Oxfam Trailwalker Australiaimage description

On the day

Photo: Sarah Kate Harris/OxfamAus
Photo: Sarah Kate Harris/OxfamAus

We want all our volunteers to have a fantastic experience, so enjoy the community atmosphere, meet your fellow volunteers and have fun! Don’t forget to encourage and cheer on the participants. Your support will get them through the toughest times and they will appreciate how special you made their Oxfam Trailwalker experience.

“From being met the moment we stepped off the train, at the registration tent with whistles and clappers, at the checkpoints, the first aid tents, at creek crossings, road crossings and the finish, the volunteers were incredible. Always happy and encouraging. Whenever we came across volunteers on the trail, they made us feel like we were the first group they had seen all day. Their genuine interest in what we were going through made us feel special. And that kind of feeling in an event like this is an amazing thing to have and it kept us going that little bit further.”

Andrew Needham, Oxfam Trailwalker participant

What to bring

1. Mobile phone. Please make sure you bring a mobile phone so we can contact you in case of an emergency.

2. Wear layers. The weather can be unpredictable; play it safe and bring a raincoat, umbrella, sunhat, sunscreen, beanie etc – rail, hail or shine, the show must go on! Winter nights can get chilly, so please rug up and bring layers.

3. Volunteer confirmation pack. Your pack contains some important documents that you should print out and bring with you. Remember to print your parking pass and display it on your dashboard. Trail marshals are asked to print and bring their location map so they know where to go for their shift.

4. Personal supplies. Bring things that will make you more comfortable in your role. For example, trail marshals should bring a fold out chair, snacks, water, torch and a book for quieter periods.

Remember to turn up!

Our walkers are counting on you to guide their way in the dark, massage their aching limbs, and cheer for them as they pass the finish line.

All volunteer shifts over the weekend are essential to the overall success of the event, so the more we can mitigate the number of no-shows or cancellations, the easier it will be on the event weekend to manage any issues resulting from a cancellation. However, we do understand that things happen! So please let us know ASAP if you cannot attend your shift. The more notice you give us, the easier it will be to find someone to replace you.

If you need to cancel your shift contact Oxfam Trailwalker staff (02 8204 3924) anytime in the days leading up to the event. On the day of the event please call the Control Centre contact number on the back of your Volunteer Handbook.

Getting there

You will need to arrange your own transport to and from your shifts. Use whereis.com to map your route to your shift location. Some checkpoints are accessible by public transport, but make sure you plan this in advance. If public transport is not an option, consider car-pooling by networking at the training sessions or posting a message on our Facebook or Twitter pages.

On the job

  • When you arrive for your shift make sure you check in. If you are working at or from a checkpoint please notify the checkpoint coordinator. If your shift starts at the Control Centre let the on-duty Volunteers Coordinator know you have arrived.
  • Make sure you arrive for the shift on time. Please refer to the checkpoint location maps in the back of the Volunteer Handbook (this was included in your Volunteer Conformation Pack email) to help you find the way.
  • An ID tag will be given to you when you arrive and check in for your shift – please wear your tag, along with your volunteer vest, at all times. For each new shift, you will require a new tag.
  • If you have any problems during your shift please see your Checkpoint Coordinator or contact the Volunteers Coordinator at the Control Centre. On the day contact details are provided in your Handbook.

Eating

Please help yourself to the basic provisions at the checkpoints, these will include tea, coffee and snacks. Every volunteer will receive one meal during their shift – this will either be a breakfast, lunch or dinner.