The Kokoda Challenge

VOLUNTEER WITH KOKODA CHALLENGE

YOUR TIME CAN BE A LIFELINE

Make a Real Impact!

Donate your time to make a difference in the lives of Aussie youth. The Kokoda Challenge relies on passionate volunteers to bring Australia’s toughest team endurance events to life. From pre-event prep to checkpoint support on the day, every role helps our teams go the distance.

Most importantly, your time helps fund the Kokoda Youth Foundation’s fully funded programs that help build resilience and transform the lives of local Aussie teens.

Come and join the team and help out at Australia's toughest endurance event!

If you have a corporate team or group that would like to get involved, please reach out via info@kokodachallenge.com.

ABOUT KOKODA YOUTH FOUNDATION

Kokoda Challenge events help fund the Kokoda Youth Foundation’s transformative youth programs, which have spent over 20 years empowering young people to build life skills, resilience, and confidence through the values of Courage, Endurance, Mateship, and Sacrifice. Volunteers play a vital role in making these experiences possible, helping to support and inspire the next generation.

WHY VOLUNTEER?

Connect with others, or use it as a chance to bond with colleagues, friends, or family, all while making a meaningful impact!
Build new leadership skills, network with like-minded people and gain practical experience through volunteering.
Step into the Kokoda Spirit with a chance to soak up the outdoors and spend time in nature.
Give back to the Kokoda Youth Foundation and play your part in transforming the lives of the next generation of Aussie teens.

2026 EVENT VOLUNTEER ROLES


Volunteering with the Kokoda Challenge is a fun and rewarding way to make a difference. By giving your time, you help create life-changing opportunities for young people. With a variety of roles available, every contribution counts whether it's for a few hours or bigger commitment, we truly appreciate your support.
This year we have the following volunteer roles available across our event locations:

CHECKPOINT ASSISTANTS

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Assist participants and cheer them on when they reach a checkpoint. You will need to monitor teams are sticking together when crossing the checkpoint, assist in directing participants to medics where to fill their water or use the bathroom and help the checkpoint captain with any tasks that they may ask. However the main task is to give participants a morale boost to get them through to the next checkpoint.

EVENT SETUP/PACK DOWN

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Event Setup volunteers assist with preparing the Start Line, Finish Line and Event Village, setting up marquees, signage etc. the day prior to the event to ensure the venue is ready for Event Day.  

Event Pack Down volunteers help dismantle and pack away event equipment after event concludes. 

LOGISTICS

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Volunteers work closely with Event Team to support the behind the scenes coordination of equipment, supplies and event operational needs across the event village and course. There may be some heavy lifting and a requirement to drive box trucks or utes in the course of the day/night.

COMPETITOR REGISTRATIONS

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Registration volunteers’ welcome competitors, check registration details, distribute event packs, and answer general event questions the morning of or pre-registration the day before the event. 

CONTROL ROOM ASSISTANT

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Control Room Assistant volunteers play an important role in maintaining and coordinating participant safety by monitoring communications, recording updates, and assisting with competitor tracking. 

SWEEP TEAM

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The Sweep Team follows the final participants on the course to ensure no one is left behind whilst removing course markings to conclude the event. Volunteers update and report any issues to the Control Room. 

TRACK MARKING

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Track Marking volunteers help set up clear course signage and directional markers in the days leading up to the event.  

EVENT MERCHANDISE

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Volunteers assist with selling event merchandise and managing transactions in the event village and helping answer general event questions to participants and spectators.  

CANTEEN ASSISTANT

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Volunteers help prepare and serve food to volunteers and event staff throughout the day.

EVENT REGISTRATION OR INFORMATION

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Volunteers assist with selling event merchandise and managing transactions in the event village and helping answer general event questions to participants and spectators.  

FINISH LINE MC

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Finish Line MCs bring the energy! Volunteers announce competitors as they cross the finish line, help hand out medals, share live event updates and engage with the event village crowd. 

FARMERS GATE ASSISTANT (SUNSHINE COAST ONLY)

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The Farmers Gate Assistant will be required to be stationed at 1 of 2 farmers gates in the first section of the course to ensure the gates are closed when all the competitors pass. 
There are 2 different paddocks with different herds of cows that must not mix. This would role would be great for a group of young people who like being out in nature and enjoy each others company, as there may be long periods of time between competitors passing.

VOLUNTEERING FOR CORPORATES

Corporate volunteering with Kokoda Challenge allows your employees to step outside their usual roles, collaborate in meaningful ways, while actively giving back to the community and supporting to life-changing programs for young Australians.

Key benefits include:
  • Stronger team bonds - Building connection and trust outside the usual work environment
  • Improved morale - Increases employee satisfaction and a sense of purpose
  • Leadership development - Encourages intiative, collaboration and problem-solving.
  • Community impact - Creating meaningful change beyond the workplace, and in the lives of our Aussie youth.

If you have a corporate team or group that would like to get involved, please reach out via info@kokodachallenge.com.

volunteer for a Kokoda Challenge role

Help support Kokoda Youth Foundation and donate your time to help make a lasting impact in the lives of Australian teens. Your contribution, big or small, helps shape a brighter future for our youth.

Expressions of Interest 2026

Our Events

VOLUNTEER FAQS

Who can volunteer?

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Volunteering with Kokoda Challenge is open to the wider community, to anyone who wants to donate their time and make a positive impact. 

How much time commitment is required to be a volunteer?

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Kokoda Challenge recognises that the level of involvement volunteers can commit to will vary depending on personal circumstances. There are various different volunteer roles with varying time commitments and responsibilities.Whether it is 3 hours or 12 hours, we try to accomodate different schedules so even volunteers with busy lives can participate in meaningful ways.

Do I need prior experience to volunteer?

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No prior experience is required to volunteer. We welcome individuals of all backgrounds and skill levels. Guidance, and ongoing support are provided to help you feel confident and prepared prior to event day. All we ask is a positive attitude, reliability, and a willingness to learn!

What are the requirements to volunteer?

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To volunteer with Kokoda Challenge, there are a few important requirements to ensure the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved.

Blue Card (Working with Children Check):
Because many of our participants are young people under 18, all volunteers must hold a valid Blue Card (or be eligible to apply for one). This is a New South Wales and Queensland requirement for anyone working or volunteering with children.

Minimum Age:
Volunteers are generally required to be 18 years or older, or can be under 16 if accompanied by a responsible adult. 

Briefing and Training:
Volunteers are required to attend any necessary briefings or induction prior to the event. Detailed information will be shared with volunteers as the event approaches.

Can I volunteer as a group?

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Yes! We welcome group volunteers, including corporate teams, school groups, community organisations, and friends who want to make a difference together.

Group volunteering is a great way to build teamwork, give back to the community, and create a shared impact. 

If you have a corporate team or group that would like to get involved, please reach out via info@kokodachallenge.com.

How can I volunteer?

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To get started, complete our volunteer expressions of interest form. Once submitted, our Volunteer Coordinator will review your application and be in touch with the next steps. We look forward to having you on board!

Testimonials

Our events

Explore & Learn

Find out more about the Kokoda Challenge

VOLUNTEER ROLES

CHECKPOINT ASSISTANTS

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Your are your teams saving grace throughout the challenge. You provide your team with support at designated checkpoints along the track and are the key to finishing the challenge. Behind every great team is a phenomenal support crew

EVENT SETUP/PACK DOWN

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Your are your teams saving grace throughout the challenge. You provide your team with support at designated checkpoints along the track and are the key to finishing the challenge. Behind every great team is a phenomenal support crew

LOGISTICS

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Your are your teams saving grace throughout the challenge. You provide your team with support at designated checkpoints along the track and are the key to finishing the challenge. Behind every great team is a phenomenal support crew

CONTROL ROOM ASSISTANT

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Your are your teams saving grace throughout the challenge. You provide your team with support at designated checkpoints along the track and are the key to finishing the challenge. Behind every great team is a phenomenal support crew

CANTEEN ASSISTANT

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Your are your teams saving grace throughout the challenge. You provide your team with support at designated checkpoints along the track and are the key to finishing the challenge. Behind every great team is a phenomenal support crew

SWEEP TEAM

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Your are your teams saving grace throughout the challenge. You provide your team with support at designated checkpoints along the track and are the key to finishing the challenge. Behind every great team is a phenomenal support crew

TRACK MARKING

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Your are your teams saving grace throughout the challenge. You provide your team with support at designated checkpoints along the track and are the key to finishing the challenge. Behind every great team is a phenomenal support crew

EVENT MERCHANDISE

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Your are your teams saving grace throughout the challenge. You provide your team with support at designated checkpoints along the track and are the key to finishing the challenge. Behind every great team is a phenomenal support crew

EVENT REGISTRATION

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Your are your teams saving grace throughout the challenge. You provide your team with support at designated checkpoints along the track and are the key to finishing the challenge. Behind every great team is a phenomenal support crew

FINISH LINE  MC

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Your are your teams saving grace throughout the challenge. You provide your team with support at designated checkpoints along the track and are the key to finishing the challenge. Behind every great team is a phenomenal support crew

EVENT VOLUNTEER FAQS

How much time commitment is required to be a volunteer?

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Kokoda Challenge recognises that the level of involvement can commit to depends on their personal circumstances. This time commitment can be flexible depend on the role and we try to accomodate different schedules so volunteers with busy schedules can still participate in meaningful ways.

Do I need prior experience to volunteer?

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No prior experience is required to volunteer. We welcome individuals of all backgrounds and skill levels. Guidance, briefing and ongoing support are provided to help volunteers feel confident and prepared before event day.

What requirements do we need to volunteer with Kokoda Challenge?

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To volunteer with Kokoda Challenge, you will need to meet a few important requirements to ensure safety and wellbeing of all participants.

Volunteer Requirements:

To volunteer with Kokoda Challenge, there are a few important requirements in place to ensure the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved.

Volunteer Requirements:

Blue Card (Working with Children Check):
Because many of our participants are young people under 18, all volunteers must hold a valid Blue Card (or be eligible to apply for one). This is a Queensland and NSW requirement for anyone working or volunteering with children.

Minimum Age:
Volunteers are required to be 18 years or older, or can be under 16 and accompanied by an adult.

Training & Briefing:
Volunteers are required to attend any necessary briefings or inductions prior to the event. Detailed information will be shared closer to the event.

Can I volunteer as a group?

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Yes! We welcome group volunteers, including corporate teams, school groups, community organisations, and friends who want to make a difference together.

Group volunteering is a great way to build teamwork, give back to the community, and create a shared impact. We offer opportunities that can be tailored to your group’s size, interests, and availability.

If you have a corporate team or group that would like to get involved, please reach out via info@kokodachallenge.com.

How do I sign up to volunteer?

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To get started, submit your expression of interest form via our website. Once submitted, our Volunteer Coordinator will review your details and be in touch with next steps.