Welcome to Wirraway Homestead online

Wirraway is a nondenominational, not-for-profit holiday camp, which runs throughout the year for young people 10 years and over. It offers an opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities on 70 ha of countryside, staying in buildings arranged in a beautiful “old world” setting, and to hear what Christians believe in a relaxed and informal atmosphere. Experienced staff organise the activities, cater, and run all aspects of the programme

HOT WEATHER POLICY

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES:  FIRE (Catastrophic risk days)

Wirraway has a professionally drawn up emergency management plan that has been discussed with Country Fire Service representatives.

Wirraway is in farmland, with no substantial areas of bush in its immediate vicinity. There are two choices to exit the site, both of which are well maintained and used by the local school bus in term time. The surrounds to buildings are kept clear of combustible materials and the grassy areas and gardens by the buildings are well maintained. In our area the risk  is grass fires, and these would be managed through approved firefighting equipment.  Our staff are trained in their use, and we have contingency plans and back up equipment if the external power supply fails.

Automatic evacuation for our campers on ‘catastrophic fire days’  has NOT been advised by the experts, as we have a safe refuge on site from the types of fire likely to threaten our camp. This refuge has been identified as our indoor horse riding shed, which is a large, metal structure with a sand surface and a fire hose available.  On  high risk fire days, we are in close communication with the local CFS officers to obtain their recommendations and advice.

If evacuation were  deemed necessary, it would be undertaken early,  and involve travelling to Strathalbyn to the swimming pool there, using the local bus company, which is on standby on ‘catastrophic’ fire days.

If evacuation occurred parents would be advised as soon as practicable,  and the website would be updated immediately to reflect the situation.

HOT WEATHER POLICY

Wirraway always puts the health and safety of its campers first, then, equally important are its staff and their needs. In extreme weather conditions, the well being of all people and animals needs to be considered and Wirraway varies its program accordingly.

When temperatures exceed 36^OC Wirraway camp activities  start early in the morning and that session will be finished by 10.30 am at the latest, and then recommence in late afternoon after 5pm.  Sunscreen, hats and sleeved tops are required for outdoor activities. Horse riding is undertaken in the indoor arena, and there is good shade for the archery and the challenge ropes course. The climbing wall is not shaded, but some faces are always out of the direct sunshine.

Breakfasts and dinners are managed with split sittings of half the group at a time, so that meals are at normal times, running in between the activity sessions. The middle of the day is filled in with swimming in the pool (covered with a shade cloth). Sun baking is not permitted! Alternatives to swimming include games in the dining room (air conditioned) or free time activities in the “Shed”, which also has some minimal air conditioning and fans provided.

Cold water is available at all times through 3 drinking fountains located around the camp buildings.

Our bunkhouses are insulated, but do get hot in extreme weather conditions in the daytime. Fortunately it is seldom hot at night at Wirraway, so sleeping is not usually a problem. All bunkhouses have opening windows with fly screens attached for good circulation of the cooler night air. Fans are available if there is limited air circulation from breezes.

The end of an era!

Pete telling a story

A celebratory sit down  lunch in honour of Peter Arnott was held on 2 March. The 120 attendees  represented family,  ex and current staff members, Friends Of Wirraway (FOW), parents of campers, other supporters and many of the  Board Members from the 39 years that Wirraway has been in existence, including an contingent who had come from interstate especially for the event. There were a number of speeches made, covering many wonderful and humorous highlights from that period, and it was a fitting send off for one of the founders of the campsite.  An acknowledgement of  God’s leading and blessings throughout the whole of Wirraway’s history was reflected both in the speeches and in the interviews held with Peter and Nina.

The lunch was followed by the official opening of the new staff/student accommodation building (partly supported through an Australian Government TQUAL grant) , where Peter (true to form)  shunned the cutting instrument provided and used the scissors from his multitool kept on his belt to cut the ribbon!

A new management team of Glenn and Teresea Munyard has now taken over running the site, with Nina still on the scene maintaining her involvement in Wirraway Training.

The staff, supporters and Board of Wirraway  are all excited to see  how they will shape Wirraway in the future as they are lead by God.

Peter is officially helping out with various tasks over the next few months, then will be on call in the future to help where his experience will be invaluable. He remains on the Board of Wirraway, and will have his work cut out for him taking on the new role of Grandpa!