Dear members,
Thank you once again to all of our members for their patience and understanding at this difficult time. This memo contains general information for all members of our community.
For more specific information relevant to your involvement in our programs here at Maitland Basketball, please download the PDFs here: https://www.maitland.basketball/online-forms
These were also sent by email based on your activities at the club, so if you have not received emails relevant to each area of involvement, please email development@maitland.basketball.net.au to request a specific program update.
We will create consistent messaging around three sub headings:
1. Staying Informed – relevant and up to date information about COVID-19 closures and its impact on our sport
2. Staying Safe – directing members to the official government advice about measures to help keep yourself, your family and community safe
3. Staying Connected – discussions of ways in which our community members can stay engaged with one another and with Basketball
STAYING INFORMED
We continue to listen to and seek information from BNSW a range of specific advice from key governing bodies including World Health Organisation, Australia’s Federal Government and NSW Health, as well as Basketball Australia.
We appreciate that many of our community members are facing different challenges at this time. We are continuing to consult with BNSW regarding memberships, refunds and credits for programs that have been disrupted by the closure of our facility. More specific information around this will be sent to members of various programs run by MBA.
MBA will continue its suspension of all programs until such time that advice from the NSW Office of Sport changes regarding the closure of our facility. The Basketball NSW web page for regular updates can be found at https://www.bnsw.com.au/covid-19/.
When it comes to general community information, there is at times an overwhelming volume of information available. Official government advice about COVID-19 can be found at NSW Health: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/diseases/Pages/coronavirus.aspx . Information about Maitland City Council’s services can also be found at https://www.maitland.nsw.gov.au/news/councils-information-regarding-coronavirus-covid-19
STAYING SAFE
In the meantime, we strongly encourage our members to advised and legislated safety measures in place seriously and contribute to our combined efforts to slow down the spread of COVID-19. We especially encourage everyone to follow the government advice around minimising your risk of infection:
Wash your hands with soap and water regularly and thoroughly; this means for at least 20 seconds
Cough or sneeze into your elbow or into a clean tissue, then throw the tissue in the bin
Stay 1.5 metres away from others. If you are sick, stay home
If you're feeling sick or showing symptoms of coronavirus, you should call your GP for advice — they will tell you if you need to get tested
For more information and tips to help improve your safety and wellbeing, visit the Federal Government's official advice website
You can also get up-to-date information on the Federal Government's Coronavirus Australia app, available on the App Store, Google Play and the Government's WhatsApp channel
It is a challenging time for all, and there are services in our community that can help people facing distress and hardship, click the logos below to read their recommendations on looking after yourself and each other during the coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak:
The World Health Organisation also has a range of resources for individuals and communities to help individuals and communities stay both informed and safe during this period:
STAYING CONNECTED
We would especially like to acknowledge the great work being done by local schools, their teachers and staff in helping students adapt and prepare for new modes of learning and for leading our communities in connectedness. During this time, we also need to be creative and adaptable in finding ways to stay active. We recommend you choose activities that maintain enjoyment and engagement.
Keep an eye on our Facebook page for more ideas and opportunities in the coming weeks.
For many of us, Basketball IS our connection, and the friendships we have built through Basketball will form part of the fabric that helps everyone make it through this challenging time. By all means, stay connected with the game, but more importantly stay connected with one another. Seek out ways to remain connected socially to the people in your community.
While our facility may be closed, our staff are still available to answer any questions you may have via email. Staff are working from home, and will be able to respond to your enquiry.
Competitions enquiries – Andrew Bear – competitions@maitland.basketball.net.au
All other enquiries – Trevor Gallacher – development@maitland.basketball.net.au
We encourage all people to be kind and supportive of one another, to take heed of official sources of advice and as much as possible, continue to find ways to keep doing what you enjoy in a modified and safe way.
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