QORF eNews July 2020
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Leap into Life by Andy Hamilton
Hi there,
Lots of news and updates in this month's eNewsletter but first we'd like to acknowledge the outdoor sector in Queensland in the face of the ongoing and ever changing COVID-19 crisis.
We are very pleased to see more and more outdoor operators returning to providing valuable services to their clients and for our communities.
It has been truly heartening to see the way outdoor operators have sought to understand the public health directions set out by the CHO - to make sense of the changes and how best to implement them, rather than trying to find loopholes to avoid compliance.
The collective approach taken by outdoor operators, large and small, non-profit, and commercial has been largely responsible for the efficient development of the two approved COVID Safe industry plans for outdoor providers (Outdoor Recreation Activity Providers and Outdoor Education Providers).
Outdoor operators have considered health, comfort levels and needs of their workers and customers when making decisions on how best to manage their operations and to deliver effective, safe programs. Some changes to operations will be temporary, but some may be long-lasting or even permanent.
It must be acknowledged that some outdoor operators are struggling, both financially and mentally, which will take a toll. There has been a strong spirit of cooperation and collaboration as we have looked for answers to the uncertainty together, and hopefully, that will continue. We need to look out for each other, people need to be able to put up their hands when they are in need, and, as a sector, we need to work together to ensure our future.
Read on for more news, events and outdoor info ...
We were greatly saddened to hear of the recent accidental death of Rhonda Kay from Wide Bay Laser Skirmish. Rhonda has been a great advocate for all types of outdoor activities for all people. She understood the joy and value that outdoor activities could bring to people’s lives.
Rhonda’s passing is a loss for the Queensland outdoor sector. Our thoughts are with Rhonda’s family and friends during this difficult time. Rest in peace Rhonda.
COVID Safe Plans Updated
The COVID Safe Plan for Outdoor Recreation Activity Providers and the COVID Safe Plan for Outdoor Education Providers have been UPDATED! (July 23)
Both plans are accessible through our COVID Safe Plans web page and downloadable from the Queensland Government's Approved COVID Industry Plans page and accessible for all organisations in the Queensland outdoor sector (regardless of membership of an industry peak body such as QORF).
Note: You may have to refresh the page (Ctrl F5) or clear your cache to view the latest versions of the updated plans.
- COVID Safe Plan for Outdoor Recreation Activity Providers
- COVID Safe Plan for Outdoor Education Providers
See Implementation for information on how best to implement your new COVID Safe Plan for your organisation
We are hosting a regular online chat session for the outdoor sector on Friday mornings at 11:00 am. A chance to talk and to get together with others in the outdoors. We'll share with you what we know and what we are doing - and you can share your concerns, ideas and solutions. REGISTER
Nominations CLOSE August 21!
So, what are you waiting for?
Nominations for the 2020 Outdoors Queensland Awards are now OPEN.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation we will not be hosting a face-to-face awards dinner this year. Instead we will be getting all attendees, including finalists and their supporters, together in a virtual presentation - you will be able to attend the event from anywhere in Queensland. The final details coming soon.
Learn More
Did you know that we have a page dedicated to member (and significant others) eNewsletters? Recent additions include: Queensland Ecotourism Wonders, We are ready to go! (Nature Freedom), Cooeeads and
Orienteering QLD Weekly News. Want to share your newsletter too? Learn More
Free Training Course
The free Active Queensland Industry Alliance e-Learning course covers important information such as COVID Safety Officer training and the Queensland Government’s Return to Play guide. It is essential that all organisations and clubs comply with their approved Industry COVID Safe Plan. Learn More
2020 NAIDOC Local Grants
AIDOC Local Grants offer an opportunity for community groups to organise activities that celebrate our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures, achievements, and our continuing contributions to our country and society.
Read More
BioBlitz 2020
Nature Play QLD has partnered with the Australian Citizen Science Association and the Atlas of Living Australia to create a Nature Play QLD BioBlitz project on iNaturalist.
Read More
Nature Deficit Disorder really a Thing
The 2020 coronavirus pandemic, as tragic as it is, has dramatically increased public awareness of the deep human need for nature connection, and is adding a greater sense of urgency to the movement to connect children, families and communities to nature (Louv)
Read More
Public open space is no magic pudding!
With the increased number of people now working from home on a more regular basis, demand has increased for locally
accessible outdoor activity and exercise. The shortcomings of our existing urban infrastructure are becoming evident..
Read More
Quad Bike Safety Standard
The new safety standard was introduced by the ACCC to reduce the risk of injury to consumers that operate a quad bike for work or recreation (applies from October 11). Read More
No Card, No Start
No Card, No Start laws starting soon!
Queensland Attorney-General Yvette D’Ath has announced that the No Card, No Start laws will take effect from Monday, 31 August 2020. Read More
Trail Building Tips
New MTBA video featuring trail building tips at the Sanford Conservation Park from the North Brisbane MTB Club “Dirt Dogs” - in co-operation with the land manager and key stakeholders.
Watch
What's On
The online calendar of What's On Activities, Events, Training & Workshops
If you have an event, public training opportunity, open day, adventure race, workshop or conference coming up soon, lets us know by Submitting Your Event and we will promote it in the What's On calendar.
Coming Events
Events coming up this month include: Coffee & Conversation, August 7, 21 & 28 (not on August 14, Ekka Holiday); National Tree Day, 2/8; Run the Rim, 2/8; Inclusive Paddling at Shorncliffe, 29/8, and Queensland’s Biggest Ride Day, 30/8.
Need to update your first aid quals?
Adventure Training Australia (a Green Frog Adventures company) is running two courses during August.
- Remote Area First Aid Training
August 8 & 9, Wynnum - Basic First Aid Training
August 15, Caloundra
Pedal Queensland
Need extra motivation to keep moving this winter? Whether you are a regular cyclist or, like the thousands of people across the country who have hopped back on their bikes for the first time in years, Pedal Queensland is a challenge event like no other ... learn more
For Hire:
Do you have equipment for hire, spaces to let out for meetings, training or activities? Let us know and we'll add it to the For Hire page on the website.
Email industry@qorf.org.au
New Online Resources
Partners (see also on the Home page); Indigenous Cultural Awareness; Apps for Outdoors: Trail Chef, Photo
Transfer, Memory Map, Alert2Me and iNaturalist; Knot: The Kalmyk
Loop; latest eNewsletters and go to the HOME page for more recent updates
New Green Circle Member
Welcome aboard to new member Vinathe Sharma
Go to the Membership section to become a QORF Green Circle Member today. New members will be acknowledged here, on the QORF home page and on our social media platforms. As a new member you will have a choice to make – sit back and hope things work out, or – much better – get involved! Learn more about Getting Involved and Making Connections
Please note that QORF is currently transitioning to Outdoors Queensland. Over the coming months, you will see more and more of the new logo and other changes as we move into our new look and new structure. Watch this space!
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