Code of Conduct

It is Yarrawood's philosophy to maintain an environment that respects the dignity of all its members and visitors. The purpose of this is to allow members and visitors to enjoy club activities free from all types of discrimination, harassment, bullying and victimisation. Acts of inappropriate behaviour are treated seriously and will be investigated by the Club and be remedied by appropriate means.

Walking Ethics

The basic objective of the Club is to promote and develop knowledge and appreciation of the natural environment through the enjoyment of bushwalking and related activities. In pursuing this objective, the Club requires all participants to observe the following guidelines.

• Do nothing to mar the natural landscape. Leave all campsites better than you find them.
• Never kill or harm birds or animals (even snakes) or allow others to do so.
• Don't cut live trees or pick wildflowers. Use only dead branches for fires.
• Don't bring domestic animals into the bush.
• Don't light fires in ecologically sensitive areas, such as alpine plateaus.
• Before lighting your fire, clear away all dead leaves and bracken. Don't light a fire too close to a tree trunk. Use an existing fireplace if possible.
• Don't burn any food containers (even plastic), for they all leave a residue which won't decompose. If you can carry it in full, you can carry it out empty.
• Make sure fires are completely out before leaving by dousing them with plenty of water.
• Radios etc. should be left at home.
• Leave no visible evidence of toileting - bury it. Burn all toilet paper after use.
• Accept the leader's decision in all matters relating to the conduct of the walk.
• Be self sufficient - don't make yourself a burden on others through thoughtlessness, and ensure your level of fitness is adequate for the walk.
• Wash downstream from campsites, using only biodegradable soaps.
• Do not use the campfire of another party unless invited.
• Endeavour not to disturb the sleep of others.
• Don't walk across cooking and eating utensils and food.
  
• Be helpful and companionable to those met on the track.

Walker Guidelines

Prior to the Walk

• Ensure that you are fit enough for the degree of difficulty of the walk. If in doubt, discuss with the leader well prior to the walk.
• Arrive at starting point on time.
• Carry sufficient water for the conditions of the walk, i.e. generally a minimum of one litre, or two litres or more in hotter conditions.
• Ensure you have all appropriate equipment including first aid kit, sunscreen, hat, food, rain gear, whistle, torch and suitable clothing and footwear. A map and compass may also enhance your enjoyment of the walk.
• Ensure you read and complete the Risk Waiver Form, carefully noting any risk warnings.
• Remember to bring a sense of humour and adventure. Our leaders are all volunteers so please remember to be co-operative, supportive, patient and kind.

During the walk

Follow the leader's instructions. Remember your leader has your welfare at heart. Be courteous, co-operative and helpful to other walkers in the group. Follow the Confederation's Bushwalkers' Code. Can there be a link here to the confederation site and page?

Generally you should not leave the walk early unless pre-arranged, but if it becomes is necessary for you to do so, you must advise the leader and if requested, sign off on the Risk Waiver Form. You must accept a leader's decision to send someone with you to accompany you out.

Do not allow yourself to become separated from the group. If experiencing any difficulty such as fatigue, blisters, shortage of water, advise the leader immediately. Participants should maintain a line of sight with people in front and behind them.

Car pooling is recommended. Contribute to car costs if you are a passenger in another member's vehicle.

It is your responsibility to allow sufficient distance between yourself and the walker in front so that branches flicking back do not injure you.

Do not leave the track, if on a track walk, or fall behind the person appointed as 'tail'.

At the end of the walk

• Ensure the leader is aware you have made it to the end.
• Remember to thank the leader.

Overdue Walkers

• Once or twice in our experience, it has happened that a walking group has to complete the activity in the allocated time and have had to spend an unscheduled night in the bush. This has never been due to a catastrophe or being lost. The likely reason is that a minor injury to one party member (a sprained ankle, for example) has slowed the party so that the walk cannot be safely completed before dark.
• Please make sure that your family has a copy of the activity details sheet (or email) supplied for the walk, and in particular has the name and number of the nominated home contact person for the particular activity. Tell your family that if you do not return from a walk on time, they should not panic, but follow these instructions:
• Ring the trip leader or his/her nominated home contact person (on the activity details sheet). It may well be that excessive traffic or an accident has delayed your family member.
• Generally, the Club leaders will take no action at all unless the party fails to make contact by the middle of the next day. Bushwalking parties from this Club are always equipped for emergencies (including a PLB), and will probably not even be uncomfortable during an extra night in the bush. Even if mildly uncomfortable, they will certainly be safe. Please ask your family NOT to ring the police or media immediately you are an hour or two overdue! If necessary, the Club will seek all appropriate help - as members of the Confederation of Bushwalking Clubs, we have access to the Confederation's search and rescue facilities if required.

Health and Fitness

• To gain the maximum benefit and enjoyment from bushwalking, you should be prepared to commit yourself to a modest and sensible exercise program - a little walking, jogging, cycling or swimming several times a week. If you are in any doubt about your ability to engage in fairly vigorous physical activity, please consult your doctor before starting. Seek your doctor's advice also if you suffer from any condition which could be serious if medical assistance is not immediately on hand (eg asthma, allergy to insect stings, etc). It is also important to advise the leader of any medical or physical disabilities or illnesses, which may affect the successful completion of the activity or overall safety and comfort of the group.
• Super fitness is not necessary, but for mountain valley walking you will need to develop your capacity to put up with a little huffing and puffing. Some members may tend to over-emphasise their level of fitness, however the leader's decision will be final, as to whether you will be able to participate in a particular activity.