Welcome to the Cardiac Challenge Volunteers page! Here, you’ll find everything you need to get started and stay informed. Whether you’re joining us for the first time or you’re a seasoned volunteer, this page is your go-to resource for the event. Sign up, explore, and get ready to support this amazing cause! 

Volunteer roles

New Participant Liaison and On-ride Guru

*This role will be suited to a person who has previously gone on the ride and understands the logistics of the event.

Shift Dates: Ongoing until September 17

Positions Available: 2

Description:

Phone participants to welcome them to the ride, thank them for registering, discuss fundraising and answer any queries, particularly for first time participants.

Duties & Responsibilities:
•    Understand volunteering roles and be able to interview
•    Be the point of contact with participants and volunteers after registration/expression of interest is lodged
•    Encourage participants to fundraise
•    Enthuse participants over the phone about the ride and the cause
•    Be a point of contact on the ride after familiarising yourself with camp facilities

Skills & Qualifications:
•    Ability to show initiative
•    Ability to talk through volunteering roles to determine ‘best fit’ scenarios
•    Follow directions from FNQHF staff and Event Coordinator
•    Exceptional phone and communication skills
•    Experience in call centre or sales is desirable but not essential

Vehicle Collection, Distribution & Packing

A variety of vehicles are used for the event, some of which will need to be collected prior to the event for packing of event equipment.

It is understood that some event vehicle drivers may not be able to help until the actual event so we need others to do the ground work to ensure the vehicle is ready for handover.

Shift Dates: September 14-17

Positions Available: 5

Description:

The event uses two buses (25 & 12 seaters), three x 4 tonne Pantec trucks (luggage, food dry goods, water and other general transport), a Coolroom truck and 5-6 Cairns Regional Council utilities (minimum two as Drink Stop vehicles).

Depending on who will be the allocated driver during the event, some of these vehicles may need to be collected pre-ride, packed and delivered to the driver the day before the event commencement.  

Duties & Responsibilities:

•    Collect and distribute vehicles as required
•    Assist with any loading of any equipment/goods/luggage etc if necessary
•    Need to be available in Cairns on return to unpack, clean and put away

Skills & Qualifications:

•    Energetic with a “roll up your sleeves” attitude
•    Follow directions well
•    Able to stand and work for periods of time
•    Some lifting duties (up to 20kgs) will be required

Escort Vehicle Drivers

This is a very important role and the time will go very quickly as you will be busy “protecting your brood”. It is also very gratifying through interaction with the riders and drink stop crew on the road.

Riders travel in Packs of up to, but no more than, 30 cyclists who are allocated to the Pack according to their nominated average ride capabilities.

The event travels on public roads so obeying the road rules and safety are paramount during the ride.

Each Pack is led and followed by vehicles that need to be able to get off the road at Drink Stops and they will need the capacity to pick up cyclists and bikes in case of mechanical breakdown or rider injury. We have some loan vehicles available, and others are supplied by riders, but if your vehicle is suitable you can use it instead. 

An amber flashing light and UHF radio will be supplied if necessary. The UHF radio is used to communicate with other vehicles and pack leaders about road conditions or traffic issues. 

Additional information will be provided closer to the event commencement.

*All escort drivers using their own vehicle will be eligible for a fuel voucher in Cooktown.

Shift Dates: September 14-16

Positions Available: 22

Duties & Responsibilities:

 •    Ensure the safety of the riders and yourself
 •    Work as a team with the Pack Leaders and Pack Riders
 •    Communicate any road or traffic issues with the Pack Leaders
 •    Abide by all Queensland Road Rules
 •    Attend nightly debrief meetings
 •    Assist riders load bikes should pick up be required, however riders are ultimately responsible for securing their bike
 •    Mingle with riders at drink stops

Skills & Qualifications:

 •    Confident, mature, safe drivers with a calm outlook and awareness of road issues that may affect cyclists
 •    Friendly enthusiastic attitude
 •    Preferably own vehicle, if suitable – we recommend a vehicle with good clearance (similar to a twin cab utility), tow ball +/- bike rack, 2-3 spare seats
 •    UHF radio desirable but not essential; radio protocol is essential – this protocol will be outlined at the briefing and at the on-road training session
 •    Follow instructions or advice from Escort Coordinator, Event Coordinator or On Ride Police
 •    First aid training desirable but not essential

Bus Drivers

We need capable and appropriately licenced drivers for the 2 buses (a 25 seater & a 12 seater) to transport unsupported riders back to Cairns and assist with uplift of riders not riding the Kuranda Range.

Shift Dates: September 14-17

Positions Available: 4

Description:

Driving either a 25 seater or 12 seater bus, +/- a bike trailer to transport riders and their bikes during the event and on the return journey to Cairns on Tuesday 20 September – you will need to make a brief toilet stop in Mt Molloy.

Duties & Responsibilities:
•    Driving a bus from point-to-point to Cooktown
•    Assist with Kuranda Range uplift as required
•    Transport participants back to Cairns from Cooktown
•    Immediately advise of any faulty equipment/items and concerns
•    Troubleshoot any problems that may arise
•    Provide a fun and helpful service
•    Assist in Camp with adhoc tasks as required
•    Fuel vehicle in Cooktown (voucher provided) for return trip
•    On return to Cairns, fuel vehicle (voucher provided) and return bus to hire company
•    Provide a copy of your driver licence to the Event Organisers prior to the event for identification at the hire company

Skills & Qualifications:
•    Current appropriate driver licence
•    A fun teamwork enthusiastic attitude
•    Punctual and reliable
•    Confident and self-motivated

Truck Drivers

Truck Driver are also required for 3 x 4 tonne Pantec trucks (a regular car licence is sufficient but some experience would be beneficial). 

These trucks are used to transport our Catering dry goods and equipment, unsupported riders’ luggage and other general equipment and water.

Shift Dates: September 14-17

Positions Available: 6

Description:

Tasks and expectations will vary depending on assigned activity and will be explained in further detail closer to event commencement.

Duties & Responsibilities:
•    Driving a truck from point-to-point to Cooktown and return to Cairns
•    Immediately advise of any faulty equipment/item and concerns
•    Troubleshoot any problems that may arise
•    Provide a fun and helpful service
•    Assist in Camp with adhoc tasks as required
•    Fuel vehicle in Cooktown (voucher provided) for return trip
•    On return to Cairns, fuel vehicle (voucher provided) and return truck to hire company
•    Provide a copy of your driver licence to the Event Organisers prior to the event for identification at the hire company

Skills & Qualifications:
•    Current appropriate driver licence
•    A fun teamwork enthusiastic attitude
•    Punctual and reliable
•    Confident and self-motivated

Ice Truck Drivers

Truck Drivers are also required for an Ice truck (a regular car licence is sufficient but some experience would be beneficial). 

Shift Dates: September 14-17

Positions Available: 2

Description:

Tasks and expectations will vary depending on assigned activity and will be explained in further detail closer to event commencement.

Duties & Responsibilities:
•    Driving a truck from point-to-point to Cooktown and return to Cairns
•    Immediately advise of any faulty equipment/item and concerns
•    Troubleshoot any problems that may arise
•    Provide a fun and helpful service
•    Assist in Camp with adhoc tasks as required
•    Fuel vehicle in Cooktown (voucher provided) for return trip
•    On return to Cairns, fuel vehicle (voucher provided) and return truck to hire company
•    Provide a copy of your driver licence to the Event Organisers prior to the event for identification at the hire company

Skills & Qualifications:
•    Current appropriate driver licence
•    A fun teamwork enthusiastic attitude
•    Punctual and reliable
•    Confident and self-motivated

At Lunch & Camp Venues

This is a very important camp function. We create a moving ‘city’ with rustic and sometimes limited amenities therefore we need to setup some equipment at most camp sites and lunch venues.

As a handy helper you need to not be afraid of getting your hands dirty and be able to undertake physical activity such as setting up tarps and marquees, setting out tables and wash-up area, setting up breakfast gear such as BBQs and urns, and even checking to ensure portaloos and portable showers are functioning properly.

Shift Dates: September 14-16

Positions Available: 12

Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Setting up and packing down marquees, tables and wash-up facilities as instructed
  • Assist in Camp with adhoc tasks as required
  • Ensure area is left clean and tidy

Skills & Qualifications:

  • Able to stand and work for periods of time
  • Some lifting duties (up to 20kgs) as required
  • Energetic with a ‘roll up your sleeves’ attitude
  • Follow directions well
Catering Crew

It is said that man runs on his stomach – well this is very true for our riders! Food is fuel for our awesome riders to complete the event!

This role is not a cooking/catering role but one of presenting food so people can make their own breakfast or lunch. You will work as a team cutting up fruit and check/re-stock supplies for these meals and then pack away food promptly to move on to the next venue.

Breakfast is available from 6.00-8.00am however prep crews are required to start around 5.00am. Riders leaving early are often anxious to have breakfast so be forewarned.

Breakfast is also served for campers and bus travellers on Tuesday morning from 6.30am to 8.30am at the Cooktown State School. A limited number of prep crew are required from 6.00am.

The evening meals are catered by our Camp Hosts and the Gala Dinner in Cooktown at the Cooktown Events Centre is a catered affair.

Some participants will have special dietary requires and will be catered for as well as we can given limited resources and facilities. 1-2 people will be identified to be the “Go To” Special Diets person.

If you think you would like to be a part of this team, and may also be able to assist with packing the essential gear, please let us know when we contact you.

Shift Dates: September 14-17

Positions Available: 8

Description:

Presenting, re-stocking, some fresh fruit salad or other salad preparation for breakfasts and lunches, with excellent food safety and food hygiene adherence. No cooking or other food preparation is required as people construct their own breakfast or lunch. Monitoring for wristbands is essential to address any specific dietary needs and ensure we are feeding registered participants only – unfortunately this has not been the case in the past.

Our evening meal is catered by our Camp Hosts but be willing to offer a hand during service as often their Volunteer base is limited.

The Horse Sports hosts also offer a cooked breakfast / burger for a minimal cost to participants as a fundraiser for their association.

Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Setting up and packing down food for breakfasts and lunches
  • Assist by helping with adhoc tasks as required
  • Ensure area is left clean and tidy in all areas

Skills & Qualifications:

  • A fun teamwork attitude
  • Awareness of safe food handling practices
  • Ensure that food is delivered to the ride participants in a timely manner
  • Able to stand and work for periods of time
  • Some lifting duties (up to 20kgs) as required
  • Energetic with a ‘roll up your sleeves’ attitude
  • Follow directions well
Drink Stop Coordinator

Managing the drink-stop volunteers and ensuring their stops are fully stocked during the ride. Tracking them during the ride and making sure they are at the correct location for their stop.

Shift Dates: September 14-16

Positions Available: 1

Duties & Responsibilities:

•    Liaise with Drink Stop volunteers to ensure smooth operation of all drink stops
•    Resolve any issues that may arise in a timely manner

Skills & Qualifications:

•    Good communication skills
•    Able to stand and work for periods of time
•    Some lifting duties (up to 20kgs) as required
•    Good safe food handling practices
•    Energetic with a ‘roll up your sleeves’ attitude
•    Attention to detail ensuring no rubbish is left behind
•    Follow directions well
•    A good sense of humour and fun attitude
•    First aid training desirable but not essential

Drink Station Assistants

Riders will ride in Packs of up to 30 and will call into Drink Stops located approximately 20kms apart for a short rest, to rehydrate, re-fuel and perhaps take a quick toilet stop. 

An essential part of the role is to make it a ‘fun’ atmosphere to noise and frivolity, water sprays, etc are all encouraged. 

Shift Dates: September 14-16

Positions Available: 10

Description: 

You will be responsible for the set-up and pack down of marquees, tables, water taps and toilet shade at allocated stops. Fruit needs to be chopped, electrolyte, sunscreen and hand sanitiser need to be placed on tables. Rider caution signage also needs to be positioned appropriately. 

Skills & Qualifications: 

  • Able to stand and work for periods of time 

  • Some lifting duties (up to 20kgs) as required 

  • Good safe food handling practices 

  • Energetic with a ‘roll up your sleeves’ attitude 

  • Attention to detail ensuring no rubbish is left behind 

  • Follow directions well 

  • A good sense of humour and fun attitude

Drink Station Medics

*Please only register if you have been nominated by Queensland Health. Medics will be chosen by a Queensland Health Nurse Unit Manager closer to the event.

Riders will ride in Packs of up to 30 and will call into Drink Stops located approximately 20kms apart for a short rest, to rehydrate, re-fuel and perhaps take a quick toilet stop. 

Medics will be part of each drink station team to attend to any minor injuries and monitor the health and wellbeing of the riders. 

Shift Dates: September 14-16

Shift Times: During the hours of the ride as per assigned Drink Stop sites

SES Logistics

*Team provided by SES. Please only register if you have been asked by SES.

Wellness Embodied Massage Therapist

*Massage Team provided by Wellness Embodied. Please only register if you have been asked by Suzanne.

Media

Expressions of Interest Only

General Information for volunteers

Accommodation

There is limited accommodation at Mt Carbine and Lakeland, however there are a number of accommodation options in Cooktown. We have exclusive access to campgrounds at Mt Carbine, Lakeland and the school grounds at Cooktown. 

What to Take?

Here is a list of the basics:

  • Volunteer Shirt (available for collection a few days before the ride)
  • Water bottle
  • Sunscreen & a Hat
  • Tent & Sleeping Gear (if camping)
  • Toiletries
  • Personal Medical Supplies
  • Spending Money

QSuper Cardiac Challenge 2024 VOLUNTEER HandbookS

Please check back closer to the event for copies of the 2024 Volunteer Handbooks.