Newsletter contents:
- Welcome Back and Thank You
- LGBTQ+ Sport Inclusion Policy
- Government Restrictions Easing
- Operating Hours
- Children's Programs and Holiday Program Dates
- First Lap Provider Information
- New Health Club Equipment
Welcome Back and Thank You
Following 4½ months of lockdown we could not have been happier to re-open our doors on Monday 18 October. It was great to see the smiling faces of our members re-enter the facility!
Our staged approach to re-opening went as smoothly as we could have possibly hoped for, and this is by-and-large down to the collective efforts of our wonderful members and staff.
Re-opening a sport and recreation facility and operating within the means of a COVIDSafe plan is no small feat, however the collective efforts of everyone has allowed us to navigate this situation with much greater ease.
A big THANK YOU to everyone involved!
Finally, I would like to extend my well wishes to all members and patrons for a happy and safe holiday season.
2021 has no doubt been a challenging year for all, but as we approach 2022 on behalf of Macquarie University Sport and Aquatic Centre we want to wish you all the best as we look forward to continuing to support you with your health, sporting, fitness, and well-being goals in 2022.
As always, if you have any feedback for us, we would love to receive it – the good, the bad and the ugly. If you have a submission you’d like to make about how we can improve our facility or our services, please feel free to share your thoughts with us via the online enquiry form.
Until next time – stay safe.
LGBTQ+ Sport Inclusion Policy
In 2019 Campus Life became a key partner of the Pride in Sport program, committing to further develop and enhance LGBTQ+ participation across all Campus Life sport and recreation programs, services and activities.
In 2020 we announced our LGBTQ+ Sport Inclusion Policy. which culminated in Macquarie University Sport receiving Gold Tier status at the 2021 Pride in Sport awards.
As we approach the end of 2021, we wanted to remind members and patrons of our commitment to providing a safe, fun, and inclusive environment for all people, including those of diverse sexualities and genders. As the primary sport delivery agent on campus, being inclusive within our sport and recreation services, facilities, programs, and operations not only reflects our core values, but it also reflects the diversity of our students, staff, and local community.
We’re passionate about helping people lead happy, healthy, and active lives. MUSAC celebrates diversity of sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, intersex status, ability, skill, cultural background, ethnicity, location, religious or political beliefs, and life stage. There is a place for you in our facilities and programs, exactly as you are.
The Inclusion Policy is available for all members and patrons to view here.
Government Restrictions Easing
The NSW Government advised restrictions will be further easing from 15 December 2021.
Whilst we will finalize what the implications of these restrictions are for MUSAC, and subsequent changes to our COVIDSafe Plan, from Wednesday 15 December 2021:
- We will no longer be check members and patrons’ vaccination status upon entry. However, we are still requiring everyone sign in via the Service NSW QR Code
- Members, patrons and staff will no longer be required to wear face masks in MUSAC (including facemasks for LTS Instructors)
The government roadmap may be fine-tuned as NSW Health monitors the COVID-19 situation over the coming weeks. We will take this time to review further changes to our COVIDSafe Plan in line with the Public Health Order and guidance from the University and advise of any changes as they relate to how you presently can access and utilize MUSAC soon after.
Operating Hours
As previously shared, our Holiday season operating hours are available to view here.
Children’s Programs and Holiday Program Dates
Our Gymnastics, Learn to Swim, and Squad Programs will all run Holiday Programs from Tuesday 4 January 2022. The below table indicates the key Children’s Programs dates fast approaching:
| Date | Activity |
|---|---|
| Sunday 19th December 2021 | Children's Programs finishes for 2021 |
| Tuesday 4th January - Friday 7th January 2022 | Week 1 Children's Holiday Programs |
| Monday 10th January - Friday 14th January 2022 | Week 2 Children's Holiday Programs |
| Monday 17th January 2022 | Children's Programs returns for 2022 |
Click here to learn more about Children’s Holiday Programs and secure your booking while there is still availability.
First Lap Voucher Program
The NSW Government recently announced the First Lap voucher program as an initiative to make water safety education more accessible for NSW families.
MUSAC has registered as an eligible provider and from 1 December 2021, parents, guardians, and carer’s of children aged 3-6 years can access $100 vouchers to contribute to the cost of Learn to Swim classes.
Vouchers will be made available through the Service NSW website and can be redeemed through MUSAC by emailing the details of your First Lap voucher to macsport@mq.edu.au
Active Kids vouchers remain available to children ages 4.5 – 18 years for Learn to Swim, Gymnastics and Children’s Martial Arts.
New Health Club Equipment
As previously shared MUSAC is in the process of completing a refit of the Health Club with new state-of-the-art Matrix equipment. The refit will take place from 21st December 2021 and be available for member use in early 2022.
We encourage members to view our virtual flythrough tour to see what surprises await you after Christmas and New Year’s!
Yours in health and fitness,
Christian Renford
Venue Manager - Sport and Aquatics
