A message from Disabled Wintersport Australia (DWA) Jenni Cole in late July on the continual changes at snow resorts due to government restrictions and lockdowns and how it impacts DWA.
The delta variant of COVID-19 continues to provide challenges for all organisations and, in our case, it limits our ability to enable people to find freedom on snow. In the last 24 hours (July 28) restrictions have changed in both Victoria and New South Wales.
I trust that you will find this information useful.
Victoria
Following yesterday’s announcement by the Premier, the Victorian snow resorts have re-opened. This is great news for all that work and play on the mountains. However, the easing of restrictions comes with some complications. You can find full details from the Victorian Government HERE but here is a summary relevant to those intending to travel to the snow resorts:
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Public gatherings will be allowed with up to 10 people, with infants under 12 months not included in the cap
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Due to the significant transmission risk seen throughout the pandemic, gatherings in the home are still not permitted. People will only be able to book accommodation with their household, intimate partner or single bubble person
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People will be free to visit ski fields again, but due to the higher risk in these settings entry to Victoria’s alpine resorts will require a COVID test and receipt of a negative result within 72 hours prior to visiting. Children under 12 years of age are not required to be tested
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Masks will continue to be required everywhere indoors and outdoors (except private residences), unless an exception applies
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The City of Wagga Wagga, Hay Shire Council, Lockhart Shire Council and Murrumbidgee Council will no longer be included in the cross border bubble.
These restrictions will have an impact on accommodation bookings, have some limitations on the number of guides we can provide and, of course, service across the resorts. With regard to Camps, our Resort Services Managers are looking closely at how we best manage these activities given the restrictions, and they will be in contact with camp organisers.
For those using DWA Resort Services and those on Camps please ensure that you comply with the COVID test requirements above.
New South Wales
The resorts remain open; however, we learned today that the Greater Sydney lockdown will be extend for another four weeks. The details can be found HERE.
To summarise:
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The Greater Sydney lockdown will be extended until Saturday, 28 August
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Given localised case numbers, the Parramatta, Campbelltown and Georges River LGAs will join the five existing LGAs of concern (Canterbury-Bankstown, Fairfield, Liverpool, Blacktown and Cumberland) which are subject to an Authorised Workers Order. Only authorised workers in these eight LGAs may leave their LGA for work.
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Restrictions in regional NSW will remain unchanged
With regard to Camps in NSW, we anticipate that it is likely that most if not all camps will need to be on hold until September, pending further information from the NSW Government. We are looking closely at how we best manage this given the restrictions, and will be in contact with affected camp organisers this week.
For those using DWA Resort Services, you will need to complete our declaration, as usual, including confirmation that you have not been to any of the restricted areas.
Whilst it is disappointing news we must remember that these restrictions are intended to safeguard everyone’s health. We will keep you informed as news comes to hand.
From DWA’s perspective, I can assure you that we are working with all resorts across the two states, staff and governments to provide you with most relevant information. Our objective, as always, is to safeguard the wellbeing of our members, staff, volunteers and everyone we come into contact with. Your patience and understanding during the current challenge is greatly appreciated.
We are, as I am sure you are, looking forward to once again finding freedom on snow once we are all safe.
Jenni Cole
CEO Disabled Wintersport Australia