Coronavirus Update: Shoalhaven closes ocean pools, national park closures, Star lays off 8,000 staff - 25th March

The City of Gold Coast has advised that its 600 playgrounds, 389 barbecues and 347 pieces of gym equipment are now closed until further notice. With staff to erect signage at facilities over the next five days.

To restrict the spread of COVID-19, the Northern Territory Parks and Wildlife Commission has today confirmed that all of its campgrounds, multi-day walks and high-use day areas that encourage groups to gather, will be closed from 5pm on Thursday 26th March 2020. 

The City of Cambridge's Bold Park Aquatic is now closed until further notice.

The Star Entertainment Group has stood down more than 8,000 of its workers following the closure of its food, beverage, conferencing and gambling facilities in Sydney, the Gold Coast and Brisbane.

New Zealand training agency Skills Active is now conducting its operations remotely, with its team members now working from home. They advise "as a cloud-based business, we have been able to switch to full-time remote work for our entire staff."

After postponing Evolve 2020, Meetings and Events Australia has cut two of its core staff as the organisation deals with the fallout from the Coronavirus pandemic.

The roles of National Events Manager, which was held by Fran Barlow, and Partnerships Manager, held by Christopher Lazzari, have both been discontinued following an announcement that both Evolve 2020 and the state and national awards have been postponed.

As it closes its aquatic, fitness, recreation and sport facilities, Shoalhaven City Council has advised that this will include is ocean pools

The Queensland Government has announced the closure of all campgrounds in national parks, state forests and state managed recreation and protected areas.

Images: Alice Springs Desert Park (top) and Fran Barlow (below).