Oceania (Australia and Pacific) Projects

International Volunteers for Peace organises projects (workcamps) in two countries: Australia and Vanuatu.

Camp Breakaway (NSW Central Coast, Australia)

6-15 September 2012
No of volunteers: 10

Description: The project runs for Breakaway runs for 10 days and includes a 7-day camp for people with disabilities, providing respite for them and their families/carers. The camp has many activities and is fun and socially engaging. Volunteers need to be patient, have good listening skills and be empathetic to the needs of the campers.

Type of Work: Volunteers will assist by taking a role as carer/companion for an adult with a disability and join in the activities. Campers have a range of disabilities requiring varying levels of care. Training will be given. Volunteers will assist with general tasks before and after the campers arrive/leave.

Accommodation: Either in 6-person cabin or in full-disabled access cabins with your camper.

Language: Good English required.

Qualifications: There will be 3 training modules and a briefing. A good understanding of written English is needed. Learning will be ongoing with mentoring from experienced volunteers and nurses.

Location: San Remo, Central Coast NSW. Terminal: Sydney airport. Then train to Wyong Station.

Cultural note: San Remo is on the Central Coast of NSW close to coastal beaches and National Parks. A sight-seeing trip will be organised.

Extra: One page motivation is required. Given the needs of the campers, there will be some additional questions for those interested in joining this project. It will also be necessary to provide a police check or ‘work with children' declaration, whichever is relevant in your country.

Vanuatu

We have been sending volunteers to different locations in Vanuatu since 2006. Project details for 2012 are still being developed, so for the moment here is some information about recent past activities. 
Want to see what IVP/SCI volunteers have done in Vanuatu in the past?
For a report of the 2008 Vanuatu workcamp, click here. For photos from the 2008 Vanuatu workcamp and others, see the gallery page.

Australians must be a member of IVP to apply for a workcamp or medium-term volunteering position - see membership for more info.