A message from our CEO, Anthony Hill | Reopening Plan

First and foremost, I want to start by thanking the Members, our affiliated sporting groups, our business partners, and our staff for all the well wishes and the words of encouragement we received and continue to receive.

It’s been close to 9 weeks since we closed our doors and wished our staff and members well as the ACT entered into lockdown. While we hoped for the best we planned for the worst and unfortunately, later became our reality. However, after what has been a trying period for so many, I am happy to say we are getting ready to welcome you back.

During lockdown, we began operating a takeaway service through Chisholm Vikings and our pub, Badger & Co at the ANU, both of which received great reviews. I would like to thank the patrons who supported us through those venues during this time. 

The ACT Government's Pathway Forward has provided us with the opportunity to reopen our doors over the next two weeks, however, we ask you to acknowledge the limitations that come with this. From Friday 15 October, we can welcome a maximum of 25 people into our Clubs at any given time. As you can imagine this is not ideal, but it is a start.

Due to such limitations on capacity, Chisholm Vikings will be our first Club to reopen on Friday 15 October, however, there will be reduced offerings and operating hours. For information on what is available and the progress of reopening our Clubs, I invite you to visit our website www.vikings.com.au, follow our Facebook page and ensure you are opted-in to receive our Member emails to keep up to date. 

Our pub, Badger & Co, located in the Kambri Precinct in the city will also reopen.  If you are in the city for work or pleasure, please call in and say hello to Shaun and his team who have worked tirelessly to ensure the pub is ready for you.

For our Members who reside in NSW, there is, of course, Campbell & George which we were happy to see a return to operation on the 11th of October.  Andrew and the team are ready to welcome all Vikings Group Members offering reciprocal membership pricing on food and beverage. Under the NSW Government’s Roadmap to Freedom, the first and second wave of freedoms only allow patrons who have received two doses of the Covid-19 vaccines or who are medically exempt to enter Campbell & George. We do ask that you have your proof of vaccination ready to show staff on arrival. 

By the end of October, we will have all four Vikings Clubs open and operating in line with ACT Government’s Health Directions. Whilst we would all love to fling our doors open this Friday and welcome everyone back, it is not possible to do so and we again refer you to our website for opening dates and times as they become available – but please know, like you, we can’t wait.

We have been in constant contact with our staff throughout the lockdown and we have joined the chorus of business leaders across the country urging their staff to seek medical advice and get vaccinated. Happily, the employees of the Vikings Group have done their part for their safety and the safety of their families and friends, and our Members and guests. Our team is on track to having a highly vaccinated workforce upon reopening. Again I want to thank our staff for doing their part to keep our community safe.

As well as driving a strong vaccination ethos through our business you will notice upon your return the same COVID Safe processes and procedures in place that were operating prior to our Clubs closing. In addition, we will have other measures in place to do our best to provide a safe environment as possible for our Members, guests and staff. These measures will be clearly communicated to our Members and displayed throughout our Clubs as well as on our website.

This isn’t business as usual, and it’s a time of great stress and uncertainty. It’s also a moment in time when the way we conduct ourselves is most critical. I ask that you be kind to our staff and do your bit to keep Vikings safe and our doors open.

Lastly, I would also like to reassure you that as a company we are resilient. Over the course of 40 years, we have seen – and mastered – many challenging moments. We are convinced that with your help we will overcome this one too.

I look forward to seeing you all soon. Until then stay safe and look after yourselves, friends and families.

Sincerely
Anthony Hill