What we’re about
The SOUTHERN ADELAIDE SOCIAL WALKING meetup group was founded for people to enjoy walking and socialising in nature. We are based in the southern suburbs and enjoy exploring many beautiful places south of Adelaide. If you enjoy walking and nature this group could be for you.
Please read all of the details before applying to join and be patient while your application is pending.
All levels of fitness and all ages are welcome. Walks with this group are normally not long or difficult, mostly up to 2 hours, 5 to 12 kilometres in length. Generally long or difficult walks are not offered, other groups provide those type of walks. However, when longer or more challenging walks are available, the host will provide a clear explanation so that you can judge if it is suitable for you.
Walkers need to have adequate footwear, such as enclosed walking shoes or hiking boots, be sun safe and carry water. We walk on a variety of surfaces such as bitumen, sand (beach walking), pathways and occasionally easy bush tracks eg. Aldinga, Kuitpo and Onkaparinga conservation parks.
We often finish in a cafe or similar to refresh and chat. We want walks to be available to all fitness levels, so you are free to walk at your own pace, of which all leaders should be aware. Most important with this group is enjoyment. It is non-competitive and hopefully pleasurable for all walkers. This group encourages people of a variety of abilities to walk together. Let someone know if you are struggling. We are here to support one another.
Group members are most welcome to suggest and lead walks. This group is about fun, exercise and nature.
Please be aware that care is taken by leaders, but no responsibility. Do not hesitate to contact the organiser if you have any questions or concerns.
Enjoy yourself, enjoy nature, socialising, chatting and, of course, walking.
Please complete the PROFILE QUESTIONS. Answer all questions on your application fully. If this is not done your application will not be considered and therefore declined.
* GUIDELINES
We have Guidelines in place to keep our group running smoothly. Our aim is for all members to enjoy themselves at our Events in a safe environment.
Please read our Guidelines before applying to join, as all members must adhere to the following:
* PHOTO AND NAME
Please provide a recent, clear profile photo of just yourself and your given name (the name that you would prefer to be known by) AND either your surname or initial (we may have other members with the same name).
The photo is to be a recent, clear, close up of yourself only (do not include other people, children or animals). Do not incorporate face covering of any kind such as sunglasses, scarves, masks or hats. This enables us to identify you when you attend our Events. Our group is a private group and only members can see your profile picture.
* ATTENDANCE
Regular attendance is required to build a welcoming, cohesive, social and friendly group. In order for us to know who you are, we need to meet you. Therefore, attendance at a Hosted Event is required within 2 months of joining. Events are generally hosted and the Host clearly identified. It is your responsibility to ensure that you make yourself known to the Event Host.
The two months joining time frame will allow you to peruse our Events, attend an Event, then determine if our group will suit you. If you find that it does not, please remove yourself from the group.
If you will be absent for an extended period of time (for medical, extended holiday or personal reasons) please notify the Organiser so that you are not unintentionally removed from the group.
* MEMBERSHIP FEES
Membership fees are $5.00 per annum. This annual membership fee is to be paid via bank transfer after attending your first Event. Payments are due annually in March, reminders will be sent out from February. This is to pay the meetup website fees.
Bank details for your $5.00 contribution are:
Bendigo Bank
BSB: 633 000
Account number: 170 458 673.
When you make a payment, please ensure that you include your name as it appears this meetup group. This payment is not to made until we have met you.
* SAFETY AND WELLBEING
Our aim is for this to be a safe group, so unwanted attention or messaging, may result in that person being removed from the group. All members are asked to be polite and courteous at all times at all events and online. Any inappropriate behaviour of any kind will not be tolerated and may result in removal from the group. Members are expected to behave in a mature fashion, however, should an issue arise that can’t be managed by the individuals concerned, the Host or Organiser are to be advised. We can't assist if we aren't aware of a problem.
This is a social group and not a dating group. Obviously people do ‘meet up’ during the course of group Events and relationships are formed, but dating is not the purpose of the group. All members must be able to feel safe and comfortable and any behaviour contrary to this is unacceptable. Offenders will be removed from the group and all fees forfeited.
* RSVP
Only reply ‘YES’ to Events if you intend to attend. Change your RSVP to 'NO' as soon as possible if you can no longer attend an Event. This way members are not unnecessarily kept waiting by someone who is no longer attending. It is up to each member to monitor the Events they are attending to determine if there are any updates or changes to those Events.
A person who has booked but doesn't attend, is regarded as a 'No Show'. Continued 'No Shows' may result in removal from the group.
If you are not going to attend an Event please don't RSVP 'NO', in the 'Are you going?' section. The Organiser and Event Hosts only need to know who is going, not who isn't. Only use the RSVP 'NO' if you are changing your original RSVP from 'YES', for example, if you are no longer able to attend that Event.
Please ensure that prior to RSVPing 'YES', you are actually able to attend the Event.
* RSVP AGREEMENT
By recording a 'YES' RSVP and/or attending any Event you are agreeing to our 'Policies & Guidelines' and our 'Disclaimer & Release'.
* GENERAL POLICIES & GUIDELINES
Members and/or their guests should make themselves aware of the SOUTHERN ADELAIDE SOCIAL WALKING (SASW) meetup group's Disclaimer & Release as participation in any Event indicates acceptance of this Disclaimer & Release.
To minimise potential risks members and/or their guests should ensure that:
- any event attended is within their physical and mental capability;
- carry sufficient food, water, sunscreen & a mobile phone;
- wear clothing and footwear appropriate for the activity (hat, rain jacket etc);
- check for traffic before crossing any road; and
- either make an effort to remain with the group during the activity, or notify the host (or another walker) if you wish to walk alone or that you are leaving the walk.
- members should always be courteous and respectful of other members participating in an Event and/or via online comments and discussions.
* WAIVER / DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY / RELEASE
When you indicate that you and/or your guests will attend an Event by recording a 'YES’ RSVP and/or attending an Event of the SASW meetup group you:
- Warrant that you and/or your guests are physically and mentally fit and are capable of undertaking this activity;
- Acknowledge that walking is a potentially dangerous activity which may result in injury, illness or even death or loss of or damage to property. Potential risks include but are not limited to slips/trips/falls; slippery and/or uneven surfaces; rocks being dislodged; falling at edges of cliffs or elsewhere; risks associated with crossing creeks; exposure to weather, (hypothermia, heat-exhaustion, sun/windburn); animal/reptile/insect attacks; falling; accidents with cyclists or motor vehicles; and
- Having read and understood the above risks you and/or your guests agree to participate in the event at your own risk and agree to waive any claim for damages arising from this activity that you may have against the SASW meetup group Organiser, the Event Host and/or other participants, to the fullest extent permitted by law.
- You further acknowledge and agree that the aim and purpose of the SASW meetup group is to foster social activities that enable participants to meet other people and enjoy their friendship. You acknowledge that the SASW meetup group is not a formal fitness/walking group and the Organiser, Event Hosts and/or other participants are not qualified in fitness training, walking leadership and/or first aid.
- You acknowledge that you and/or your guests are responsible for your own safety whilst attending the Event(s).
- You acknowledge that you and/or your guests have read, agree with and will abide by the Policies & Guidelines as issued and amended from time to time by the SASW meetup group Organisers.
* TERMS AND CONDITIONS
All care is taken but no responsibility. We expect that walkers will take responsibility for their own safety, health and well being. By participating in any Event or activity with the SASW meetup group, all members agree to release SASW, the Organiser and Hosts from all actions, demands, claims for costs, charges, damages, liabilities and expenses, now or in the future, against the SASW meetup group for death, injury to the body, mind, emotions, or any loss or damage that may be sustained or incurred as a result of your participation in any activity. Members also agree to indemnify and hold harmless the SASW meetup group in relation to any claims as a result, or arising in relation to, whether directly or indirectly, your participation in any activity or any act of omission by any member in relation to the activity. Your attendance at any Event and paid-up membership fee acts as a confirmation that you have accepted the terms.
* PHOTOGRAPHY GUIDELINES
- Members are encouraged to take photographs during Events and upload them to the SASW meetup group website. These photographs may include other participants and/or their guests.
- However, a member and/or guest may request a photographer to refrain from taking their photograph and the photographer must comply.
- A member may request an Organiser, Event Host or photographer permanently delete a photograph, in which they or their guest(s) appear, from the SASW meetup group website, other websites and/or other media and storage devices. The Organiser, Event Host or photographer must comply with this request in a timely manner.
* WARM WEATHER GUIDELINES
If the forecast maximum temperature for the day of an Event is 32 degrees or over, as forecast by the Bureau of Meteorology 48 hours before the Event, Event Hosts or Organisers (at their discretion) should consider;
- moving the event to a cooler part of the day,
- and/or shortening the duration of the Event,
- or cancelling the Event.
* FINALLY
All SASW meetup group NATURE WALKERS should ensure that they and their guests are Sun-Smart i.e. wearing a hat, suitable clothing, sun-glasses, using sun-block, carrying sufficient water and a mobile 'phone for the Event. That they dress appropriately for walking, including wearing appropriate shoes and clothing (ie sun safe or wet weather gear). An Event Host or Organiser (at their discretion) may refuse to allow an individual to participate in an Event where they are not complying with the above.
The decision to cancel/postpone etc should be made as soon as possible before the Event to enable adequate notification of the changes to the Event. However, in the event of inclement weather or unforseen circumstances, it is crucial that attendees keep an eye on the Event for any changes.
Please complete the PROFILE QUESTIONS and answer all questions fully on your application. If this is not done your application will not be considered and therefore declined.
Thank you visiting our page and we hope that you enjoy our group and associated activities.
Cheers, Audrey.