VOLUNTEERING – COVID POLICY UPDATE
When it comes to volunteering in the time of COVID, are you currently feeling like change is the only certainty? To assist our groups to navigate the changes associated with the border opening, we offer up the following, and encourage you to get in touch with the relevant support people – remember, you are not alone!
WHICH COVID POLICIES APPLY TO MY GROUP?
DO YOU PARTNER WITH THE DEPT. OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT TAS. (NRET)
For groups working under the jurisdiction of NRET (formerly DPIPWE) the following applies:
It is now a requirement that volunteers are fully vaccinated for COVID before participating in volunteering events after December 15, 2021. NRET is asking all volunteers to indicate whether or not they are fully vaccinated by answering a yes/no question within their online volunteer profile (the software is called MyImpact). The question about this is under ‘Health Information’.
Click here for further information on NRET’s Volunteer Vaccination Guidelines – including an outline of how you might respond to an unvaccinated volunteer.
If you haven’t filled in the volunteer registration it is here.
It is a simple step to update your existing volunteer record and complete the yes/no question. To do this log in to your existing profile here.
Volunteers are asked to have their vaccination record with them during any volunteering activity. The following website contains information on how to provide proof of vaccination: how to get proof of vaccination.
Direct any questions about setting up or updating your volunteer profile to your regional PWS Volunteer Facilitator:
- NW Jenna 0409 506 432 email Jenna.Huisman@parks.tas.gov.au
- South Kat 0448 359 060 email Katrina.Cullen@parks.tas.gov.au
- North Amber 0427 365 319 email ambalika.travica@parks.tas.gov.au
and questions relating to the COVID Policy on vaccinations to:
DO YOU PARTNER WITH A LOCAL COUNCIL?
For groups working under the jurisdiction of a local council, check requirements with your Council.
By way of example, here is Hobart City Council’s policy.
OTHER GROUPS
Please check requirements with your relevant land manager.
All groups must adhere to the COVID plan developed by the relevant land manager.
WILDCARE
Wildcare groups who do not fall under the above categories and who, on occasion, volunteer under a Wildcare managed event, will be asked to follow Wildcare’s policy that staff and volunteers are fully vaccinated before participating in face to face activities.
Such groups must also have a COVID plan in place for their event/working bee. We don’t necessarily need to have a copy but we do need assurance from the group leader that one has been completed. A COVID Plan template (along with other helpful Health & Safety Resources) is accessible to Leaders in the Leaders’ Tool Box.
For further information, contact: Kim Willing via memberservices@wildcaretas.org.au
HELPFUL RESOURCES
https://www.volunteeringtas.org.au/for-organisations/covid-19-support-2/