Wow, what a change a few weeks can make to how we all live our lives. No one would have thought this is how the year 2020 would have played out. So many big changes, so many big challenges and so many opportunities for better or worse. I must say it is encouraging to see how our sailing community has handled this crisis. All clubs have responded assertively with proactive measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

All clubs have communicated with my team in response to questions and queries we have made to offer support and to gather the most up to date information possible to convey our messages to Government in a clear and concise manner. Clubs need to be aware that Australian Sailing is working with Government at all levels to communicate the impact on our sport and work with Government to form reasonable solutions. We have been actively engaged with the sports industry peak body QSport who hold a very strong seat in the Sports Minister Advisory Panel. Through QSport and other avenues we are having regular input and responses from the Qld State Government. We expect an announcement from the Qld Government on support for Qld sport the week after Easter. We will of course share this information as soon as it is available.

Rest assured sport is an important part of the Australian and Queensland community landscape and we will be playing our game once again in the not too distant future. I’m positive that sport and recreation activities will be amongst the first to be allowed to open and operate and the benefits we all play in terms of betterment of physical and mental health and wellbeing will be held as a high priority as soon as it is socially responsible to do so.

Many of our sailing clubs are going to struggle through this unforeseen pandemic. We encourage these clubs to actively engage with Australian Sailing so we are fully aware of your situation and can work with you on options to keep the club alive. We encourage all members to maintain their club membership and keep it financially active for as long as you can. Members are our club’s biggest sponsors and the true-life blood of all clubs and our sailing community. You all play an important role in ensuring your clubs survive this crisis.

We encourage clubs to continue to actively communicate with your members and stakeholders. This will assist in the transparency of any decisions made by the club committee, assist in keeping your members connected to your club and feeling as a valued member of the community. Communicating to stakeholders such as sponsors, councils, landlords etc. is also encouraged to ensure all parties are on the same page. A bit of give and take on all sides will be required for us to get through this in a best shape as possible.

There are many resources that have been communicated and distributed to clubs and I encourage all club committee members to do your best to stay up to speed as much as possible. That way if one person misses something another can bring it to the table. Below are a few links to useful information that we encourage you to take notice of and share with members where relevant.

Even though we can not attend our clubs or get on the water we encourage clubs to use this time to update policies and procedures, develop that strategic plan you have always wanted to do but never had time to. Do a review of your clubs’ website, so many clubs have out of date content. Update your clubs Revsport data base. Develop those marketing materials to spread throughout the community once you are allowed to re-open the doors. Our team of Club Services Officers are here and ready to assist you. Their direct contact details can be found below.

Again, I would like to congratulate all clubs and club committees on the way in which you have handled this crisis. It has been encouraging to see and hear so many innovative ideas come out of this situation. We still have some way to go, but please stay strong and reach out to Australian Sailing should you need assistance. Over the next few weeks, months please ensure your contact details are up to date. We will be releasing important information and opportunities for on-line courses, discussions and learning content to assist clubs through this period and to keep members and volunteers engaged.

Kind Regards

Ben Callard

Regional Manager

Staff Contact details:

Annie Watson – Club Services Officer, annie.watson@sailing.org.au, M: 0409 065 083

Grant Willmott – Club Services Officer, grant.willmott@sailing.org.au, M: 0413 468 773

Mat Himson – Club Services Officer, Mathew.himson@sailing.org.au, M: 0468 995 989

Alison Turner – OutThere Sailing Project Officer, alison.turner@sailing.org.au, M: 0404 712 778

Ben Callard – Regional Manager, ben.callard@sailing.org.au, M: 0417 053 015

Links and resources:

Australian Sailing COVID-19 info page – Click here.

Maritime Safety Queensland COVID-19 updates – Click here.

Queensland Sport and Recreation – Click here.

Australian Sailing, Queensland News – Click here.

GAMES, MOVIES, QUIZZES, FUN – Click here.

Australian Sailing Online Learning Opportunities – Click here.

RevSport user support – Click Here.

Job keeper Funding Info – Click here.

Sports Recovery Grant (Natural Disasters) – Click here.