23rd September 2021

Hello everyone,

On Sunday I sent out communication to you all on the back of the 7 day snap lockdown announced for our Geelong and Surf Coast communities by the Victorian State Government.

I would like to apologise to anyone who may have found the language I used offensive, this was not my intention at all, rather my motivation for the email was and always is to support all people – our staff and our customers – to be safe and remain healthy when spending time in the community.

I used the same language that was used by Dr Danny Le who has supervised more than 13,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines over the past 6 months in his presentation to Leisure Networks last week.  Dr Le told both our staff and customers that COVID is now becoming a disease that affects the unvaccinated.

I do not want anyone to get COVID, every decision we make at Leisure Networks is made to keep our customers, staff and communities safe.

We know that the best way to be safe, to reduce the risk of contracting COVID is through getting vaccinated, using masks, social distancing and ensure our rooms are well ventilated.

The Department of Health and the NDIS Quality and Safeguarding Commission have asked disability service providers such as Leisure Networks, to regularly communicate accurate and up to date information to all our customers to assist with answering the questions they may have.

To support your research I have provided the presentation delivered by Dr Danny Le to Leisure Networks staff and customers last week.

 Please view the presentation here

Should a person with a disability not be able to be vaccinated due to a medical condition or choose not to become vaccinated due to personal choice, and would like Leisure Networks to provide their supports, this choice will be respected and support will be provided.

We will have a detailed conversation with the individual about how supports can best be provided to keep them safe. We will also consider what is required for our staff to keep them safe while undertaking their support role.

I understand that this may be a worrying time for many of you who are trying to make a decision about the best way forward regarding vaccination so please reach out if you have any questions or require assistance in accessing accurate and up to date information.

As always we are taking advice from the key agencies to ensure we are up to date with the latest information and will keep you updated if anything changes.

Take care and stay safe everyone, 

Libby
CEO – Leisure Networks