COVID-19 Response Strategy:
The CMTO is continuing to closely monitor the situation and take advice from the Australian Government Department of Health to ensure we are responding appropriately.
All CMTO staff will be available to answer all your questions on 02 9318 9626 during normal business hours and are on call for all students and stations delivering training over the weekends.
The CMTO is committed to ensuring that your training is conducted in a safe learning environment.
We are now gradually re-establishing face-to-face delivery for identified low risk areas, implementing the health advice of the Australian Government and adjusting delivery where appropriate.
If an area or situation is deemed high risk, virtual learning (if possible) will take place until the risk is reduced.
All CMTO Pathways and Accredited courses undergo weekly risk assessment.
A CMTO Representative will be in touch with course coordinators to discuss any impacts to pre-booked courses.
For detailed information on our Policies and Procedures for training during a pandemic please review the following documents:
POLPRO 45 Epidemics and Pandemics V1.3
DOC 79 Guidelines for Safe Return to Training and Workplaces V1.6
Alternatively, please call 02 9318 9626 to get in touch with the CMTO National Training Manager or Pathways and Partnerships Manager.
COVID-19 Government Advice and Resources
- ACT - Current COVID-19 Rules and Restrictions
- NSW - Current COVID-19 Rules and Restrictions
- VIC - Current COVID-19 Rules and Restrictions
- QLD - Current COVID-19 Rules and Restrictions
- SA - Current COVID-19 Rules and Restrictions
- WA - Current COVID-19 Rules and Restrictions
- TAS- Current COVID-19 Rules and Restrictions
- NT - Current COVID-19 Rules and Restrictions
Please read on for detailed information on CMTO's COVID-19 response:
For courses resuming face to face delivery, we have established DOC 79 Guidelines for Safe Return to Training and Workplaces V1.6 for stations, students and trainers:
- The number of participants has been adjusted to adhere to physical distancing recommendations.
- Where possible class break times will be staggered.
- Practical improvements to the ventilation of the training area will be made if possible.
- In those states where mask wearing is compulsory Ensure that you are wearing a mask when in indoor areas (unless eating or drinking or you have a medical exemption).
- Masks are strongly encouraged in training settings in those states where mask wearing is not compulsory
- Trainers/students concerned about any facet of returning to face-to-face training should contact the CMTO office to discuss their options including check online training is viable.
- In those states where vaccination is compulsory, proof of vaccination or medical exemption is required.
- In those states where proof of vaccination is not compulsory, vaccination is recommended.
- Cleaning supplies have been provided to your trainer and station
- Hand soaps and sanitisers have been provided to your station
- Adequate signage on hygiene, correct handwashing technique and social distancing measures have been placed around the training area
- Your CMTO Trainer will give you a safety briefing at the start of your training session to run you through all protocols and safety measures
- All shared equipment will be disinfected between each use by participants
- CMTO Trainers will provide each student with their own pop filter
- The training area will be thoroughly cleaned prior to and after your course
- Participants are encouraged to bring their own pens, paper, food, cutlery and water bottles to reduce community transmission
Follow general guidance to help prevent the spread of coronavirus:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, before and after eating, and after going to the toilet.
- Cover your cough and sneeze, dispose of tissues, and wash your hands.
- If unwell, avoid contact with others and do not attend class
- Exercise personal responsibility for physical distancing measures (1.5 Meters)
COVID-19 Resource Hub:
Please note that the information and advice provided in the webinars were accurate at the time of broadcast, and you should cross-check advice with station management, and the health authority in your state for any changes.
This list will continue to be updated on our website and in future bulletins.
Working in stations
Online Learning
Broadcast Tech
- Everyone Remote: Technical Distancing webinar with Technorama. Broadcast March 31, 2020.
- Best methods to clean station equipment article written by Technorama. Published March 17, 2020.
Station Finance
- Funding Support & Opportunities for Community Broadcasters with the CBF, CBAAand CMTO. Broadcast on Thursday, April 24, 2020.
- Sponsorship, Fundraising & Revenue in Response to COVID-19 webinar with the Bryson Broadcasting International. Broadcast March 31, 2020.
- Station Fundraising During COVID-19 Your Questions Answered webinar with Dunham + Company. Broadcast April 9, 2020.
Content
- Creating Content Remotely webinar with the CMTO, SYN Media & the NEMBC. Broadcast March 26, 2020.
- Creating Content Remotley 8 part video series. Published May 7th 2020.
- A Quick Guide to Recording your Show at Home article written by the CMTO. Published March 19, 2020.
- COVID-19 CSAs to play on your station from the CRN.
- COVID-19 Broadcast Materials: 33 Creative has prepared a range of key message scripts, social media tiles, audio grabs from Minister Wyatt and leading health professionals, short videos and messages in some languages
Station Governance and Management
- Volunteering and COVID-19: Planning your response webinar with Volunteering Australia and the CBAA. Broadcast March 24, 2020.
- Governance- COVID-19 Impact on Boards & Directors webinar with Our Community, CMTO and CBAA. Broadcast on April 16, 2020.
- Studio Hygiene and Cleaning Policy Template from CBAA.
- Epidemic/Pandemic Policy Template from Our Community.
- Getting Your Workplace Ready advice from the World Health Organisation. Published on March 3, 2020.
- COVID-19 Business Health Check webinar series : This series includes expert advice from Darren Godwell (i2iglobal), Glen Brennan (KPMG) and Anthony Bevan (Grant Thornton Australia) relevant to Boards, Managers and Finance Officers.
Online Training
- Helpful Tips for Delivering Training Online article written by CMTO. Published April 9, 2020.
Community Radio COVID-19 Response Facebook Group
If you are on Facebook and are wanting to be part of a real-time conversation on how COVID-19 is impacting stations and sector organisations, make sure you are a member of the COVID-19 Response Facebook Group.
CBF #yourstationyourvoice Campaign
To further support our sector connect with and learn from each other the CBF are running the Your Station Your Voice Campaign. This is a video campaign, that is asking community media outlets and sector organisations around Australia to share their stories, experiences and tips for staying on-air and safe during COVID-19.
You can check out the wonderful video responses here.
Sector Bulletins and Communication Channels
Additional sources of important and regular information are available from the various sector bulletins. Are you signed up to the following?
- CMTO Bulletin
- CBAA eNews
- CBF Broadcast
- NEMBC News
- FNMA Newsletter,
- Please contact FNMAif you are a First Nation’s broadcaster and have particular concerns on 08 8952 6465
- CMAA Newsletter
- Technorama Newsletter
- Community Radio Tech Q&A Facebook group
More information:
- For the latest advice, information and resources, go to https://www.health.gov.au/
- Call the National Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080. It operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you require translating or interpreting services, call 131 450.
- The phone number of your state or territory public health agency is available at health.gov.au/state-territory-contacts