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WarrnamboolCommunityGarden(WCG)
PoliciesandGuidelinesSeptember2017
Thisdocumentoutlinesthegarden’sinternal‘rules’thatmembersareexpectedtoabideby.Thesepoliciesandguidelinesarereviewedperiodically.
OurVisionOur community will produce its own food and have knowledge, skills and passionforsustainableliving.
OurMissionTheWarrnamboolCommunityGardenoffers:! Acommunityeducation&resourcecentrefororganicgardening&sustainableliving;! Gardenspaceforgrowingandsharingorganicfood;! Social&communityactivitiesfornetworking&friendship.
OurValues:! Inclusiveness! Empowerment! Ecological,SocialandEconomicSustainability! Reducing,Re-Using,Recycling,Restoring,Replenishing
Warrnambool Community Garden is a common ground where all people are welcome to come together to grow, learn, produce & share.
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OurPurpose:
! ThepurposesoftheAssociationare:
! DevelopandmaintainacommunitygardenandpromotesustainablelivinginWarrnambool.
! Cultivateaproductive,beautifulandfinanciallysustainablecommunitygarden.! Supportothercommunitygardensintheregion.! Useorganicandsustainablegardeningtechniques,basedonpermacultureprinciples.! Strivetoincludeallmembersofthecommunityinitsactivities,includingindividualsof
diverseethnicorculturalbackgrounds,religion,age,relativeabilityoreconomiccircumstances.
! Welcomeallmembersandvisitorsintothegarden,providingthemwithopportunitiestouseandenjoythegarden.
! Makethegardenavailableasaplaceforcommunityfeasts,eventsandcelebrations.! Fosteropportunitiesfordifferentgenerationsandculturestoworktogether,support
andlearnfromeachother.! Introducechildrentothejoyofgardeningandcommunity.! Integratetheartsandfostercreativity.! Promotegardeningasameansofachievinggoodhealthandwellbeing.! Createopportunitiesforresearch,formalandinformallearningaboutgardening,
sustainability,healthyfoodsandco-operativeendeavours.! ContributetothepreservationandimprovementofWarrnambool’snatural
environment.! Respectandworkinharmonywitheachotherandnature.! Preserveandenhancethebiodiversityofindigenoushabitatandspecies.! Protectandenhancethegeneticdiversityofourfood.! Advocateforthevaluesexpressedinthisstatementofpurpose.
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Contents1. Governance&Management ................................................................................................41.1 WCGCommittee .............................................................................................................................. 41.2 WCGStrategicPlan......................................................................................................................... 41.3 WCGinsurance ................................................................................................................................ 41.4 Saleofgardenproduce ................................................................................................................. 41.5 Drugsandalcohol........................................................................................................................... 41.6 Conflictresolution.......................................................................................................................... 41.7 Bullyingandharassment ............................................................................................................. 5
2. Members .....................................................................................................................................52.1 Applicationandjoiningprocess................................................................................................ 52.2 Membershipfees ............................................................................................................................ 52.3 Gardenplotfeesandinformation............................................................................................. 5Plotfees..........................................................................................................................................................................5Individualgardenplots ...........................................................................................................................................6Keys..................................................................................................................................................................................6Transferofplots .........................................................................................................................................................6Forfeitureofgardenplots ......................................................................................................................................6Careandmaintenanceofplots.............................................................................................................................6
2.4 Responsibilitiesandexpectationsofmembers ................................................................... 72.5 Communication............................................................................................................................... 7Website...........................................................................................................................................................................8
3. Partnerships..............................................................................................................................84. SiteManagementPractices ..................................................................................................84.1 Sitedescription ............................................................................................................................... 84.2 Siterulesandpractices ................................................................................................................ 8General ...........................................................................................................................................................................8Vehiclesinsidethegate ...........................................................................................................................................9Watermanagement ..................................................................................................................................................9Usingchemicals ..........................................................................................................................................................9Mulch,compostandmanure.................................................................................................................................9WCGtoolsandequipment......................................................................................................................................9
5. TheHUB ......................................................................................................................................95.1 WhocanusetheHUB ..................................................................................................................105.2 Conditionsofuse ..........................................................................................................................105.3 Equipmentandappliances........................................................................................................105.4 Cleaningandmaintenance ........................................................................................................105.5 UseoftheHUBlibrary ................................................................................................................10
6. TheGardenShelter .............................................................................................................. 107. OccupationalHealth&Safety(OH&S) ........................................................................... 117.1 Committeeresponsibilities.......................................................................................................117.2 Childreninthegarden................................................................................................................117.3 Beingsafeinthegarden.............................................................................................................117.4 Usingpowertools&equipment ..............................................................................................127.5 Dealingwithamajorincidentoranemergency................................................................12Incident/injuryreporting....................................................................................................................................12Emergencyproceduresandfireprevention ...............................................................................................12
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1. Governance&Management
1.1 WCGCommittee
WarrnamboolCommunityGardenIncorporated(WCGinc)isanotforprofitcommunityorganisationincorporatedin2007.Theinstrumentofincorporationisthe“Constitution”orthe“AssociationRulesWarrnamboolCommunityGardenInc.”WithinthisframeworkthegovernancestructureisdefinedandauthorityforthisgovernanceisinvestedintheWCGCommittee.
TheWCGCommitteemeetsmonthly(oneachsecondWednesdayat7.00pm)attheHUBbuildingontheWCG site. Thequorum forCommitteemeetings is 5.AllWCGmembers arewarmly invited toattendthesemeetings.Acall foragendaitemsfortheCommitteemeeting isusuallymadepriortoeachmeetingandtheagendacirculatedviaemailtomemberspriortothemeeting.Theminutesofeachmeeting,oncecomplied,areusuallyemailedtomembers.
AlistofcurrentCommitteemembersandcontactdetailsisavailableonthenoticeboardintheHUBandonthegardenwebsite.https://warrnamboolcg.wordpress.com
1.2 WCGStrategicPlan
TheWCGStrategic Plan2017-2020 is availableon thewebsiteunder thedocs and videos section.Annualplans for thegardenaredeveloped fromstrategicprioritiesandare reviewedannually.Allmembersareencouragedtoparticipateinstrategicandannualplanning.
1.3 WCGinsurance
WCGholds its ownPublic Liability Insurance aswell asAsset andContents Insurance.All financialmembersofWCG(individualsandorganisations)arecoveredbyWCGInsurancewithsomeagelimitrestrictionsapplying.Membersofthecommunity,whousetheWCGfacilitiesbutarenotmembers,arenotprotectedbyWCG’sPublicliabilityInsuranceunlesstheysignthevisitorsbooklocatedintheHUBor the tool shed. So ifyoubringvisitorsonsitepleaseensure theydosignonof thevisitor’sbooks.
1.4 Saleofgardenproduce
WCG raises funds by selling produce, seeds and seedlings from the communal garden plots andhothousesandindividualororganizationalplotholdersareencouragedtocontributewhentheycan.ExpenditureoffundsraisedthroughthesesalesisbasedontheprioritiesidentifiedbymembersandapprovedbytheCommittee.
Barter and exchange of produce, seeds seedlings and garden tips between members iswholeheartedlyencouraged.
1.5 Drugsandalcohol
TheWCGhasastrictnosmokingpolicyandsmokingisprohibitedanywhereonsiteandintheHUBbuilding.Inaddition:
• The consumption of alcohol, or possession of alcohol is prohibited except under specificpermissionfromtheCommitteeorunderthecontroloftheCommittee.
• Illegaldrugsaretotallyprohibitedandmustnotbebroughtonto,orusedontheWCGsite.• If people are smoking outside the site fence they should consider others and smokewell
awayfromentrances.Thememberorvisitormusttaketheirbuttsaway.
1.6 Conflictresolution
WCG aims to promote a tolerant, accepting and inclusive environment. The intention is thatmembers will behave in a manner according to the Association Rules and these Policies and
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Guidelines. TheWCG Association Rules describe the grievance dispute process in regard toWCGmembersshouldconflictarise.
Anyplotorsiterelatedproblemorconcernthatcannotberesolvedprivatelymaybedealtwith inconsultation with the Committee in accordance with the grievance dispute process. Any mattersrelatingtothesiteormembershipthatareregardedasseriousshouldbereportedtotheCommittee.
1.7 Bullyingandharassment
Allmembershavea responsibility tobehave inamannerconsistentwith thepurposeof theWCGandanyrequirementsspecifiedintheWCGAssociationRulesandWCGPoliciesandGuidelines.Anyallegations of bullying or sexual harassment are to be reported to the Convenor and theywill beinvestigated promptly. The person against whom the allegation is made has the right to naturaljusticecovering:
• Therighttoknowwhatisallegedagainstthem,therighttoputtheircaseinreply,andtherightforthedecisiontobemadebyanimpartialdecision-maker.
Membersalsohavetherighttoseektheassistanceofarelevantjudicialtribunaltoassistthemintheresolutionofanyallegation.
2. Members
2.1 Applicationandjoiningprocess
Individuals,groupsandorganisationswantingtobecomeamemberoftheWCGarerequiredtofillout the WCG membership application form. The Committee considers the application and ifsuccessful, the applicant is contacted by the Treasurer and becomes a member by paying theappropriate fee (as per the WCG membership application form) for their membership type.Memberscanapplyforanindividualplot,and/orchoosetoworkinthecommunalplotsandsharedspaces,includingtheherb,bushfoodandchookHilton.
Once a member joins, a Committee member or the Site Manager will be able to take the newmember through an induction process. Members and potential members are provided awelcome/inductionpack, (available in theHUB)whichalso includescopiesof theWCGAssociationRulesandthePoliciesandGuidelinesdocumenttoensurefullunderstandingoftheconditions,rightsandresponsibilitiesofWCGmembership.
2.2 Membershipfees
MembershipfeesarereviewedattheNovemberAGMandallmemberswillbenotifiedviatheAGMminuteseachyearofanychangestomembersandplotfees.Feesaredueonthe1stFebruaryeachyear.RenewalnoticeswillbesenttomembersfollowingtheAGMwithoneremindernoticesenttwoweekspriortothe1stFebruary.
Newmemberswhojoinduringtheyearwillbechargeda50%pro-ratamembershipfeeiftheyjoininthe latter half of the year (i.e. June – November). If new members acquire a plot, plot fees arecharged pro-rata in the same manner as membership fees until the commencement of the nextannualmembershipcyclewhereupontheannualfeewillbepayable.
Memberswill be considered to have forfeited theirmembership and garden plot (if applicable) iftheydonotpaytheirannualmembershipandgardenplotfeesbytheduedate.
2.3 Gardenplotfeesandinformation
Plotfees
Only financial members of theWCG are eligible to apply for a garden plot or to be placed on awaitinglistifallplotsaretaken.GardenplotsarelimitedinspaceandnumberandwillbeallocatedasandwhentheyareavailablesubjecttoconfirmationfromtheTreasurer.
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Application for a plot is via the Treasurer who coordinates with the Site Manager. Generally amemberhasaccesstooneplotalthoughtheCommitteeretainstherighttoapprovemultiplesitesuptothreefullsizeplotsonacase-by-casebasis.However, ifdemandexceedssupply,memberswiththreeplotswouldbeapproachedtomakeaplotavailabletoanewmember.
PlotfeesareduewiththeannualmembershiprenewaleachyearandaresubjecttoannualreviewattheNovemberAGM.Plotfeesarenotrefundable.
Gardenplotsareleasedonanannualbasis.Plotholdersautomaticallyretaintheirsiteprovidedtheycontinuetopaytheprescribedfeesandmeetthestandardsandexpectationofmembersoutlinedinthesepoliciesandguidelines.
Individualgardenplots
Astandardplotis4mx4m,withsmallerandlargerplotsavailablefromtimetotime.Plotsareforthe growing of vegetables, small fruits, herbs and flowers. Tress and permanent shrubs are notsuitableforplots.
TheWCG Committee reserves the right to ban any plants that are illegal or consideredweeds orhavingweedpotential,withreferencetonational,stateandregionaldeclaredweedspecies.
Keys
Allmembers are eligible to apply for a key for site access. The keywill open the gate padlocks,(includingthegatetotheMiuraFriendshipgarden),theHUBbuildingandthetoolshed.Pleaselockupthebuildingandgatesafteruseorifyouarethelasttoleavethegarden.
The Treasurer will issue a key to members. A deposit of $22.00 is required for a key, which isrefundable upon ceasing to be a member. Lost keys must be reported to the Treasurer withreplacement cost incurred by the member. Members must not give their key to another personwithoutthepermissionoftheCommittee,norcancopiesofanygardenkeysbemadewithouttheauthorisationoftheCommittee.
Transferofplots
IfamembernolongerwishestomaintaintheirplottheymustadvisetheSecretaryorTreasurer.
Plotsarenot transferable toanothermemberwithout thepermissionof theWCGCommitteeasamember’s‘lease’ofaplotisnotassignable.Legally,therighttouseaplotisalicencegrantedbytheWCGtoanindividualmembertousethatplotsubjecttotheconditionscontainedinthesepoliciesandguidelines. As it is an individual licence, it cannotbeassigned toanotherpersonwithout theassentoftheWCG.
Forfeitureofgardenplots
Memberswill be considered tohave forfeited their gardenplot if theyhavenotpaid their annualWCGmembership feeandgardenplot feewithinonemonthof theduedateof1st Februaryeachyear. The Treasurer will endeavour to contact the plot holder to confirm their intention todiscontinueworkingtheplot.
If a gardener is deemedby theWCGCommittee to have acted in amanner contrary to theWCGAssociationRules,policiesandguidelines,theymaybeaskedtoforfeittheirWCGmembershipandgardenplot.
AnyplotleftunattendedformorethanthreemonthswithoutconsultationwiththeSecretaryorSiteManagerwillbedeemednot inuseandtheCommitteemaygiveapproval for it tobere-allocatedandplotfeesforfeited.Toavoidthissituation,informtheSecretaryorSiteManagerifyourplotwillbeunattendedforalongperiod.
Careandmaintenanceofplots
Allmembersandvisitorsareexpectedtobeconsiderateandrespectfulofallplotsandthegardeningtechniquesofothers.Individualplotholdersshouldfollowthefollowingguidelines:
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• Useyourplotintensivelyoverthewholeyearandharvestproduceinatimelymanner.• When considering borders around plots please be mindful they are done in a mutually
acceptablewaywithadjoiningneighbours.• Donotenterorremoveproduceorequipmentfromtheplotofanothermemberunlessthe
plotownerhasgrantedpermission.• Beresponsibleforthecareandmaintenanceoftheirownplotandensuretheirplotiskept
freeofrubbishandanyitemsthatmightobstructpathways.• Don’t drag a hose over other gardeners’ plots and leave hoses neatly coiled on posts
ensuringtapsareturnedofffirmly.• Removeweeds,diseasedplantsandpeststopreventthespreadofproblemstootherplots.• Familiarise yourself with the various composting systems. Please keep these systems
effective by chopping soft green garden waste, separating ‘wicked weeds’ and woodymaterialsanddepositingthemintheappropriatemarkedbinsorbays.
• Permanentstructures,forexampleglassandchookhouses,areforbiddenonindividualplots.• Plantsupportssuchasgardenstakesandmeshmaybeusedbutwithcareandconsideration
of the impact on neighbouring plots e.g. run trellises and bean frames in an east/westdirection.
Gardenersarealso responsible for theongoing improvementof theirplot soil throughadditionofcompost, greenmanure crops, animalmanuresandmulch. Soilmustnotbe removed fromothergardenplots.
Itisexpectedthatplotsarenotlefttobecomeovergrownandcoveredwithweeds.PlotholdersaretoadvisetheSecretaryorSiteManageriftheyareunabletotendtheirplotforanextendedperiodoftime.Thiswillenableplantstobecaredforifpossibleandforripeproducetobepicked.
2.4 Responsibilitiesandexpectationsofmembers
AllmembersareexpectedtocomplywiththeWCGAssociationRules,policiesandguidelineswhichexist to enable the garden to operate smoothly for the benefit of all and to meet any legalrequirements.AcopyofthedocumentsisprovidedintheInductionPackandontheWCGwebsite.Thepoliciesandguidelineswillbereviewedandupdatedasneededandmemberswillbenotifiedofanychanges.
Membersareencouragedtoprovidea friendly reminder toothermembers ifapolicy isnotbeingfollowedincasetheyarehaveforgottentherequirements.However,anyon-goingbreachesshouldbereportedinwritingtotheSecretaryfortheattentionoftheCommittee.
Members are required to advise the Secretary of any change in their address, phone numbers oremailfromwhatwasprovidedintheirapplicationform.
AsWCGisavoluntarycommunityorganisation,membersareexpectedtocontributeaboutanhouraweek (on average over the year) as their community contribution to theWCG according to theirinterests,skillsandexperience.Examplesofcommunitycontributioninclude:
• Workinginthecommunalplotsandsharedspaces• Attendingscheduledworkingbeesforsitemaintenancewithanexpectationofat leastone
attendanceperyear• Participatinginseasonalcelebrations,eventsandopendays• Attendingorleadinggardeningworkshops• Providingarticlesforournewsletter• Becomingamemberofaworkteame.g.chookcrew,herbgarden,specificprojectteam
2.5 Communication
Clear, respectful and regular two-way communication between members and the Committee isessential for the successful operation of the garden.Members are also encouraged to attend theAGM each year and are invited to attend theWCGMonthly meetings. They are able to provide
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feedbackandsuggestionsvia thesuggestionboxat thegardenentranceordirectlywith individualCommitteemembers.Formalcommunicationchannelsinclude:
• Thenewsletter• Committeeandteammeetings• EmailstotheSecretary• NoticeboardsintheHUBandshelter• On-sitesignage• PocketsintheHUBtoprovideinformationtomemberswithspecificWCGroles
Website
ThefollowingWCGdocumentscanbeaccessedfromourwebsitetogetherwithprojectreportsandothergardeningrelatedmaterial.Website:https:warrnamboolcg.wordpress.com
• IncorporationRules• WCGpoliciesandguidelines• Applicationform• 3yearstrategicplan• Annualreport
3. Partnerships
WCGpartners contribute in variousways to the sustainable development of the garden. Partnersmayrepresentlocalgovernment,philanthropicfoundations,not-for-profitcommunityorcommercialorganisations.TheWCGenters intopartnerships formutualbenefitwhen there isnoconflictwithWCG’sstatementofpurpose,principlesandvaluesandstrategicdirection.
Members are encouraged to suggest potential partners to the Committee for discussion andapproval.When thepartnership isof a financialnature, a formal approvalprocessandagreementneedstobemade.Recognitionofpartnersincludingsponsorshipsmayoccurthroughadvertisingormediastories,signageandinvitationstoevents.
It is intended that our existing partnerships and others will flourish as further opportunities forprojects,focusedonindividualandcommunitywell-being,areidentified.
4. SiteManagementPractices
4.1 Sitedescription
TheWCGsitecontainsindividualandcommunalgardenplots,gardenareas,fruittrees,nativeplantsarea,aherbareaandsharedspacesincludingpizzaovenandbenches,gardenshelter,sandpitandfireplace,achickenenclosure‘ChookHilton’andtheHUB.
• Whereverpractical,accessbycommunitymemberswithdisabilitiesorspecialneedsshallbesupportedandencouraged.
• TheOldQuarry site is aNoGoarea in thegarden formembersandthepublic.ApprovedpersonsonlymayenterthesiteforspecificpurposesasapprovedbytheWCGCommittee.
4.2 Siterulesandpractices
General
Everyoneinvolvedinthecommunitygardenfrommemberstovisitorsshoulddemonstraterespectful,inclusive behavior and communication.Members of the public invited byWCGmembers or for acommitteeapprovedevent,arewelcometovisittheWCGandHUB.
Visitors must sign the visitor book located in the HUB or tool shed for insurance purposes. Ifmembersbringvisitorstheyareresponsiblefornotallowingtheirgueststobreachthegardenrules
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andpoliciesandguidelinesinanywaye.g.visitorsarerequiredtofollowWCGsignage.Ifanybreachoccurs,thememberwillbeheldaccountablefortheirvisitors’actions.
Pets are not allowed and all littermust be taken home or composted.Members can report pestplantsandanimalstotheWCGCommittee.
Anymember who is last to leave the garden should ensure that garden sheds are locked beforeleavingandthatthemaingateandHUBgatearealsolocked.Pleasecheckwhenyouareleavingtodetermineifyouarethelastorifthereissomeoneelseonsite.
Vehiclesinsidethegate
Vehiclesareonlypermittedon the internal roadof thegarden todeliveror collect largeorheavyobjects.Theymustbere-parkedoutsidethegatesassoonaspossible.Vehiclesarenotpermittedonareasotherthanthe‘road’surface.Ifyouhavespecialneedsthatrequiredropoffordrivingintothegarden,pleaseinformtheSiteManager.
Watermanagement
Subject toanyprevailingwater restrictionsspecifiedbygovernmentagenciesorwaterauthorities,gardenersarerequestedtoconsiderusingwatermodestlyatalltimesandtoavoidoverwatering.Nosprinklerscanbeusedonprivateplots,onlyhandheldhoseswithtriggernozzles.Toconservewaterensuregardenbedsarewellmulched.
Usingchemicals
Theuseofnon-organiccompounds (e.g.herbicide, insecticidesand fungicides) is strictly forbiddenthroughoutthegarden.Biologicalcontrolofweeds,pestsanddiseasesisencouragedandtheWCGpromotesinformationrelatingtobiologicalcontrolmethods.
Mulch,compostandmanure
Mulch,compostandmanureareusuallyavailableonsite toanyoneunless indicatedotherwiseonsignage.PleasecheckwiththeSiteManagerifindoubt.
Membersareabletopurchasehayandsheepmanure(ifavailable)andwormtea.Moneyforthesepurchasesshouldbeplacedinthemoneyboxlocatednexttoblackboardatthegardenmainentrance.
WCGtoolsandequipment
Thegardenhasarangeofmanualtoolsandequipmentavailableforusebyallmemberswhicharestoredinthegardenshed.Toolsandequipmentmustalwaysbecleanedandreturnedtotheshedafteruseandmustnotberemovedfromthesite.
ThegardentrailerisavailableforapprovedgardenactivitiesbutshouldnotbetakenoffsitewithouttheknowledgeandapprovalofaCommitteemember.Itisnotavailableforindividualuse.
Anydamage suchas toolsdamageor incidents suchas vandalismare tobe reporteddirectly to aCommittee member or via email to the Secretary: [email protected] If agardenerdamagesandbreakscommunaltoolsandequipmenttheymayberesponsibleforrepairsatthediscretionoftheCommittee.
5. TheHUB
TheHUB(HealthyUrbanBuilding)isapracticalmodelfordemonstratingalowimpactenvironmentwhere theuseofnatural resourcesunderpinswhathappensandhowpeopledo things. TheHUBhosts information, resources, communal lunches and activities such as meetings, workshops,community events and practical demonstrations. The HUB also provides weather shelter formembers,aWC facilityandagatheringplacewherepeopleofallagesandbackgroundscan learnfromeachotherandsharetheirgardeningandlifeexperiences.
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5.1 WhocanusetheHUB
MembershavepriorityaccesstotheHUBandtheHUBcanbebookedforgroupusagebyindividualmembersforactivitiesdirectlyrelatedtothegardene.g.theHUBisusedbyCommunalplotworkerseveryTuesdaymorning.OrganisationsthatareAssociationmembersmayalsobooktheHUBviatheSecretary,forCommitteesanctionedactivities.
IfgroupsareusingtheHUB,bathroomfacilitiesarestillavailabletomembers.
5.2 Conditionsofuse
ThefollowingconditionsapplytotheHUB:
• Intermsofcleanlinessandcondition,theHUBshouldbeleftasitisfound.Cleaningproductsaresituatedunderthesinkandcleaningequipmentinthebathroomcupboard.
• Tea,coffee,milkandsugararesuppliedformembers.Otherusergroupsaretosupplytheirown tea/coffee and take all their own rubbish with them, as theWCG does not have agarbagecollectionservice.
• IfyouarethelastpersontoleavetheHUB,ensurealllights,fansandappliancesareturnedoffandallwindowsanddoorsandtheHUBgatelocked.
5.3 Equipmentandappliances
The oven, stovetop, BBQ and pizza oven can only be used bymembers or under instruction frommemberswhohaveundertakenappropriatetrainingin:
• Suitablecookwareforuseontheinductionstovetopi.e.cookwarewithahighferrousmetalcontentonbasei.e.ifmagnetstickstobaseitwillworkwell.
• Cleaningproceduresandfirepreventionmeasureswhenusingstovetop• Safeuseofsharpknives,poweredutensils,keepingoutofreachofchildren• Keepingcordsfromdanglingandturningoffpoweroffwhennotinuse• Useofthefireextinguisher
5.4 Cleaningandmaintenance
When cleaning theHUB please ensure that the eco–friendly cleaning products under the sink areusedandthatonlyvinegarisusedtocleanthetoilet.
Thebatteryforthewaterpumpwillbechargedasperafortnightlyschedule.
5.5 UseoftheHUBlibrary
Members are able to borrow any of the WCG library resources. Items must be recorded in theborrower’sbookandreturnedbytheendofthetwo-weekborrowingperiod.
6. TheGardenShelter Thegardenshelterisaflexiblespacewithinthegarden.It’sagreatplacetoshelterfromthesunandrain,torestormeet.Fromtimetotimeworkshopsareruninthisspace.• Pleaseleavetheshelterinaclean&tidycondition.• NotifyacommitteememberortheSiteManagerofanydamageoritemsrequiringmaintenance.• Thesandpitisagreatplaceforkids–therearetoysforthesandpitinoneofthewheeliebins
nearthesandpit.Pleasepackupthetoysafterandpleaseputthecoverbackoverthesandpitafterusetoavoidanycontaminationofthesand.(e.g.fromvisitingcats!)
• Pleaseensurechildrenaresupervisedinandaroundthegardenshelterandsandpit.• Theshelterdoorscanbeopenedorclosed,butensurethatdoorsarelocked(openorclosed)into
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positionwiththetopboltafteruse.• Theseatedplatformcanbemovedby2peopleforeventsbutistobereturnedtoitsoriginal
locationafteruse.• Donotdrinkthewaterfromthetapatthesink.Waterisforrinsingproduceorwashinghandsas
needed.
7. OccupationalHealth&Safety(OH&S)
Everyoneat theWCGhas apersonal responsibility towork safely in the gardenat all times.WCGmembersandpartnersareencouragedtorecognisethatnotaskissoimportantthattimecannotbetakentofindasafeandhealthywaytocompleteit.TheWCGOH&SmanualcanbefoundintheHUB.
7.1 Committeeresponsibilities
The WCG Committee takes seriously the responsibility to ensure the WCG site is, as far as ispracticable, safe for our members, partners and the public. While OH&S is a managementresponsibility,allmembersandpartnerorganisationshaveakeyroletoplayinachievingasafeandhealthygardenenvironment,includingreportinganyhazardsorpotentialhazardstotheCommittee.
PartnerorganisationshavearesponsibilitytoensuretheirmembersandemployeesfollowboththeirownOH&Spolicies/guidelinesandtheRulesandguidelinesoftheWCG.
The Committee implements strategies and actions informed by state OH&S legislation aimed atcontinuouslymanagingandimprovingthehealthandsafetyofthegardenenvironment.Information,instructionandtrainingareavailabletoensurememberscarryouttheirOH&Sresponsibilities.
The Convenor must be notified as soon as possible whenever there is a major health, safety orsecurity incident. The Committee will investigate all incidents and take appropriate action asrequired.
7.2 Childreninthegarden
Childrenarewelcome in thegarden.All childrenmustbe fully supervisedbyanadult andarenotallowedtoclimbonthecompostbaysoranyraisedgardenbeds.Particularcaremustbetakentoensurechildrenavoidtheoldquarry,aNOGOarea.
A child, in and around the HUB, requires supervision by an adult. Climbing on the rails, playingaroundthetank,wormfarmandsurroundsisnotpermitted.
7.3 Beingsafeinthegarden
Itisimportanttofollowgoodpracticesinthegardentomaximizeyoursafety.Theseinclude:
• Wearingappropriatefootwearonsiteatalltimes.Sturdyshoesorbootsarerecommended.Thongsandhighheelsareunsuitable
• Takingpreventativemeasures(sunscreen,hat,waterbottle)toavoidsunburnanddehydration
• Wearingglovestoprotectyourhands• Wearingadustmaskwhenmakingorturningcompostorspreadingmulchparticularlyifyou
sufferfrombreathingdifficultiesorasthma• InformingtheCommitteeand/oryourneighbouringplotholdersifyouhaveaspecific
medicalconditionorallergyforwhichyoumayneedpromptassistanceshouldyouhaveamedicalemergencyatthegarden
• Whenliftingsomethingheavy,bendyourknees,crouchdownandthenlifttheobjectbystraighteningyourlegs.Toavoidbackinjury,don’tbendovertopickupaheavyobject.
• Avoidingoverloadingwheelbarrows,onlymovingwhatyoucaneasilymanage• Keepingpathwaysinthegardenfreefromanyobstaclestoavoidtripsandfallsandnot
leavingforksandrakeslyingfaceupontheground
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7.4 Usingpowertools&equipment
Only people approved by theWCG Committeemay useWCG power tools and equipment. Thoseusingpowertoolsandequipmentmustfirsthavedoneaninductiononsafehandlingofpowertoolsandshouldwearprotectiondevicesforeyesandearsatalltimeswhenoperating.
Powertoolsandequipmentarecheckedregularlyforfaultsanddefectsandrepairedpriortouse.
7.5 Dealingwithamajorincidentoranemergency
In response to a major incident that requires immediate attention and/or emergency services,membersaretocall000andadvisetheConvenorimmediately.
Incident/injuryreporting
Reportinganyinjuriesandincidentsonsiteisalegalrequirement.Apersonalaccident/incidentbookislocatedinthefirstaidkitonthefridgeintheHUBforrecordinganygardenincidentsandmustbefilledinevenforminorincidents.
Emergencyproceduresandfireprevention
• In an emergency requiringAmbulance, Fire of Police, call 000, remain on the phone andfollow operator instructions. The WCG address is Cnr Grieve Street and Grafton Road,Warrnambool.
• ForPoisonsinformationcall131126.• Otheremergencycontactnumberssuchasplumbing,electricity, gas,are listed intheHUB
andthemainshed.• TheEmergencyAssemblyAreaisthegrassedareaoutsidetheWCGgates.Youwillneedto
ensuretheroadtothegateisclearforemergencyvehicleaccess.• The fire extinguisher and fire blanket are located in the HUB. The CFA approved fire
extinguisherischeckedandtaggedonasixmonthlybasis.• ThefirstaidkitandmanualarelocatedonthefridgeintheHUB.