Point-Walter-Client-Information-Pack
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Government of Western Australia Department of Sport and Recreation Recreation Camps Point Walter Recreation and Conference Centre Client Information Pack Your River Retreat Contents Preface 3 Contact information 3 Why come to camp? 4 Information for schools 4 About Point Walter 5 Centre facilities and event spaces 7 Recreation programs 10 Recreation facilities and points of interest 13 Information for camp leaders and supervisors 14 Information for parents/guardians and guests 18 Frequently asked questions 19 Organising checklist 20 Other DSR Recreation Camps 23 2 | Point Walter Recreation and Conference Centre Client Information Pack Preface The experience Point Walter Recreation and Conference Centre (Point Walter) is a beautiful facility that overlooks the Swan River and the city of Perth. Point Walter provides fantastic opportunities for outdoor recreation programs as well as modern and functional facilities for any group whether on a school or community camp, conference, workshop or private function. Point Walter aims to be inclusive throughout its accommodation and program facilities and is recognised by the ‘You’re Welcome WA Access Initiative’. For more details go to: www.accesswa.com.au Purpose of this guide Recreation camping in Western Australia continues to be a popular leisure alternative for small to large groups from a range of sectors. The Department of Sport and Recreation (DSR) in its current and past forms (including the National Fitness Council; Community Recreation Council; Recreation Camps and Reserves Board; and Ministry for Youth, Sport and Recreation) has provided accommodation-based camping facilities for the public of WA since 1939, when Point Walter was opened. Point Walter is becoming increasingly popular with a wide variety of groups in WA. Camps are also becoming increasingly risk-managed with staff in charge having moral and legal obligations to fulfil. The purpose of this guide is to assist organisers with the preparation of a high quality, safe and successful visit at Point Walter. DSR Camps philosophy Our mission at DSR is to enhance the lives of Western Australians through their participation and achievement in sport and recreation. DSR camps serve this mission as they are designed to provide physical activity and experiential learning opportunities through participation in outdoor activities. Our camps are committed to encouraging maximum participation in a wide range of activities and programs. We believe that those who engage in our activities and programs will: • Learn skills related to a particular physical activity, and be confident participants in the future. • Enhance their interpersonal and leadership skills. • Improve their self-management, decision making and time management skills. • Learn to appreciate the outdoor environment for sustainability in the future. Promoting participation in physical activity is our main aim. We recognise the benefits of sport and recreation to people’s wellbeing. We therefore aspire to provide a safe and supportive environment for the WA community to attain the holistic benefits that come from quality physical activity. Contact information General Point Walter Recreation and Conference Centre 1 Stock Rd BICTON WA 6157 Phone: 08 9492 9784 Facsimile: 08 9330 7633 Email: [email protected] Bookings Accommodation – DSR Camps Bookings Office Phone: 08 9492 9999 Facsimile: 08 9492 9998 Email: [email protected] Programs/events Phone: 08 9492 9784 Facsimile: 08 9330 7633 Email: [email protected] Point Walter Recreation and Conference Centre | 3 Client Information Pack Why come to camp? Information for schools Point Walter has the ability to transform participants through outdoor experiences in a short space of time. Links to the curriculum With purpose-built recreation and conference facilities, Our recreation programs have been linked to the Point Walter provides endless opportunities for your Western Australian Curriculum Framework and directly school or organisation’s participants to develop a wide relate to Health and Physical Education learning range of skills. Point Walter also provides an inclusive outcomes. We also encourage the Overarching and diverse range of recreational programs designed to Learning Outcomes and Core Values of the Curriculum challenge individuals and groups outside their comfort Framework. More information on these links can be zones. Overnight communal living environments found in The 4th R package at: empower participants to develop various skills away www.dsr.wa.gov.au/camps from the home, school or office. Benefits of a camp include: Department of Education Excursions Offsite School Activities • Development of communication, interpersonal, “The Department of Education recognises that leadership and cooperation skills. the experiences of students outside the school • Increasing interest in accepting responsibility, grounds contribute to the development of their organisation, time-management, self-discipline understandings, skills and attitudes. The provision of and independence. opportunities for students to learn from the wider community builds on and reinforces the school • Awareness and management of emotions. curriculum.” • Understanding the purpose of goal-setting in life’s challenges. Encouraging participation • Increased self-esteem and self awareness. The following are ideas and suggestions on how you can encourage parents and students to participate in a • Understanding of responsible risk taking. school camp: • Teamwork and collaboration. • Utilise The 4th R resource to demonstrate the • Improved decision making and problem solving. learning opportunities to parents, other teachers and administrators. • Encouragement and incorporation of an active, healthy lifestyle. • Utilise the resources and research to advocate the benefits of camp from the following websites: • Development of outdoor recreational skills. www.natureplay.org.au • Most importantly – fun! www.beactive.wa.gov.au • Advertise the camp in the school newsletter. • Run a parent/student information night and discuss: » The aims and objectives of the camp. » How they relate to the curriculum and student development. » Risk management strategies Point Walter and the school will employ. » Having photos and images of the camp experience around the school. • Develop a ‘fundraising for camp’ project. We have camp journals for each individual year level to support the students’ camp experience. They are available for free on our website. 4 | Point Walter Recreation and Conference Centre Client Information Pack About Point Walter Inclusiveness: ‘You’re Welcome WA’ The You’re Welcome WA Access Initiative assists Overview people with disabilities, their families and carers to Point Walter Recreation and Conference Centre is find accurate and detailed access information. This perched on the cliff escarpment in Bicton, overlooking information is necessary for people with disabilities to the Swan River. It features magnificent river and city make decisions on whether a facility meets their access views from its broad acre parkland environment. The requirements. centre is at the hub of the precinct surrounded by Point Walter has consulted with the City of Melville and the parklands and includes the Point Walter Public You’re Welcome WA in meeting aspects of disability Golf Course, Point Walter Reserve and the Swan River access and inclusion plan requirements. Some of our where there are dual use paths for walking and cycling. recreation programs can be modified to suit various The centre was first established as a migrant camp in disabilities, and we can also provide special equipment 1948, as a ‘gateway to a new life’. In 1972 it was used to ensure risks are managed and the participant enjoys by the Education Department and was home to the their time during the program. Graylands Teachers College. Information regarding access to accommodation and It was taken over by the Ministry for Youth, Sport and external facilities can be found on the ‘You’re Welcome Recreation in 1980 and run as a recreation camp. In WA website’: 1986, during a redevelopment, the remaining migrant www.accesswa.com.au/ hostel buildings were demolished. The Ministry officially re-opened the facility on 26 September 1986, Important: first hosting the members of the Costa Smerelda Yacht When booking at Point Walter, please let us know Club – the Italian syndicate that challenged for the of your inclusivity needs for both programs and America’s Cup held in Fremantle. accommodation. The facility was used to stage youth leadership courses, sport and fitness seminars, live-in educational Location conferences and other community based programs. Point Walter is located on the Swan River in Bicton, Today the facility still plays an important role in approximately 12kms south of the Perth Central improving educational and recreational outcomes for Business District and 7kms north-east of Fremantle. young people. Directions Following the refurbishment of the centre in 2005, which was funded through the DSR Capital From Stirling Hwy (coming from Fremantle) Works Program, the construction of an additional • Exit Stirling Highway at Canning Highway, turn accommodation dormitory, dining rooms, new day left and head towards Perth. area, change rooms and ablutions as well as significant upgrades to existing amenities has been provided. • Turn left at Stock Road and take Stock Road to the end. • Turn left into the centre. From Kwinana Freeway (coming from north) • Exit Kwinana Freeway at