MPBAA Media Centre

Details: Last Updated: 09 August 2021

The Victorian Government has advised that from 11.59pm tonight - 9 August 2021 that the five reasons to leave home will be removed for Regional Victoria.

The below applies to Regional Victoria:

The Authroised Worker list is no longer being applied
If you can work from home, you should work from home
Office work is permitted up to 25% per cent or a limit of 10 people, whichever is greater
Construction is permitted with a COVIDSafe plan
Pool Servicing & Maintenance is permitted with a COVIDSafe plan
Pool Shops - Density quotient of 1 person per 4sqm applies. Check-in required. A venue smaller than 100sqm can have up to 25 people per venue before density quotient applies
Cannot travel to metropolitan Melbourne except for a permitted reason

The below restrictions are currently still in place for metropolitan Melbourne:

Pool Shops: Closed (open for contactless click and collect only).
Construction: All aspects of construction - including the building and installation of pools, landscaping, and garden works - are permitted at UNOCCUPIED premises throughout this lockdown. For OCCUPIED premises, emergency works only are permitted.
Pool Servicing & Maintenance: Emergency works only permitted on OCCUPIED premises. Service and maintenance is permitted to operate on UNOCCUPIED premises and new builds.
Can only travel into Regional Victoria for authorised work and permitted activities.

Face masks will remain mandatory indoors (not at home) and outdoors unless an exception applies – this includes all workplaces and secondary schools.

SPASAVIC – keeping members informed since 1961.

PREMIER STATEMENT & RESTRICTIONS TABLE

BUSINESS VICTORIA FAQs

Details: Last Updated: 09 August 2021

The Victorian Government has reinstated the 5 reasons to leave home as of 8pm Thursday the 5th August 2021.

Getting food and the supplies you need, within 5kms of your home or the nearest location,
Exercising for up to two hours, within 5kms of your home or the nearest location,
Care or caregiving,
Authorised work or education if you can’t do it from home,
or to get vaccinated at the nearest possible location.

At this stage it is understood the below information is correct. As further advice is confirmed we will let members know.

Pool Shops:

Closed (open for contactless click and collect only).

Construction:

All aspects of construction - including the building and installation of pools, landscaping and garden works - are permitted at UNOCCUPIED premises throughout this lockdown.

For OCCUPIED premises, emergency works only are permitted.

Pool Servicing & Maintenance:

Emergency works only permitted on occupied premises. Service and maintenance is permitted to operate on unoccupied premises and new builds.

Face masks will remain mandatory indoors (not at home) and outdoors unless an exception applies – this includes all workplaces and secondary schools.

The whole team at SPASAVIC is here to support you through another lockdown and will continue to work with government to show that the whole Pool & Spa Industry can continue to work in a COVIDSafe environment. If you require any support or assistance our team is here. Stay safe and please contact Chris or Heather.

SPASAVIC – keeping members informed since 1961.

Details: Last Updated: 03 June 2021

SPASAVIC COVID Circuit breaker post 3 June 2021

MELBOURNE METRO: Outdoor Work Permitted At Occupied Premises With Restrictions Remaining In Place For A Further 7 Days

Until 11.59pm on Thursday 10th June, there are still only five reasons to leave home:

• shopping for food and supplies

• authorised work and study

• care and caregiving

• exercise

• getting vaccinated

Services that operate solely outdoors, where physical distancing can be maintained at all times, are permitted for up to five people (with an additional supervisor) for businesses with an ABN, including at occupied premises.

SPASAVIC is encouraged by the response from the department to allow contractors on-site on occupied premises under Covid guidelines. Our discussions with departmental heads has been positive and will continue as we navigate our way through this environment.

Other restrictions, including mask wearing, will remain.

REGIONAL: Restrictions will begin easing from 11.59pm tonight, however it is mandatory for retail businesses that are open in regional Victoria to check the identification of everyone they serve. https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/statement-acting-premier-2

It is now also mandatory to use the Victorian Government QR Code Service. https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/checking-qr-codes

Statement From The Acting Premier - 2 June 2021

Details: Last Updated: 27 May 2021

Regarding this 7 Day COVID-19 Circuit Breaker Restrictions:

Building Works Allowed To Continue ✅

Pool Shops - Click & Collect ✅

Pool Service - Emergency Works Only ✅

Manufacturing can continue ✅

From 11:59pm tonight, Victoria will move to circuit breaker restrictions, meaning there will only be five reasons to leave home:

Food and supplies
Authorised work
Care and caregiving
Exercise, for up to two hours and with one other person
Vaccination

Face masks must be worn inside and outdoors – everywhere except your own home.

These settings will remain in place until 11:59pm on 3 June 2021.

Read Today's Statement From The Acting Premier which includes a list of authorised workers HERE

Details: Last Updated: 21 May 2021

The great Australian backyard used to be fairly simple: a few shrubs, a tree, a barbecue, a banana lounge and a clothes line. No worries.

Now, the dream backyard has turned into something of an al fresco paradise. Not only is its feature a palatial swimming pool, surrounded by sleek furniture and household appliances, the whole space is heated. You could mistake yourself for being in Miami.

It’s a trend that has been developing for some years but COVID-19 lockdowns and the millennial taste for luxury has strengthened it in 2021.

Out From the Blue landscape architect James Lascelles says people have been turning their backyards into luxury retreats for a few years.

“Twenty years ago the word ‘al fresco’ was never heard but now it’s on every architectural plan that comes through,” says Lascelles.

“The fact people aren’t travelling now means they’re sitting around staring at their ugly gardens and want to create something pleasant that’s partially outdoors, partially indoors and they have the money because they’re not going on holidays.”

Key features in the backyard revolution include a pool, outdoor dining and lounge furniture, heaters that are either overhead or in fire pits, built-in barbecues and kitchenettes. Some also have wine cellars and spas.

“COVID has brought it all to a peak which is a problem in some ways because the really good builders are booked out at least until Christmas and prices have also gone through the roof because a lot of the raw materials have longer lead times so are less available,” he says.

Freedom furniture buyer Kylie Burgon says consumers see little difference between indoor and outdoor furniture.

“We’re seeing cushions that can be used indoors and outdoors and we’ve almost doubled the outdoor rug category because it’s been so successful,” Burgon says.

“It’s about making the outdoor space feel homely and warm in a way we haven’t seen before. People want to be outside all year round so we’re selling outdoor furniture in winter which never used to happen. Sales usually drop off at the end of the summer season but it’s been phenomenal this year because we actually didn’t have enough stock and have had to expand our outdoor range quite significantly.

“There’s a real sense that it doesn’t look like an outdoor space. It’s just another room of the house.”

Pool and Spa Association of Victoria chief executive Chris Samartzis says his members are more commonly being asked to create outdoor entertainment zones rather than just a pool.

“It’s no longer just a hole in the ground for the pool,” Samartzis says.

“The designs are exceptional and this trend is no longer the domain of the inner east or [Mornington] Peninsula. There’s a massive uptake in the outer suburbs as well.

“It’s a blend of a ‘staycation’ mentality, cheap money because of low interest rates and the wellness aspect is huge as well which has a big focus on aquatics.”

Builder Luke Sheahan has always wanted to create an oasis on a large block in Eltham, in the north-eastern suburbs of Melbourne, where he lives with his wife and three children.

“I wanted to create a place where we’d never have to leave home,” Sheahan says.

“We were spending so much time at home because of COVID and decided to make our house as good as possible because we still want to spend as much time there as we can.”

Their backyard now features a tennis court, decking with an infinity pool and overhanging garden. Adjacent is a sunken lounge, spa, fire pit and a pool house along with a putting green.

“The pool house will allow us to stay outside in that area for as long as we like and the fire pit and spa makes this a place to enjoy throughout the year,” he says.

“We’re using the backyard so much now, and we want to make it a place where people want to spend time.”

Read this article in full written by Catherine Lambert and published in The Age on 19 May 19 2021 HERE

Swimming pool built by SPASAVIC Member - Striking Pools

Details: Last Updated: 27 April 2021

How hydrotherapy can ease your pain Through the ages, people have flocked to beaches, lakes, rivers, pools and showers to enjoy the revitalising effects of water.

The practice might be ancient, but the hydrotherapy industry is relatively new, and the science around its health-giving benefits still relatively unknown.

Hydrotherapy is about the healing power of water and can provide relief for those suffering from chronic pain.

Jo Rankin is a Melbourne-based APA Physiotherapist with some 30 years’ experience.

For the past 20 years she has been using hydrotherapy to treat patients for a broad range of medical conditions.

Ms Rankin is currently a director of Hydrotherapy Solutions, a leading hydrotherapy practice with pools in northeast Melbourne.

Hands-on treatment

“Hydrotherapy, or Aquatic Physiotherapy, involves exercise and hands-on treatment in water heated to 34ºC,” she explains.

“It’s an extremely versatile form of treatment for all ages – it is possible to carry out very gentle or quite strenuous exercise, and it can begin early in your recovery or well down the track.

“In a heated hydrotherapy pool tissues get more flexible and this helps to reduce pain.

“Multiple issues and areas of the body can be addressed within the one treatment session, with a supportive and social environment further contributing to holistic care.

“With hydrotherapy, people can enjoy exercise and move more freely with less pain.”

Ms Rankin says hydrotherapy can assist with the treatment of arthritis, back or neck pain, pre and post-surgery, fractures and trauma, work related injury, sports injury, cancer, mobility and balance.

And you don’t have to be able to swim to participate.

“Even people who think they don’t like being in the water quickly change their minds as they reap the benefits of warm water hydrotherapy.”

Facilities must be built to the highest possible standards

Chris Samartzis, CEO of SPASAVIC (the peak body of the pool and spa industry in Victoria), says it is vitally important that people who use hydrotherapy pools feel safe and confident in the facility.

Hydrotherapy facilities must be built to the highest standards of Master Craftsmanship accreditation, with the latest innovations to help patient recovery, Mr Samarzis says.

“For all of us, the positive that comes with partnering with health institutions means we are helping our communities maintain their wellbeing and be able to spend time with each other which has benefits for all concerned.”

Standard hydrotherapy sessions run for 1hr and may be eligible for private health fund and Medicare physiotherapy rebates.

It is advisable to seek professional advice from a GP or qualified physiotherapist before beginning hydrotherapy treatment.

For more information:
www.hydrotherapysolutions.com.au

Read this article in full HERE

MPBAA Media Centre

SPASAVIC Update: Lockdown to Lift in Regional Victoria

SPASAVIC Update: Victoria to Enter 7 Day Lockdown

Outdoor Work Permitted At Occupied Premises With Restrictions Remaining In Place For A Further 7 Days

Attention Pool & Spa Industry in Victoria - 7 Day COVID-19 Circuit Breaker Restrictions

How the Great Australian Backyard Became An Al Fresco Paradise

How Hydrotherapy Can Ease Your Pain

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