Covid-19 update
Following from the student who visited the Sport and Aquatic Centre on Wednesday 7th October testing positive for COVID-19, it was very pleasing for members and staff alike that we were able to re-open the centre within 48-hours.
A fortnight on, there has been no community transmission of COVID-19 as a result of this incident (that we have been made aware of). There are several factors contributing to this positive outcome, but none more so than the measures we implemented as a part of our COVIDSafe plan. We have been sharing COVIDSafe fun facts across our digital media channels, which highlight some of these measures.
MUSAC staff conducted a debrief following the event and while we were largely happy with the manner in which everything was handled, as well as the outcome, we acknowledge there is always room for improvement – particularly in the way of communication.
We thank everyone for their patience with us throughout the event and are glad that we have been able to successfully re-open our doors and services to you – our members and patrons.
The Burrumering
In January 2020 our Sport Development team, in collaboration with Walanga Muru, started a journey to better understand the culture of the custodians of the land on which our campus stands. They looked at how the multiple programs, services, and facilities we operate as MUSAC could acknowledge the Wattamattagal Clan of the Darug Nation.
During 2020 Reconciliation Week MUSAC were gifted the use of the Burrumering, (pronounced burra-mer-ring) a traditional totem of the Darug Nation (pictured above).
The Burrumering represents leadership, strength, wisdom, and protection for the Darug Nation. Burrumering can soar high above, navigate the cultural landscapes and waters, and is a creative hunter, gatherer, and provider for the Darug people. Burrumering has great wisdom and continues to watch over the Darug people to ensure their safety.
MUSAC are honoured and blessed to be gifted the use and representation of a traditional Aboriginal totem. It highlights the wonderful achievements and outcomes of building authentic relationships with Walanga Muru and the broader Aboriginal Communities.
Our ongoing commitment to the Burrumering signals the end of the MacWarrior (a decision made in 2019). This logo was formerly used by MUSAC in conjunction with sport and recreation programs and facilities on campus. Moving forward, MUSAC will incorporate the artwork and design of the Burrumering into our staff and representative sport team uniforms, and into a mural within the Sport and Aquatic Centre.
Esteemed artist Lara Went of Yukul Art - Worimi Country (Forster NSW) – has been engaged to re-create the Burrumering into this mural, along with two others across different areas of the centre across the week of Monday 26th – Friday 30th October 2020.
We are proud to have the Burrumering represent MUSAC across the campus and into the wider community and encourage you to share the story of this special totem and how we were granted its use.
Operating hours
MUSAC has now returned to pre-COVID operating hours:
- Monday - Friday: 5:30am - 10:00pm
- Saturday – Sunday: 6:00am - 7:00pm
We hope all members and patrons enjoy the return to regular operating hours.
Direct debit returning
From Monday 12th October the centre returned to pre-COVID operating hours. This was the last step in returning to full operations.
All pre COVID membership inclusions are available again including member lockers, Aqua Aerobics and court hire etc.
For those returning members we are excited to welcome you back to the centre. While we are excited to return to full services, we understand that not all members may not yet be ready to return – and that’s okay!
If you do not wish to return just yet you have the option of remaining on suspension until Thursday 31 December 2020 no questions asked.
In the meantime, casual visits and day passes to the centre are still available. We plan to return to the normal payment arrangements that were in place prior to COVID and this will be effective Thursday 5th November 2020.
What do you have to do?
Nothing. The reintroduction of the debit will happen automatically, and we will send you more notifications over the next few weeks. Remember you have the option to suspend at any time.
Until next time – stay safe.
Yours in health and fitness,
Christian Renford
Venue Manager – Sport and Aquatics
