THIS UPDATE IS PUBLISHED 1 APRIL 2020
Dear Members,
We have been advised that the Manningham Council has made the decision to lock the Tom Kelly Athletics track until further notice.
This has been done to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Council has informed us that members of the public have been ignoring social distancing rules and have made the decision to close the track.
This is consistent with Whitehorse council’s decision to close Box Hill athletics track earlier this week.
While the closure is disappointing, it is also necessary to protect our Members and the community from this virus.
We will advise when Manningham council re-open the track.
Regards,
DAC committee
THIS UPDATE IS PUBLISHED 25 MARCH 2020
Dear Members,
In response to the COVID-19 virus which was declared as a Pandemic by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the updated advice of the Australian Government, Doncaster Athletic Club has now taken the disappointing, but necessary decision to suspend all operations of the Club to protect you, our coaches and the wider community. The DAC Committee continues to monitor the developments and Government advice on the COVID-19 virus. This announcement reflects the need to take leadership in fulfilling our social obligation to distance ourselves, and is influenced by the lack of control that we have over the public who make use of the Tom Kelly Athletic Track.
As of Monday, 23 March 2020:
- The DAC GYM is fully closed to all Members. If you should need to access the Gym to collect any personal equipment or belongings, please contact Peter Coumaros to arrange.
- All DAC training times at the Tom Kelly Athletic Track are no longer open. (The Council may choose to lock the gates and fully close the facility at a time of their choosing.)
- Ruffey Runners will cease to operate as a group on Tuesday nights until further notice.
- The Club AGM and Presentation night will be postponed indefinitely. We will discuss options for later dates in due course.
- Club Coaches will be asked to train their athletes with consideration to the intent of these closures.
We, your Committee and fellow athletes, understand how disappointing these measures may be to our Members. We are aware that for some, their regular training is a considerable factor in maintaining their mental health. If you do not have a coach to advise you of how to maintain your fitness currently, please email the Club for support. We will continue to connect with you and support you in any way we can.
We will continue to monitor the guidelines and inform Members as they unfold and as Athletics Australia and Athletics Victoria (AV) make announcements that remove all doubts about the coming cross-country season’s direction. However, all AV events have been suspended until at least 1st May.
Athletics Australia and Athletics Victoria have specific pages on their websites covering the impact of COVID-19 on our sport.
Athletics Australia content is available here.
Athletics Victoria content is available here.
Membership is one way of showing support to the Club as we move forward and we hope that those who are able will still renew their base membership with AV. Memberships are up for renewal on the 1st April, and your insurance cover is contingent upon holding membership. A Max, cross country, or track and field package would not be necessary at this time.
Please, while physical distancing is necessary at this time, we hope you will continue to reach out to one another and show care and support.
We wish all Members, friends and families of the Doncaster Athletic Club the very best of health during this challenging time and look forward to renewing activities and training with you all as soon as the situation allows.
Kind Regards
Doncaster AC Committee