to read the COVID-19 Management Plan and we welcome any feedback, questions or comments to president@cac.org.au.

By President, Jon Wilson.

At the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 25 March, Treasurer, Will Comensoli and I provided an update on the impact of the Coronavirus Pandemic, and the actions that we are taking as a Committee. As a guiding principle, the Committee is committed to putting the health and safety of our members, employees and guests first, and we will always be making decisions on this basis. The Club will also comply with relevant government directions, and requires all members to do so as well.

Jindabyne and Perisher Lodges are now CLOSED

Based on the current guidance from the Australian, ACT and NSW Governments, the Committee have taken the decision to close both lodges, effective immediately. The initial closure period will last until 31st May, with this date subject to ongoing review. While closed, members and guests should not be visiting Club lodges – this includes Overnight Accommodation, Day Trips and Work Parties.

At this stage no decision has been taken in regard to Peak season commencing on 12 June. We are continuing to monitor government advice, and are awaiting guidance from Vail, Thredbo Resorts and NPWS on the impact on the upcoming ski season. Also, Snow Australia has been providing updates on events such as Interschools.

100% credit for bookings affected by lodge closure

For any bookings that are affected by a lodge closure, a 100% credit will be provided to the booking organiser – even if a cancellation has already been requested. This policy affects all bookings during April / May.

For bookings that are scheduled to commence after 1st June, we encourage members to wait for further advice regarding lodge availability before making decisions regarding these bookings. If a decision is taken to extend the closure of the lodges, then the 100% credit policy will apply, so there is no need to pre-empt this decision.

All future bookings are being WAITLISTED

Given the uncertainty regarding how long the lodges may need to remain closed, the Committee has also taken the decision to WAITLIST any future bookings requests. Members can continue to make booking requests, but no payment (or confirmation) will be permitted until there is more certainty in regard to lodge availability.

Development of a Business Continuity Plan (BCP)

In order to allow the lodges to re-open, and to provide a safe environment for our members, employees and guests, a number of changes are expected to our lodge operations. The Committee is currently developing a Business Continuity Plan (BCP) which will describe these changes, and this will be distributed to members before the lodges are re-opened.

Financial Implications

The Club enters this year in a strong financial situation. We are ahead on our loan repayments, and have sufficient cash reserves to sustain the Club through 2020. Nevertheless, we will be looking to sustain our cash position, both by reducing expenses, and by investigating options for additional financial support.

Staying Updated

The Committee are closely monitoring the situation, and will provide updated advice as necessary. To receive timely information, we recommend subscribing to Skimail (please email cac.office@cac.org.au if you do not currently receive this).

If you have any questions or need any support, please email me on president@cac.org.au or call me (contact numbers are available in Frozen Acres).