It’s amazing to think that in a normal year, we’d already be halfway through the season. But this is no normal year, and the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions continue to impact life across Australia and the world. Thankfully we have not had any COVID-19 incidents at Jindabyne or Perisher, and I hope that all our members, along with their families and friends, continue to stay safe and healthy.
Since re-opening on 22nd June, it is great to see that both lodges have received good usage. While we are operating at reduced capacity, we have also seen a drop in demand, no doubt a result of both the operational changes (e.g. limits on ticket sales, border closures) and the limited snowfall we have received so far this season. I would like to thank all our members who have supported the club during this period, as the money we receive from these bookings is essential to maintaining the financial health of the club. It is my hope that as the season progresses, we will see snow falling, along with the number of COVID-19 cases, and strong continued utilisation of the lodges.
Even with the knowledge that we have, and the preparations we have put in place, staying ahead of this virus is proving to be extremely difficult, and requires constant vigilance. We remind all members to continue to follow government advice in regard to social distancing, hygiene, testing and mask wearing.
We are continuing to make adjustments to the COVID-19 Management Plan, based on updated advice and feedback from members. We have published V1.2 of the Plan, with the following updates:
– Shared food areas (e.g. no-mans-land, spice cupboard) are not available.
– Check-in time for arrivals has been brought forward to 1pm (from 2pm) for both lodges. Use of the lodge by arriving guests before 1pm is not permitted without authorisation.
– Check-out is 10am (unchanged) for departures. Use of the lodge by departing guests after 10am is not permitted without authorisation.
– The downstairs ski room at Perisher (rather than shelves outside Rooms 1-6) can be used for temporary luggage storage (i.e. prior to check-in or after check-out) – provided that this area is accessed directly using the external door, and no other areas of the lodge are accessed.
– Temporary luggage storage is not permitted at Jindabyne.
You can find the complete Plan, together with a Summary on the CAC Website on the COVID-19 Essential Information (http://www.cac.org.au/?p=1161) page. The Plan will continue to be updated as new advice is received and government regulations change. To receive notifications of updates, we strongly recommend subscribing to Skimail (please email cac.office@cac.org.au if you do not currently receive this). Alternatively, please join the CAC – Canberra Alpine Club Facebook group.
We rely on all Club Members to assist with the implementation of the COVID-19 Management Plan. While the emphasis is on personal responsibility, the Club has also asked Party Leaders and Lodge Managers to monitor behaviour and, if necessary, politely (but perhaps firmly) remind members and guests of their responsibilities. If you are aware of any behaviour that is not consistent with the Club’s By-laws or COVID-19 Management Plan, please notify the Admin Officer (cac.office@cac.org.au).
While it is easy to become complacent and think “it won’t happen here”, the situation in Victoria is a stark reminder of how quickly the situation can escalate. It is important for everyone that we continue to follow health guidelines, and maintain our COVID-19 Management Plan. Your continued support, encouragement and feedback are welcomed. And of course, if you need any assistance, please reach out to me on president@cac.org.au.
