Volu teers Handbookn

Ko oda Challenk geE DURANC OURA E SACRI ICE ATES I

NE C G F M H P

E DURANC OURA E SACRI ICE ATES I

NE C G F M H P

Kokoda Challenge AssociationPO Box 481, Southport BC Q 4215

PH: (07) 5539 4141 FX: (07) 5597 4373

Email: info@kokodachallenge.com

�Volunteers are an integral part of the Kokoda

Challenge - without volunteers it would not exist�

Live the kokoda spirit

Our Committe & Key Contact Page 3

About Us Page 4

Our Vision Page 5

Why Volunteer Page 6

Volunteer Rights and Responsibilities Page 7

Organisation Rights & Responsibilities Page 8

Volunteer Training Page 9

Other Important Information Page 10

Anzac at our doorstep Page 11

CONTENTS

Executive CommitteeChairman - Mr Doug HendersonVice Chairman - Mr Geoff HamiltonTreasurer - Mr Gary ScottSecretary - Mrs Kim North

Kokoda Challenge Youth Program (KCYP) CoordinatorDan Crowell

Volunteer Co-ordinator James Mooreland

Office Tel: 07 5539 4141Email: info@kokodachallenge.com

Our Committee

Key Contact

“An amazing journey and one of the most inspiring events one could ever complete. I sobbed at the end

when presented with my dog tags, as I now had a small insight into the spirit that our brilliant men

endured on the real Kokoda track.”

L. MORRISON, 2008 Kokoca Challenge

“An amazing journey and one of the most inspiring events one could ever complete. I sobbed at the end

when presented with my dog tags, as I now had a small insight into the spirit that our brilliant men

endured on the real Kokoda track.”

The Kokoda Challenge Association(KCA) is a not for profit organisation helping young Australians to realise their full potential through the spirit of Kokoda.

The KCA is a not for profit organisation that was formed by founder and chairman, Doug Henderson in January 2005 with two main aims:

The KCYP requires participants selected to undertake a 12 month commitment to a community program, designed and supported by the KCA, which engages participants to develop self-awareness within the wider community whilst learning the values of endurance, courage, mateship and sacrifice which prepares them for the challenges of life.

To enable the KCA to achieve these main aims funds are raised by holding the yearly Kokoda Challenge Event in the Gold Coast Hinterland.

What is the Kokoda Challenge?What is the Kokoda Challenge?

What is the Kokoda Challenge Association (KCA)?What is the Kokoda Challenge Association (KCA)?

The Kokoda Challenge event is a gruelling cross country four-person team event held over 96 km, with a time limit for completion of 39 hours.

Funds raised from this event finances the cost of the KCYP which includes training, bush camps for the wider community and the associated costs for the KCYP to walk the Kokoda Track in Papua New Ginuea.

* to educate youth and raise general public awareness of the gallant victory by Australian soldiers in 1942 on the Kokoda Track and the Pacific campaigns, a victory which arguably saved Australia from Japanese occupation.

* to identify young Australians who are at a crossroad and support them through a 12 month community counsel - The Kokoda Challenge Youth

About Us

Camp Kokoda would have the means to assist hundreds of young Australians and their families providing a very

positive impact in our local communities.

Camp Kokoda would have the means to assist hundreds of young Australians and their families providing a very

positive impact in our local communities.

Spirit of KokodaSpirit of Kokoda

Camp KokodaCamp Kokoda

The event was designed to reflect the key elements of the Spirit of Kokoda - with 96km representing the actual distance of the Kokoda Track and the 39 hours symbolizing the 39th Militia who were the first of our Australian troops to arrive at Kokoda on 15th July 1942.

Our Vision

I have learnt many life skills as well as the value of hard work and determination - the world is at my feet and it is all thanks to the Kokoda Challenge Youth Program.

JAMES MORELAND, 2006 Kokoda Kid

I have learnt many life skills as well as the value of hard work and determination - the world is at my feet and it is all thanks to the Kokoda Challenge Youth Program.

Due to the significant miliatary history the Kokoda Challenge is modelled on, and the charitable nature of the fundraising proceeds, the Kokoda Challenge Association (KCA) carries a high-level of credibility. Add to this the self-sustainable nature of its operations and the possibilities are endless.

The KCA envisages that the proceeds of the Kokoda Challenge will be able to fund a permanent ‘Camp Kokoda’.

A full-time bush facility operated by a Director and several Youth Councillors which caters for the early intervention of youths at risk by providing an accommodation and training venue for young people to learnLife skills through outdoor education.

Why Volunteer?Why Not!

Why Volunteer?* Be a part of a fun and challenging community event* It’s a chance to meet new people and form friendships* Give back to the community with skills, talents and experiences* Receive 100% appreciation from staff, competitors and the Kokoda Kids* Broaden your personal and life experiences * Opportunity to express opinions and influence decision in the wider community* Extend and/or maintain skills, either for personal fulfilment, or with future paid employment in mind* To belong, feel competent and to contribute to yester year and today* Increasing public awareness of Australian history* For fun!

Australia has a strong tradition of ‘mateship’ and in community support and volunteering. Becoming one of the Kokoda

Challenge’s valued volunteers you join us in supporting the Australian soldiers of yester year who fought for our country and for

the youth of today who will build the Australia of tomorrow.

What we provide you with* A variety of interesting people to work with* Enjoyable working environment in the stunning Gold Coast Hinterland* Opportunity to be part of a unique community event* Free Event t-shirt and cap* Insurance for the event* Hours to suit from min 4 hours upto the entire event, if you wish!* Variety of roles and locations from bush to buildings* Pre-event briefing and training if and as required* Dedicated volunteer co-ordinator* Free BBQ at the finish of the event

The Volunteer agrees to perform a specific job with certain responsibilities and in return is entitled to certain rights.

Both the volunteer and the organisation have obligations to each other.

The Volunteer has the right to:A job description clearly stating the aim of the job and tasks to beundertaken by the volunteer.A volunteer assignment with consideration for personal preference,temperament, abilities, education and employment background.To know as much about the organisation as possible, its policies, it’speople and its program.To training for the job, thoughtfully planned and effectively presented.To information about new developments.To sound guidance and direction by someone who is experienced andwell informed and who has the time to invest in giving support and supervision.To promotion and variety of experience through advancement to greatresponsibility or by transfer from one activity to another.To be heard, to feel free to make suggestions, to be shown respect for anHonest opinions.

The Volunteer has the responsibility to:Examine motives and be sure that they match the volunteer jobUnderstand the purpose and philosophy of the organisation before

committing to itUnderstand the rules and guidelines of the organisation includingWorkplace health and safetyWork as a team member.Be willing to train for the job and take part in ongoing training when offeredAccept support and supervisionBe reliableBe loyal to the organisationKeep confidential information of a sensitive nature confidential.

Volunteer Rights and Responsibilities

Organisation Rights

and ResponsibilitiesThe Organisation agrees to provide the volunteer with certain

responsibilities and in return is entitled to certain rights.

Both the organisation and the volunteer have obligations to each other.

* Expect conscientous acceptance of responsibilities as to promptness, reliability and good performance.

* Expect enthusiasm and belief in the work the organisation is doing* Express opinions about poor volunteer effort in a diplomatic way and suggest a change to another role* Release an undesirable volunteer* Expect from the volunteer clear and open communication at all times* Receive as much effort and service from an unpaid worker as a paid one, even on a short-term basis.* Expect from volunteers given leadership responsibilities, effective work Productivity* Expect loyalty to the organisation and only constructive criticism* Make a decision as to where the volunteer would best fit

The organisation has the right to:

The organisation has the responsibility to:* Plan the volunteer program before recruiting volunteers* Recruit, interview and select the right volunteer for the right job* Orientate volunteers by providing information about the organisations purpose, structure, programs, policies and procedures* Providing initial training and ongoing training and feedback sessions* Include volunteers in decision-making where decisions affect the volunteers work* Keep records of volunteers goals, training and feed back sessions* Communicate clear expectations and provide the appropriate support and supervision for volunteers* Formally and informally recognise volunteers effort in the organisation* Continually evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of volunteers in the organisation* Provide written job descriptions and

procedures for volunteer jobs

Live the kokoda spirit

Volunteer TrainingAppropriate training will be given for all volunteers where

Training is required.

Additional training courses may be offered, as required, or as a

general way of enhancing the skills of volunteers, such as fundraising,

project management and basic first aid.

Orientation for volunteers provides a general picture of the

organisation, staff, the program, the role, channels of

communication, work space, eqiupment and much more.

Key objectives for training of volunteers* Inform of rights and responsibilities* Ensure skills match the needs of the organisation* Alleviate fears or feelings of inadequacy when dealing with difficult situations* Share experiences and/or skills* To become familiar with the philosophy/policy of the organisation* For fun!.

Orientation aims to achieve:* Sense of belonging* Starting point for future training* Positive impressions* Organisational culture* Facilitate recruitment* Create a high level of comfort* Ensure familiarity with organisation* Encourages teamwork* Develops working relations* Defines volunteers roles* Provides information on support* Understanding policies, procedures, rights & responsibilities

�Volunteers are priceless, they walk into our lives for

short periods of time and leave a lasting impression.�

Who? What?

Where?When?

How?

Other infomationExpenses PolicyNo volunteers should be out of pocket as a result of their volunteering.In most cases, expenses will be covered by the external organisation and details of arrangements for reimbursement will be discussed at the initial meeting.All other expenses not detailed should be agreed in advance, where possible, and will be reimbursed upon the production of receipts.

ConfidentialityConfidentail information (personal details, information about volunteers or clients) should not be given out without the prior consent of the person or people concerned.In exceptional circumstances (in cases where inaction might place the volunteer or another project user in a life threatening or harmful situation) it may not be possible to maintain confidentiality.Contact the Volunteer Coordinator or Secretary if you have any concerns or feel unable to handle any given situation on your own.

Complaints ProcedureIf you have a problem or complaint about any aspect of your volunteering, contact the Volunteer Coordinator as soon as possible to try to sort the matter out informally.If matters need to be taken further we will follow the processes set out in our Complaints Procedure (copies available on request).

Health and SafetyThe KCA provides appropriate health and safety (H&S) procedures and all volunteers will be covered under their Insurance policies.

ENDURANCE

COURAGE

MATESHIP

SACRIFICE

For 21 days these young warriors held fast against a 9000 strong Japanese force of highly trained and fanatical troops, until they are joined at Isurava with the 2/14th Battalion of the AIF.

Over the next 5 months Australian and Papuan forces fought together in oppressing conditions and conquer an enemy with far superior resources and manpower.

More than 600 Australians were killed and some 1680 wounded during what is now recognised as the most significant battle fought by Australians in World War II.

More than 600 Australians were killed and some 1680 wounded during what is now recognised as the most significant battle fought by Australians in World War II.

Anzac at our doorstepJuly 1942 - The American, Chinese, Dutch and British forces have been defeated throughout Asia and the Pacific by the invincible might of the Japanese Army.

Australia stands alone with imminent invasion on our doorstep.

400 young Australia troops from the 39th Militia are dispatched to New Guinea and make their way over the Owen Stanley Ranges to a little known place called Kokoda.

The legend of ANZAC that was born at Gallipoli, was held fast at Kokoda -

COURAGE, SACRIFICE, ENDURANCE and MATESHIP.

At Gallipoli we fought for Britain and lost –

at Kokoda we fought for Australia and won.

At Gallipoli we fought for Britain and lost –

at Kokoda we fought for Australia and won.

Gallipoli created a nation but Kokoda saved a nation.

Gallipoli created a nation but Kokoda saved a nation.