Access to Meetings

Administration
 
Recommendations for Considering - Reopening from COVID-19
 
Questions are being raised about limitation of unvaccinated members to Rotary events or activity.
Rotary International does not limit access to events, except for termination of membership.
 
To deal with the public health risk of COVID-19 and its possible consequences, the Minister for Health and Medical Research has made a number of Public Health Orders, under section 7 of the Public Health Act 2010
Orders can be amended frequently. For the most up to date Orders, and the history of each Order, visit NSW Legislation – COVID- related legislation
 
Any limitation to events or activities will be dependent upon Public Health Orders and venue implementation.
 
Further information about the current rules and restrictions are available on the NSW Government site:  Greater Sydney restrictions | NSW Government
 
The NSW Government “roadmap” for the easing of restrictions when vaccination rates get to 70% and 80% state wide is available at:  Roadmap for easing COVID-19 restrictions | NSW Government
 
Access to Meetings – COVID-19-19 Meetings & Events
Can a club refuse access to a person unvaccinated for COVID?
 
Clubs cannot limit membership entitlements based on an individual’s choice of vaccination. If so, the club could be found to be in breach of RI ByLaw 4.070
 
Each club or Rotaract club shall endeavour to build a well-balanced membership that celebrates diversity. No club or Rotaract club, regardless of when it joined RI, may in any way limit membership due to gender, race, colour, creed, national origin, or sexual orientation, or impose any membership condition not specifically allowed by the RI constitution or bylaws. Any membership provision or condition in conflict with this section is null, void, and without effect.
 
 
 
This RI Bylaw is strengthened by the 2019 DEI Statement, as found in the Code of Policies.
 
As a global network that strives to build a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change, Rotary values diversity and celebrates the contributions of people of all backgrounds, regardless of their age, ethnicity, race, colour, abilities, religion, socioeconomic status, culture, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Rotary will cultivate a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture in which people from underrepresented groups have greater opportunities to participate as members and leaders.
 
In summary a Rotary Club cannot exclude members from attending meetings.
 
However, legislation imposed by law and/or health authorities, implemented by private premises, dictates access to a venue and conditions of entry, to be followed in that venue.
 
It is anticipated these will include; vaccinations status, mask wearing, density, standing, seated, indoors, outdoors, singing, dancing, etc. even geographical location may require different conditions of entry.
 
To allow for these variables, each club should try to find solutions to cater for all members, with an inclusive approach to meetings, as per the DEI statement.
 
There is a summary on the district website.
Below is information from NSW Health website
What happens at 70% double dose – Roadmap for easing restrictions
 
What happens at 80% double dose
 
Proof of Vaccination
https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/vaccination/proof
Venues will require a Proof of Vaccination. There are 2 ways to show proof;
  • a hard copy of your immunisation history statement or
  • your COVID-19 digital certificate via your online Medicare account.
  • A photo on your phone will not comply.
 
Also read the Rotary Districts of Australia Insurance Summary - District 9685 June 2021- June 2022 Exclusions and Guidelines relating to COVID-19 from Aon Insurance brokers.
 
It is very important to note that there is no insurance coverage for any injury or loss which is related in any way to the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
 
Please see the Rotarian Code of Conduct:
As a Rotarian, I will……..
 
District 9685 does not issue health advice.
 
The above information is from publicly available websites including D9685 website home page
Members need to make their own decisions based on available information and your research.
It is paramount that everyone we engage with is kept as safe as possible.
 
Updated 6th October 2021 LM