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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: warrnamboolcommunity@yahoo.com.au 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.