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In response to the South Australian Government’s Step 1 in easing COVID-19 restrictions roadmap, we encourage park volunteers to recommence activities in partnership with National Parks and Wildlife Service staff.

All Friends of Parks, Volunteer Ranger Program and the Campground Host Program volunteers should familiarise themselves with the below information to keep safe and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

SA Health advice

Remember to practise good hygiene – this is the first step in preventing the spread of disease.Always apply social distancing. This means avoiding close contact and crowded places wherever possible.

Also, maintain a minimum social distance of 1.5 metres, and have no more than one person per 4-square metres when inside.

Outdoor group activities and guided walks of up to 10 people at a time are permitted so long as social distancing of 1.5 metres is maintained.

If you are unwell or develop symptoms, stay at home and isolate.

Friends of Parks activities

For your safety and the safety of park visitors:

Volunteer with less than 10 members on site at one time, including for working bees.

Bring your own safety equipment, e.g. gloves, mask & goggles, per our workplace health and safety requirements

If you can, bring and use your own tools, otherwise, use the tools provided to you and disinfect them after use.

When possible have group meetings outside, or use an online meeting platform such as Zoom.

Only if essential, have indoor meetings with less than five members.

Volunteer Ranger Program

For your safety and the safety of park visitors:

Bring your own safety equipment, e.g. gloves, mask & goggles, per our workplace health and safety requirements

Wear disposable gloves when passing brochures and maps to visitors or, if working at a visitor centre, to reduce contact with hard surfaces

Use the tools provided to you and disinfect them after use.

Limit direct contact time with members of the public (e.g., aim for less than 15 minutes per person)

Campground Host Program

For your safety and the safety of park visitors:

Bring your own safety equipment, e.g. gloves, mask & goggles per our workplace health and safety requirements

Wear disposable gloves when passing brochures and maps to visitors or, if relevant e.g., in camp kitchens or visitor centres, to reduce contact with hard surfaces

Use the tools provided to you and disinfect them after use.

Limit direct contact time with members of the public (e.g., aim for less than 15 minutes per person)

Work closely with your local Park Ranger to ensure your safety and wellbeing, including when carrying out maintenance tasks.

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Hi All,

The COVID-10 pandemic has caused significant disruption to life in South Australia and across the world.

On 27 March, out of an abundance of caution, we asked you – our invaluable Friends of Parks volunteers – to down tools and cease all organised activities in our national parks and reserves.

We appreciate that this was difficult.

We know and value your deep commitment to – and connection with our parks, especially as many of you had important projects in train.

The health and safety of staff, volunteers and park visitors was however paramount.

We sincerely thank you for your patience during this uncertain time.

Your willingness to work with National Parks and Wildlife Service staff and others to comply with the restrictions has been appreciated.

All South Australians have worked together to slow the spread of coronavirus.

This means we can now start getting back to the things we love to do together.

Recently, the South Australian Government put in place a roadmap for easing COVID-19 restrictions.

Following the 11 May easing of relevant restrictions, we are now able to recommence volunteer activities within certain parameters.

These include practicing social distancing, maintaining good hygiene and maximum group sizes.

We now encourage you to recommence your volunteer activities.

Please work with your group and local National Parks and Wildlife Service staff to plan for a safe return to volunteering in our national parks and reserves as soon as you feel able.

If you have any queries please reach out to our National Parks and Wildlife Service Volunteer Programs Unit on 8124 4838 or DEWVolunteers@sa.gov.au.

Thank you all for your continued dedication and commitment to the State’s national parks and reserves.

Yours sincerely

Duncan MacKenzie, President Friends of Parks Inc.

John Schutz, Chief Executive Department for Environment and Water.

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Dear Friends of Parks Group Members

In light of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak National Parks and Wildlife Service South Australia (NPWSSA) is implementing precautionary measures to prioritise the health and safety of staff, volunteers and park visitors. This includes the cancellation of all campground host volunteer placements and volunteer ranger activities until further notice.

I am sure you would have seen the communique from the President Duncan MacKenzie on the 17 March, announcing the cancellation of activities such as the Governor’s reception in April, Friends of Parks AGM in May and the bi-monthly Board meetings.

The decision has now been made that Friends of Parks members cease all organised activities in our parks until further notice.

NPWSSA will continue to monitor the situation and provide you with additional information regarding volunteer activities as appropriate.

It is important to ensure you are relying on up-to-date and credible information.

Australian Government Department of Health

SA Health

World Health Organization

Australian Government Coronavirus Health Information Line: 1800 020 080.

We appreciate your understanding on this matter and apologise for any inconvenience caused, however your health and safety is of utmost importance to us. Please continue to take care of yourself, your family and friends during this challenging time.

Please don’t hesitate to contact the Volunteer Programs Unit or regional staff if you have any further questions regarding your group’s activities.

Kind regards,

Mary-Anne Healy

A/g Director, National Parks and Wildlife