Thank you to our incredible volunteers
Oxfam TRAILWALKER Melbourne 2009 was in incredible success thanks to the countless hours and abundant energy of over 800 volunteers. More than 1,000 shifts were filled over the course of the event weekend in March, and our participants have raved about our amazing volunteers since.
"On behalf of the team and support crew, I would like to thank all the people involved in organising the event. The volunteers were amazing. To be walking in the dead of night and have such smiley happy people directing and motivating blew me away. You guys should feel extremely proud. You all did a fantastic job". (M. Ryan)
"I am a member of team no. 157 - Out of State and I wanted to say a big thank you for another well run event. The volunteers and officials were all very supportive, and it makes the experience for the participants that much more enjoyable. Even little things like some of the volunteers giving out sweets just before some of the more difficult sections, and their kind words of encouragement, mean a lot when you are pounding out the kilometres. I have been in the Trailwalker two years now, and each time really appreciated the level of organisation, and the spirit of the event".
"On behalf of all in Team TDDK (368), THANK YOU! From the moment we arrived at Jells Park on Friday morning until our arrival at the Finish line on Saturday we continued to be both amazed and inspired by the volunteers, especially those that did the night and early morning stints. We were hurting a lot, especially during the night but the smiles that came and remained on our faces when we saw bright lights and cheering coming from the darkness was UPLIFTING. Thank you all from your encouragement, lollies but mostly for your presence".
"I would just like to thank you all for a great event – it was very well run – the volunteers did a great job – out there at 3am in the morning, just great stuff – at the check points all the girls and guys had a happy smile no matter what the time or the pressure they were under - we had a fabulous time and enjoyed the whole experience". (C. Arms)
"I just wanted to say on behalf of my team Colleen's Happy Feet 708 thanks to all involved on the day that made the event run so smoothly. This was our first time and we were blown away with how well it was all run. The volunteers were fantastic: always smiling and cheering you onto the next stage of the walk. Just to come across these people at different times really lifted my spirits especially when I was having one of those 'hitting the brick wall moments'. Well done to all of you involved".
Here are some of the roles that volunteers fill for our event each year:
Trail Marshalling
Trail marshal - Give directions and information to participants out on the trail. Encourage and cheer teams on as they pass. Work in pairs - great to do with a friend.
General roles
Leaflet dropper - Take a pre-event stroll and drop leaflets informing residents about the upcoming event to houses along sections of the trail
Green team volunteers - Use your enthusiasm and energy to educate and inform walkers/support crews about recycling at checkpoints. Contribute to making Oxfam TRAILWALKER a more environmentally sustainable event
Checkpoint crew
Certificate presenter - The person all Trailwalkers are happy to see! Hand out certificates and congratulate the participants as they cross the finish line
Checkpoint hand - Be the Jack or Jill of all trades, assisting at the checkpoints in a variety of roles as needed
Checkpoint coordination
Checkpoint coordinator - Manage checkpoint operations and staff. Must have previous experience, be assertive, well organised and manage people/tasks effectively
Assistant checkpoint coordinator - Support the checkpoint coordinator who is responsible for the overall organisation and operation of their assigned checkpoint
Checkpoint parking crew
Parking coordinator or marshal - Direct staff, support crew and spectator cars to appropriate areas at checkpoints. Great to do with a group of friends or workmates – coordinators must work well under pressure, be able to direct people, have a high level of organisation and well developed communication skills
Trail marshalling
Trail marshal - Give directions and information to participants out on the trail, encourage and cheer teams on as they pass. Work in pairs - great to do with a friend.
Trail marking/sweeping
Trail marker - Hit sections of the trail and place trail markings just before the event. Committed and fit people required! Experience with the trail is preferred.
Sweep team - Follow the last team on the trail, ensure walkers are safely clear of each section and clear the trail of all trail markings.
Medical support
Podiatrist - 100km makes for tired feet...podiatrists make for happy Trailwalkers!
Physiotherapist - Strap and soothe the weary Trailwalkers to keep them on track.
Massage therapist - Provide some much appreciated healing hands to keep the walkers on the trail.
Myotherapist - Relieve tension and muscle soreness to get walkers back in action as soon as possible.
