Club Policies

Walk Safe

The Darwin Bushwalking Club promotes safe walking to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all members. DBC organises many multi-day walks in remote areas, often where there is no access to phones or assistance. Walkers need to be well prepared before starting a walk (right level of fitness, appropriate equipment, etc) so that problems can be avoided. In the event of an incident, they must be prepared to effectively support the leader or group in dealing with a situation.

Download the full policy here

Transport Cost Sharing

Darwin Bushwalking Club supports vehicle pooling to reduce environmental impact and costs, when appropriate. Cost sharing is designed to reimburse drivers for fuel expenses, with a contribution to other vehicle running expenses.

ii. Participant costs are determined using the club reimbursement rates per vehicle, currently 40c/km for 2WD vehicles and 50c/km for 4WD vehicles.

iii. When car pooling, generally the leader will calculate the reimbursement for the trip using the total kilometres travelled, multiplied by the km rate, multiplied by the number of vehicles. This is then divided by the total number of participants (including drivers).

iv. There may be trips where the leader determines an alternative cost sharing arrangement is applicable. If a higher rate is to be applied, they will discuss and advise participants in the planning stages.

v. There are a wide variety of conditions, distances and costs involved in transport to and from DBC walks. It could be 10kms around Darwin, or 1600km to Keep River return. Fuel costs change and can be higher in remote locations. An electric vehicle might be used.

The club vehicle reimbursement rates provide guidance for most situations.

Use fo Emergency Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) and Emergency Evacuation

The Club encourages walkers in remote areas to carry one of the Club’s PLBs for emergency use (and a copy of these guidelines).

Download the full guidelines here

Social Media

“Social media” in this policy refers to a variety of online communities like blogs, social networks, chat rooms and forums. This policy covers usage of those communities by persons representing the Darwin Bushwalking Club (DBC).