At GNW, there is bushland, grass fields and creeks. What follows is a quick overview of creepy creatures and things you may encounter, how to avoid them, and what to do if you come across any.
Mosquitoes
Are one of the most annoying pests on site, and you are likely to encounter them at GNW. Mosquito-borne diseases are increasingly problematic and the best way to prevent getting bitten. Wearing insect repellent is advisable. If you are bitten, treat with antiseptic and do not scratch. If the site does get infected, please seek first aid.
Ticks
Scrub ticks are very common at GNW, so wear insect repellant, avoid cutting through bush/scrub, follow paths, check yourself regularly, and if you do find one please see the chirurgeon tent by the list field.
Check your children please – for example, under the neck, behind the ears and in the hair.
Bees
Are not as common around the site, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be any. If bitten, remove stinger (taking care not to squeeze the sack of venom on the end) and ice if needed. If you have an allergy to bee stings, please make your way to the chirurgeon tent by the list field for assistance if stung.
Redback Spiders
Redback spiders are one of the most dangerous you may encounter on site. They tend to hide in dark places – for example, inside boots, wood piles, in sheds and storage places. The females are easily identifiable by their large, black, bulbous bodies with a distinctive red mark on the back.
Should you be bitten by a spider you can identify as a redback, stay calm, avoid moving around and send someone to fetch a chirurgeon immediately. Apply iced water if you have any nearby, and do not use pressure bandages.
Other Spiders
If you think you may have been bitten by a spider, calmly but immediately take yourself to the nearest chirurgeon. If possible, take a description of, or jar containing, the spider to assist in identification and treatment.
Snakes
In this area, there are many different snakes – both dangerous and harmless. Do not attempt to kill, touch or try to capture any snake you see. Snakes are protected by law, and it is a criminal offence to harm one. The penalty for harming a snake includes a substantial fine and jail sentence. There are no exceptions to this rule. It is also against the law for unlicensed persons to attempt to trap or catch snakes.
All snakes prefer areas that are not routinely stomped over by people, cars and bikes. Nonetheless to say that there is a chance of a snake in the area.
Should you see a snake, continue to observe it to make sure that it moves away from the camping areas. You can make sturdy stomping a little distance away will dissuade most snakes from coming closer, do not do this if the snake is beside you – the snake may attack. Please report any snake sightings to the Constable at the Officers Tent by the List Field.
Make sure you wear suitable footwear (e.g. sturdy footwear as opposed to thongs or sandals). Use common sense around the site and, by doing so, the risk of snake bite can be almost entirely negated.
If you suspect a snake bite has occurred, please treat seriously and sit the person down quietly in a safe place. The Chirurgeon needs to be notified immediately. If possible, take note of the details of the snake to help with identifying the snake – do not try to catch it and do not wash the bite site. Doctors do not need to identify the snake to administer modern antivenin, however if there is need to they are able to identify the snake by the venom around the site. Do not give the person any food or caffeine or alcohol. Keep the victim calm and reassure them until medical attention arrives.
If you are bitten and you are alone, apply firm pressure on the wound and the area above the site. Move slowly and calmly to the nearest person who can assist you.