BQ’s COVID-19 Update – 16 April 2020
Bowls Queensland’s thoughts are with our clubs, staff and members during the COVID-19 club closures. Unfortunately, we do not know at this stage when clubs can reopen.
We encourage members to keep in contact with each other regularly by phone, video conferencing, email or social media etc. Many clubs are using this time to catch up on maintenance of their clubs (inside or out) or pushing ahead with planned renovations while no patrons are in the club to hamper these works. Members are encouraged when going to the supermarket etc to drive by their local club to keep an eye on it while closed and outside of when greenkeepers etc are on site.
Club Committees should be in regular contact with each other to stay on top of what is happening and to start preparing for when clubs are able to be reopened. This is also a good chance to review constitutions, policies and procedures of clubs etc.
Please let BQ know if you have any alternative contact emails you would like information sent to while clubs are closed.
Bowls QLD have updated our Club/District Admin Guide and can be found at the following link: https://www.bowlsqld.org/club-assist/club-district-manual/
QLD Sport and Rec – Are currently analysing responses from QLD Sporting Organisations and cross-checking them with other benefits on offer from Federal and State Governments. This is to decide what support they can offer the sport sector including community clubs. They are also advocating for insurance and utilities relief. Sport and Rec are encouraging Queenslanders to keep active both physically and mentally.
Clubs QLD
In relation to licenced club matters, Clubs QLD are available to assist clubs: https://www.clubsqld.com.au/
Bowls Australia Regional Bowls Managers (RBM’s) are available for clubs/districts to utilise, please contact your local RBM to advise them of your up to date contact details. https://www.bowls.com.au/club-support/regional-bowls-managers-rbms/
BQ Events Update: State District Sides – postponed until 2021; State Championships – postponed to a date to be determined; Australian Indoor Singles QLD Qualifying – cancelled; QLD vs NSW Open, U18, U25, 40-59 Test Series – cancelled; ANZAC Test Series – postponed to a date to be determined. Bowls QLD continue to monitor the current climate and have not yet made any decision regarding the following events: State District Mixed Pairs, State Champion of Club Champions, State Pennant, Secondary Schools Cup, State Multi Disability Championships.
YouTube – Bowls QLD have been uploading many of our live-streamed games to YouTube for people to be able to watch at any time. Brian Marshall and I have produced a couple of COVID-19 Webcasts which are also available to view on the BQ YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAL5PQoVcDzQxLT4uOg1jSw/videos
Bowls QLD Online Database – Bowls QLD are looking for more clubs and districts to utilise our online database. This is a perfect time for a club or district representative to learn how to use the online database, it is easy to learn and use.
This website takes the place of a Form 2 each month. BQ do not require a “NIL” return each month. Features of the website database:
- View all the financial members of your club at any time.
- Add new members to the club.
- Remove a member (Resigned, Unfinancial, Deceased, etc).
- Edit a member’s details (eg: address, phone numbers, email)
Please contact roxanne@bowlsqld.org for more info.
QLD Bowler Magazine – If you have any news for the next edition of the QLD Bowler Magazine of what is happening at your club, please email media@bowlsqld.org
Recent announcements from the QLD Department of Employment, Small Business and Training of the latest assistance from the Australian and Queensland Governments in response to the COVID-19 pandemic:
JobKeeper passes Federal parliament — Frequently asked questions and Treasurer’s rules added to website.
$400 million land tax relief for landlords to pass on to tenants — three month rebates and three month deferrals for property owners who provide rent relief to commercial or residential tenants. Read the media release.
Coronavirus business assistance finder — Online tool to identify what support from the Queensland and Australian Governments your business may be eligible for. As new programs are announced and further details published this tool will be updated.
Cybersecurity for your business and avoiding business scams — updated advice from a range of agencies to support businesses to protect their networks and avoid COVID-19 scams.
Stay up-to-date with the latest assistance from the Australian and Queensland Governments through the Business Queensland website.
Below you will find some quick links on some of the relief packages announced by the Federal Government.
HELP FOR BUSINESSES: Full details for the Government’s support package for business (including Sole Traders) can be found below including changes to the instant asset write-off, cash flow assistance, etc. Call the Business Hotline on 13 28 46 or the Queensland State Government’s Business Hotline on 1300 654 687. https://business.gov.au/risk-management/emergency-management/coronavirus-information-and-support-for-business
STIMULUS PAYMENT: The $750 stimulus payment will be paid to social security and veteran income support recipients, eligible concession and health cardholders, as well as recipients of family assistance and social security income support payments. Details available at https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/economic-support-payment
COMMERCIAL RENT RELIEF: States and territories will implement a mandatory Code of Conduct to impose a set of good faith leasing principles that will apply to commercial tenancies (including retail, office and industrial) between owners/operators/other landlords and tenants. Details of the code are https://www.pm.gov.au/sites/default/files/files/national-cabinet-mandatory-code-ofconduct-sme-commercial-leasing-principles.pdf.
STAY AT HOME AND HELP STOP THE SPREAD: The Prime Minister is encouraging everyone to stay at home. Travel is only permitted for people going to work, attending education, medical appointments, shopping or doing exercise locally. Social distancing rules apply to groups of more than two people who are not members of the same household, including visitors to your home. The Federal Government’s website – www.australia.gov.au – should be your first source for information on the Coronavirus.
Helpful Links
Keep up to date with developments via the following links:
- QLD Health
- Australian Government Department of Health
- Australian Government
- Smart Traveller DFAT
- World Health Organisation (WHO)
Regards,
Brett Wilkie – CEO
