Club Rules & Info

Adult members: Aged 18 years and over. Full voting rights at the AGM.

Youth members: Aged 10 to 17 years. Reduced membership fee. Must be accompanied by an adult member when staying at the lodge.

Child members: Under 10 years. Included as part of a family membership at no additional cost. Must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Family membership: A family concession is granted to a family group living at the same address which consists of one or two adult members plus any nominated dependent children under the age of 10. Dependent children enjoy the same privileges as members and can transfer to youth membership upon reaching the age of 10. Cheaper than equivalent individual memberships and is the recommended option for families.

Note: "Reserved Membership" was discontinued in May 2000.

The following rules apply to organised club tramping trips:

1. The Party Leader is responsible for the trip. Your co-operation, good temper, and good manners are essential.
2. For the safety of all members, keep together at all times.
3. The Party Leader shall decide if trampers are adequately equipped for the trip and may refuse to take people who are not. If in doubt, ask.
4. Trip leaders will obtain permission, in advance, for access to properties both private and state.
5. No dogs or firearms can be taken on trips unless prior permission is given.
6. All members must notify the Party Leader in advance if intending to go on their trip. The leader organises the transport and will notify you of any variations from the advertised trips or times. Travelling expenses are to be shared with the driver.

The club is not responsible for accidents, however caused, although all due care and attention will be taken.

The lodge accommodates up to 29 guests per night. All guests must have a formal confirmed paid booking. The only exception is a work party, where the work party leader will make a group booking with the Booking Officer.

Non-Member Guests

• Non-members may only stay at the lodge as the guest of a current member. The member must accompany their guest for the duration of the stay.
• The booking member is responsible for their non-member guests and must ensure they follow all lodge rules and procedures.
• Non-member guests pay the non-member lodge rate.

Bookings

• All bookings must be made via the website and paid for as soon as they are confirmed.
• Member bookings with all-member guests are confirmed immediately upon payment.
• Bookings with non-member guests can only be confirmed 14 days before the start date of the booking. Card details are collected but not charged until 14 days before arrival. Different thresholds may apply for certain date ranges — see below.
• Member priority: If the lodge fills up, pending non-member bookings may be bumped to make room for member bookings. Bumped bookings are not charged.
• It is recommended that you book early, especially for school holidays, to avoid disappointment.
• The Booking Officer's decision on bookings is final. Any complaints about bookings are to be made in writing to the committee.

At the Lodge

• The Booking Officer shall appoint a senior member as the Hut Leader for busy weekends. The Hut Leader is responsible for opening and closing the lodge and overseeing start-up and shut-down procedures.
• Members must assist the Hut Leader by carrying out tasks which may be assigned to them for the safety and good order of the lodge.
• Members should familiarise themselves with the emergency evacuation procedures as noted on the notice board at the lodge. No member shall be allowed to stay on their own until competent in these procedures.
• All members need to familiarise themselves with the lodge start-up and shut-down procedures and learn how to check the water tank levels and transfer the water pump to another tank if needed.
• As the lodge is totally dependent on rainwater for its water supply, please conserve water at all times. Shower times should be minimised and do not shower at the end of the day when vacating the lodge.
• Members must be prepared to collect any food or provisions that the Booking Officer or Hut Leader may request them to collect.
• Any keys provided shall be returned to the Booking Officer promptly.

General Conduct

• Members under 18 are not permitted to stay at the lodge unless accompanied by an adult member who accepts responsibility for them.
• All members must leave the lodge in a clean and tidy condition.
• Report any damage to the committee.
• Failure to obey the club rules may result in the committee taking disciplinary action against the member concerned. Serious offences will result in termination of membership.

New Members

• New members must be nominated by two existing club members.
• The sponsoring members must accompany the new member on their first stay and ensure they are inducted and signed off on all lodge procedures.
• New members are expected to attend at least two working bees during their first three years of membership.
• An entrance fee and first year's subscription are payable upon acceptance.

Working Bees

• Members are expected to take part in at least one official working bee per year to assist with the maintenance of the lodge.
• New members are expected to attend at least two working bees during their first three years of membership.
• Members are credited with one night's free accommodation for each weekend working bee that they attend.
• Those members who are unable to attend an annual working bee are expected to make a financial donation to the club's funds.

Hut Leaders are appointed by the Booking Officer and committee to look after the lodge. All club members and visitors to the lodge are expected to co-operate with the Hut Leader in carrying out their duties.

General Responsibilities

• Checking that those staying at the lodge are on the list provided by the Booking Officer.
• Supervising the use of the club's supplies of food to avoid waste.
• Supervising the use of firewood, power, and water to avoid waste.
• Supervising the careful use of the building and club's equipment.
• Reporting damage and wants of repair to the committee.
• Allocating bunks if necessary.
• Maintaining harmony amongst people staying at the lodge.

Specific Duties

1. Check incoming people with the Booking Officer's list.
2. Allocate lodge duties daily.
3. Organise the collection of any food orders from the RAL store at the Top of the Bruce.
4. Bring out food required and keep the storeroom locked.
5. Take stock of food and notify the Catering Officer before handing over to the next Leader.
6. Check that the fire alarm is working.
7. Stress fire danger and remind members to use the drying room and not bedroom heaters for drying clothes.
8. Switch off bedroom heaters at the main each morning, and on again each evening.
9. Ensure that the last person to bed checks that the building is secure and electrical appliances are off.
10. Ensure the outside door of the ski room is locked at all times.
11. Ensure the water system is operative and check that water tanks are full. If you are required to change tanks: remove the power plug from the pump, unscrew the hose coupling, then lift out the submersible pump. Take the pump to a full tank, hook up the pump and connect the water hose and power. Make sure the directional valve is open and the other two valves are closed.
12. If no members are staying on, ensure the water system is emptied, doors and windows are locked, power is off, food and rubbish is removed, and keys are returned to the Booking Officer.

Any member can expect to be asked to take on the duties of Hut Leader. Make yourself familiar with these duties so that you can take over when requested.

A few practical reminders to help keep the lodge running smoothly for everyone:

• If you see the entrance door open, close it.
• If you use the drying room, leave the dehumidifier in the open and close the door.
• If you are vacating your bunkroom, turn off the heater, close the window, and turn off the light.
• If you are given a duty, please ensure it is carried out.
• If you are leaving the lodge, consider whether you need to shower — conserve water where possible.
• If water is in short supply, conserve wisely.
• If you do not intend to use food leftovers, please dispose of them.
• If you are vacating the lodge, please ensure you have all your belongings.
• Do not store equipment in the battery room — it will be removed.
• If you find a defect that you cannot easily repair, advise the committee. If you have a suggestion to improve lodge life, notify the committee.

Refunds for confirmed bookings are based on notice given:

Cancellation policy is configured by the committee and may change. The policy at the time of booking applies.

The following date ranges have specific cancellation policies and non-member booking thresholds that differ from the standard policy above.

The club's financial year runs from April to March. Subscriptions are due at the start of each season and are managed through Xero invoicing.

Members must have a current subscription to book at member rates. Unpaid members may still book as non-member guests at the standard rate.

For questions about your membership or subscription status, contact the club.