The good news for the community and for the many community groups who use the public halls is that many of Council’s community buildings will reopen for hire from Wednesday June 24. The NSW Government have strict requirements for the reopening of community buildings. Council have developed COVID-19 Safety Plans outlining how the community will adhere to these requirements. This will require support from all hirers to ensure use of facilities stays compliant with NSW public health orders and help stop the spread of COVID-19. Council now have updated COVID-19 terms and conditions for hire. If you intend to hire a hall you will need to read the COVID-19 terms and conditions, sign, and return to the Booking Office prior to a booking being confirmed.
Some of the key changes are listed below.
Hirers will need to advise group members that if they are feeling unwell or experiencing flu like symptoms, they should not enter the building. Council will have signs at building entries to support this message.
Hirers will need to provide hand sanitizer for all attendees. As the majority of venues are unstaffed, Council are unable to guarantee that hand sanitizer will remain onsite. As such they require hirers to provide their own hand sanitizer.
Hirers will need to wipe down exposed surfaces with disinfectant before and after activity. As the majority of Council venues are unstaffed, they are unable to guarantee that disinfectant and wipes will remain onsite. As such they require hirers to provide their own disinfectant and wipes.
Hirers will need to adhere to social distancing and capacity rules (4 square metre rule up to a maximum of 20 people). A the list below outlines the capacity at each of the venues. Note, some venues will remain shut for the time being. Council apologizes if this affects your group and will work with you to find a suitable alternative.
Hirers will need to keep a record of all participants (name and phone number or email) for at least 28 days. Records are to only be used for purpose of tracing COVID-19 infections and are to be stored confidentially.
Hirers should complete their own COVID-19 Safety Plan. Where appropriate, users may choose to modify the attached ESC COVID-19 safety plans to fit their own activities.
All bookings will need to rebooked
Council are requesting that you rebook all activities. Where possible they will try to provide you with the same rooms and times that you held prior to COVID-19. Where this is not possible they will work with you to find alternative options. To rebook simply email…
Subject: Your individual/group name
Body: Activity, Day, Time, Commencement Date, End Date (if appropriate)
Attachment: You will be required to email back a signed copy of the updated COVID-19 terms and conditions Once received, Council will send a short confirmation email advising that you are ok to proceed with your booking. Council says "we appreciate there is a fair bit of information to take in. We’re here to help. If you get stuck or require clarification please feel free to email us at booking.office@esc.nsw.gov.au or contact us on 4972 3153."
Contact Council to access a copy of the following: COVID-19 TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR HIRE OF COUNCIL FACILITIES Capacity numbers one person per 4 square meters of Council Facilities COVID-19 Safety Plan - Effective 13 June - Community centres and halls COVID-19 Safety Plan - Effective 13 June - Indoor recreation facilities
