Oxfam Trailwalker Australia

VOLUNTEER

Photo: Bronson Chan / OxfamAUS

Oxfam Trailwalker is a huge logistical exercise, and we couldn’t do it without the support our wonderful volunteers. Oxfam Trailwalker is also a community event, bringing together people from all walks of life.

Volunteering is a fantastic way to meet people, bond with colleagues and friends, share in the excitement of Oxfam’s biggest fundraising event and, most importantly, make a difference.

Registrations for volunteering with Oxfam Trailwalker Brisbane 2012 will open in early March 2012.

Volunteering with Oxfam Trailwalker Brisbane

During the event volunteers will work in more than 40 different roles. Check out the fantastic range of Oxfam Trailwalker volunteer opportunities below.

Please note: you may be requested to rotate roles at your designated checkpoint. Rotating provides some variety during your shift and keeps the enthusiasm pumping! Your Checkpoint Coordinator and Assistant Checkpoint Coordinator will work with you to facilitate rotations during your shift.

Work at a checkpoint

Checkpoints are a hub of activity, a haven of food and nutrition, and a place for weary Trailwalkers to rest. With so much going on at each checkpoint, there are literally hundreds of exciting positions to fill.

Roles available:

Checkpoint Coordinator: You are chief of the checkpoint, in charge of operations and staff. You’ll ensure the checkpoint runs safely and efficiently.
Assistant Checkpoint Coordinator: You’ll support the Checkpoint Coordinator in running a smooth checkpoint and keeping everyone happy.
Checkpoint Support: A jack of all trades, assisting at the checkpoint in a variety of roles.
Check In/Out Operator: The happy face that all participants see when entering and exiting a checkpoint. You’ll help us ensure that everyone is safe and accounted for.
Food and Beverage Coordinator: You’ll help fill the hungry bellies of walkers and volunteers by coordinating food and beverages at checkpoints.
Information Officer: Help supporters and teams keep track of one another along the trail – you’ll be the information outpost for everyone along the way.
Communications Officer: You’ll ensure effective communication between the control centre and the checkpoints.
Parking Team: The Parking Coordinator and Marshals will work together to manage the perfect car park.
Green Team: Help us make Oxfam Trailwalker as ‘green’ as our logo.

Work on the trail

Keen to hit the trail, but not up for the full 100km? There are plenty of great roles for volunteers that will get you out on the trail – without the blisters!

Roles available:

Trail Marker: With your fantastic navigational skills, you’ll walk the trail before everyone else and place trail markings according to the maps. Your help will ensure that the walkers know where they’re going.
Trail Marshal: The motivators! Not only will you help the participants pass safely along the trail, but you’ll also be their motivation and support when they really need it.
Sweep Team: The all-important back-up crew –  you’ll follow the last team on the trail and ensure they safely reach the next checkpoint. You’ll also clear the trail of all trail markings and debris as you go.
Photographer: You’ll be capturing the moments as they happen; taking photos of participants, support crews, volunteers, the checkpoints and the trail.

Work at the finish line

It’s a long, hard road to the end of Trailwalker – help us show participants how much their efforts are appreciated!

Roles available:

MC and MC Assistant: Do you enjoy working a crowd? Create a fun and exciting atmosphere as you welcome teams across the finish line and provide information to supporters.
Certificate Presenter: The person all Trailwalkers are happy to see! Hand out certificates and congratulate the participants as they cross the finish line.
Finish Photographer: Set up in our special photo booth, you’ll snap elated Trailwalker teams in their moment of glory.

Medical support

Tight hammies, sore backs, blisters and swollen ankles await the medical support volunteers. These hugely rewarding roles provide an essential service for the wellbeing of our hardworking walkers, and they’re also a fantastic practical experience for  physio, podiatry and massage students.

Roles available:

Massage Therapist: Provide some much appreciated healing hands to keep the walkers on the trail. (You’ll also be responsible for coordinating and supervising massage students.)
Massage Student: Relieve tension and muscle soreness while gaining some great practical experience.
Physiotherapist: Strap and soothe the weary Trailwalkers to keep them on track. (You’ll also be responsible for coordinating and supervising physiotherapy students.)
Physiotherapy Student: Enjoy the hands-on experience as you strap and look after participants.
Podiatrist: 100km makes for tired feet…podiatrists make for happy Trailwalkers! (You’ll also be responsible for coordinating and supervising podiatry students.)
Podiatry Student: You’ll assist with treatments to aching feet. Are you ready to see a lot of blisters?

Transport & Logistics

If you prefer to be on the move, behind the scenes or at the wheel, then working on our transport and logistics team is the thing for you!

Roles available:

Catering Crew: You’ll be popular with the volunteers as you deliver meals to the checkpoints and marshals along the trail.
Event Courier: You’ll be the official Trailwalker courier, running between checkpoints and delivering or picking up gear and supplies.
Leaflet Dropper: You’ll be dropping leaflets in the weeks prior to the event to get the word out to residents along sections of the trail.
IT Support: Use your know-how to keep the event connected and help out with any IT-related jobs.
Truck Driver and Assistant: Get behind the wheel of a 3-tonne truck to deliver equipment to and from the checkpoints.

(Please note: All drivers must be over 25 years and hold a full licence)